Bonifacio Leads Offensive and Licey Defeats the Eagles
Santiago – Emilio Bonifacio shone with an outstanding offensive performance, and the pitching of the Tigres del Licey was again key in their 4-2 victory over the Águilas Cibaeñas, in an exciting match played on Friday at the Cibao Stadium.
Bonifacio was the central figure of the game, connecting a home run and a double, driving in three runs and scoring twice. His performance was fundamental for the Tigres to break a streak of five consecutive losses and improve their record to 20-26, remaining firm in the fight for qualification.
The Licey pitching staff limited the Eagles’ offense, who had difficulties producing runs with runners in scoring position, batting only 1 for 9 in those situations and leaving six men on base.
Adonis Medina (2-1) took the victory after pitching five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, with one walk and five strikeouts. The blue bullpen completed a solid performance with Misael Tamárez (6th), Luis Frías (7th), Wander Suero (8th) and Jean Carlos Mejía (9th), who despite allowing a run, secured the save.
The loss went to reliever Drew Parrish (2-3), who gave up Bonifacio’s three-run home run in the fifth inning, a hit that changed the course of the game.
The Tigers extended their lead in the seventh inning, when Bonifacio hit a double, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored thanks to a sacrifice fly by Francisco Mejía to left field.
The Eagles scored in the eighth inning with a double by Geraldo Perdomo and added another run in the ninth with a solo home run by Aderlin Rodriguez against closer Mejia.
In addition to Bonifacio, David Hensley contributed an unstoppable force for the Tigers. For the Eagles, Leody Taveras and Geraldo Perdomo each connected for two hits, while Steward Berroa and Aderlin Rodríguez each had a hit.
With this result, Licey remains in the fight in the final stretch of the championship, in a close battle for the last postseason tickets.
