SANTO DOMINGO – The Tigres del Licey defeated the Toros del Este 7-3 in a game played this Saturday at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium. Francisco Mejía was a triple away from completing the cycle and drove in four runs. In addition, Gustavo Núñez reached 400 hits in his career.
With this victory, the Tigers improved their record to 21-26, holding firm in the fight to advance in the competition. The Bulls, for their part, now have a record of 25-22.
Licey took the lead from the first inning. Gustavo Núñez hit a single to center field, stole a base, and scored thanks to a hit by Francisco Mejía.
This hit made Nuñez the fifth active player with at least 400 hits in regular LIDOM series, joining Junior Lake, Emilio Bonifacio, Juan Francisco and Moisés Sierra.
The Bulls tied the score in the third inning with a home run by Bryan De La Cruz. However, the Tigers responded immediately with a home run by Mejía.
In the fourth inning, Licey extended their lead. Emilio Bonifacio hit a single, Nuñez advanced the play, and Mejía hit a double that drove in two runs.
In the sixth inning, David Hensley scored thanks to a hit by Núñez.
The Toros scored two runs in the seventh inning. Bryan Lavastida got on base with a single, stole second, and scored on a hit by Rafael Lantigua. Lantigua advanced to third on defensive errors and scored on a hit by Luis Liberato.
The seventh run for Licey came in the eighth inning with a single by Ronny Mauricio.
Shaun Anderson pitched four innings, allowing one unearned run. The bullpen was handled by several pitchers. Yunior Marte earned the win, while Leasher took the loss.
On offense, Mejía stood out with a home run, a double, and two singles, scoring a run and driving in four. Núñez connected two hits, scored and drove in a run. Mauricio drove in two runs.
For the Toros, Bryan Lavastida connected two hits, Bryan De La Cruz hit a home run. Gilberto Celestino had two hits.
The Tigres del Licey will face the Toros del Este again this Sunday at 5:00 PM at the Francisco Micheli Stadium in La Romana.
