Leones del Escogido Secure Their Spot in the Dominican Baseball Final
The Leones del Escogido have secured their qualification to the Dominican baseball Final Series for the second consecutive year. The key victory was achieved this Friday against the Gigantes del Cibao at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, with a final score of 7-3. This result not only assures them a place in the final, but also grants them the first place in the Round Robin.
With this important victory, the scarlet team improves its record to 12-5, thus guaranteeing the advantage of starting the final series as locals. Despite this achievement, the Lions must complete their schedule this Saturday facing the Águilas Cibaeñas, who remain in a close competition with the Toros del Este for second place in the championship series.
From the mound, Radhamés Liz was fundamental, pitching 4.1 innings without allowing runs, with three strikeouts and one walk. Although he didn’t get the decision, his performance was crucial for the team.
The marker was inaugurated in the second episode, when Elih Villanueva gave a walk to Michael De la Cruz, allowing the first run for the home team. The Lions’ offense ignited in the fifth inning.
Jorge Mateo received a walk and Alcides Escobar reached base thanks to an error by Eddinson Paulino. Both players scored thanks to a double by Erik González. Subsequently, a wild pitch allowed González to advance and score thanks to a groundout by Junior Lake.
The Giants reacted with two runs in the sixth inning against Efraín Contreras and added one more in the eighth against Aneurys Zabala. However, the Lions responded in the same inning with a solo home run by Yamaico Navarro to left field against Enmanuel Mejía, a hit that traveled 393 feet and had an exit velocity of 102 miles per hour.
In the eighth, Jorge Mateo hit a single to center field, driving in two additional runs and securing the victory for the Lions.
Kenny Hernández (1-0) took the victory, while Elih Villanueva (0-1) took the loss. Stephen Nogosek earned the save (2), pitching four outs and allowing one run.
Regarding the Lions’ offense, Erik González went 1-for-4, with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored. Yamaico Navarro, 2-for-3, with a home run, one RBI, one run scored, one walk, and one stolen base. Junior Lake, 1-for-4, with one RBI, one run scored, and three stolen bases, and Jorge Mateo, 1-for-3, with two RBIs, one run scored, a walk, and a stolen base.
For the Giants, Edwin Espinal stood out with a 4-3, including a double and a run scored, while Leury García batted 4-2, with a double and a run batted in.
The match between Leones del Escogido and Águilas Cibaeñas, corresponding to the last day of the Round Robin, is scheduled for this Saturday at 4:00 in the afternoon at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium.
