Toros del Este defeat Gigantes: Eloy Jiménez and key pitching in the victory

SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORÍS. – The Toros del Este defeated the Gigantes del Cibao 3-1 this Saturday at the Julián Javier Stadium, thanks to an effective offense led by Eloy Jiménez and a solid performance from the mound. This match is part of the Round Robin of the 2025-2026 Dominican Baseball League tournament. Jiménez was crucial to the Bulls’ victory, connecting a double that drove in two runs. With this hit, he extended his streak of RBIs to three consecutive games and added hits in five of the six games played in this semifinal phase.

Featured Performance at the Montículo

Starting pitcher Jaime Barria had a standout performance, pitching 4.2 innings in which he allowed one run, three hits, two walks and struck out five batters, although he did not get a decision. The Toros’ bullpen was key, limiting the Giants’ offense, who batted 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base. The Taurino pitching staff accumulated 12 strikeouts.

Yaramil Hiraldo (1-0) took the victory, pitching a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. Joe Corbett earned the save (2), while Daniel Mengden (0-1) took the loss. With this triumph, the Bulls improved their record to 4-2, solidifying themselves in second place in the Round Robin, while the Giants fell to 0-6.

Game Details

The Toros took the lead in the first inning when Gilberto Celestino hit a double and scored thanks to another double by Eloy Jiménez. The Gigantes tied the score in the bottom of the first with a fielder’s choice by Francisco Mejía, allowing Gustavo Núñez to score. In the third inning, with the bases loaded, Jiménez was hit by a pitch that forced the go-ahead run. The Toros’ third run came in the sixth inning, when Jeimer Candelario scored after a groundout to first base by Gilberto Celestino, extending the lead to 3-1.

Offensive Figures

For the Toros, Eloy Jiménez went 1-for-4, with a double and two RBIs; Gilberto Celestino, 1-for-4, with a double, one RBI, and two runs scored; Francisco Urbáez went 1-for-3 with a walk, and Jeimer Candelario received two walks and scored a run. Regarding the Giants, Francisco Mejía hit a double and drove in a run, while Gustavo Núñez went 2-for-3, with two walks, one run scored, and one stolen base.

Next Meeting

The Toros del Este will face the Gigantes del Cibao again this Sunday, January 4, at 5:00 p.m., at the Francisco A. Micheli Stadium in La Romana.