Valdez and Historic Grand Slam: Estrellas Orientales Beat Leones in LIDOM

Enmanuel Valdez drives the Stars with a decisive grand slam

In a night full of emotions in the 2025-26 Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) tournament, dedicated to Juan Marichal for the Banreservas Cup, Enmanuel Valdez became the hero of the Estrellas Orientales by hitting an impressive grand slam in the ninth inning, securing the 6-5 victory over the Leones del Escogido. Valdez, who entered as a pinch hitter, hit the fifth grand slam of the season and the second of his career in the LIDOM, an achievement that positions him as the number 44 hitter in the history of the Estrellas to achieve this feat, and the fifth to do it on two occasions. The hit, connected against a four-seam fastball from Jimmy Cordero, traveled 396 feet to center-right field, driving in Magneuris Sierra, Junior Pérez, and Vidal Bruján, and changing the score with one out in the ninth inning. The ball’s exit velocity was 4.9 seconds. The 26-year-old player, originally from San Juan de la Maguana, had already hit a grand slam for the team on November 26, 2024, also in the ninth inning, against Ángel Chivili, in a 4-1 victory over the Gigantes del Cibao.

Valdez in the History of the Stars

With his second grand slam, Valdez equals figures like Ricardo Carty (1966), Rafael Batista (1974-1977), Henry Mercedes (2000-2001) and Joel Guzmán (2005). Rafael Batista holds the record for most grand slams in the history of the Estrellas with three, while Tony Batista is the historical leader of LIDOM with four, between Águilas and Escogido.

Outstanding Pitching and Offensive Performance

The Cuban opener Norge Ruiz had an outstanding performance for the Estrellas, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing one run, one hit, and one walk, facing 18 batters. Enoli Paredes (W, 1-0) worked the eighth inning without scoring, and Patrick Wigel (S, 2) closed the game, striking out one of the three batters he faced. By the Escogido, Jimmy Cordero (P, 1-1) took the loss after allowing three hits and the decisive home run.

Estrellas Orientales:

Ismael Munguía: 5-3, one run
Jos Lester: 5-1, one RBI
Robinson Canó: 4-1, double and run
Magneuris Sierra: 1-1, run
Vidal Bruján: 4-1, run
Enmanuel Valdez: 1-1, HR, 4 RBI, 1 run
Raimel Tapia: 1-1, RBI

Leones del Escogido:

Junior Lake: 4-1, scored and walk
Erik González: 4-1, scored and walk
Héctor Rodríguez: 3-0, scored and two walks
Yamaico Navarro: 4-2, two RBIs
Elier Hernández: 4-1, double and RBI
José Marmolejos: 1-0, three walks and scored

Context of the rivalry and tournament situation

This was the fourth consecutive matchup between both teams, leaving the particular series 2-2 in that stretch and 4-4 in the season. Historically, Escogido maintains a 505-475 advantage.Tournament Positions: