Tapia Unstoppable: 5 Hits and Estrellas Defeat Licey 7-3 in Lidom

SANTO DOMINGO –A historic night starred Raimel Tapia, becoming the ninth player in the history of the Estrellas Orientales to connect five hits in the same game. This outstanding performance was key in the 7-3 victory over the Tigres del Licey, within the framework of the tournament dedicated to Juan Marichal and in dispute of the Banreservas Cup.Tapia, demonstrating his great moment, finished the day with an impeccable 5-5 mark, including a run scored, a double, and a run batted in. The player punished four different pitchers from the opposing team, showing his versatility and offensive ability.His first two hits were against Cameron Gann in the first and third innings. In the fifth inning, he hit a double against Ryan Watson. Then, he added another hit against Luis Frías in the seventh inning, and culminated his stellar performance against Wander Suero.The last player to achieve a 5-5 performance in the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) was Julio Carreras, of the Gigantes del Cibao, on November 28, 2023, precisely against the Estrellas Orientales. The first to achieve this feat with the greens was Papito Mateo, on June 11, 1954, according to the Record Book of Félix García Estrella.With this triumph, the Estrellas Orientales end a streak of four consecutive defeats and take a 3-2 lead in the particular series against the Licey. In addition, they add their fifth victory as visitors.

Performances from the mound

Oscar de la Cruz was the starting pitcher for the Estrellas, working for 3.1 innings, allowing five hits and three runs (one earned), with four strikeouts.Jhan Mariñez (1-1) earned the victory, dominating the seventh inning with two strikeouts.For the Licey, Cameron Gann allowed six hits and three earned runs in 2.2 innings, including a home run.Luis Frías (0-1) took the loss by allowing a run in just two-thirds of an inning.

Featured Offensives

By Stars:

• Raimel Tapia: 5-5, 1 run, 1 double, 1 RBI
• Josh Lester: 4-2, double, RBI, walk
• Robinson Canó: 4-1, RBI, walk
• Ernesto Martínez Jr.: 1-1

By Licey:

• Cristian Adames: 4-2
• Mel Rojas Jr.: 3-1, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 1 walk
• Ángel Ortiz: 4-1, double, RBI

Tournament Overview

The Águilas Cibaeñas continue to lead the championship, despite having seen their streak of nine consecutive victories interrupted after falling to the Gigantes.The standings are completed with: Toros del Este (13-11), Leones del Escogido (11-14), Gigantes del Cibao (10-13), Estrellas Orientales (11-16) and Tigres del Licey (9-15), who are going through a streak of four losses.

Sunday Games

Eagles vs. Escogido – Quisqueya Stadium, 4:00 p.m.Toros vs. Gigantes – San Francisco de Macorís, 5:00 p. m.Licey vs. Estrellas – San Pedro de Macorís, 5:00 p.m.