In a pivotal matchup within the Dominican Winter League, the Gigantes del Cibao secured a 4-2 victory against the Tigres del Licey this Saturday. The win, powered by strategic offense and dominant pitching, temporarily elevates the Gigantes to sole possession of fourth place in the tournament standings, dedicated to legendary pitcher Juan Marichal and contested for the Banreservas Cup.
The game’s narrative unfolded in distinct chapters. The Gigantes established an early lead, plating two runs in the opening inning. Capitalizing on defensive miscues by Licey, Samad Taylor scored the first run on a sacrifice fly from Luis García Jr., who would later drive in another. The Tigers mounted a comeback in the seventh inning, leveling the score at 2-2 against reliever Yaqui Rivera with key contributions from Francisco Mejía and a sacrifice fly from Armando Álvarez.
Refusing to relent, the Gigantes immediately responded in the bottom of the frame. Luis García Jr. ignited the rally with a single, setting the stage for Deyvison de los Santos, whose crucial sacrifice fly drove in the decisive runs, reclaiming a lead the bullpen would not surrender.
Pitching proved to be the cornerstone of the Gigantes’ triumph, as their staff effectively neutralized the Licey lineup, limiting them to a mere three hits throughout the contest. Offensive standouts for the winners included Samad Taylor, who finished 3-for-4 with three runs scored, and Luis García Jr., who went 2-for-2 with two RBIs.
The result reshuffles the league’s hierarchy. The Águilas Cibaeñas continue their commanding reign at the top with a 25-10 record. The Toros del Este hold firm in second place at 20-16, while the Gigantes (16-19) now sit in fourth. The loss drops Licey to a 15-20 record, placing them in a tie for fifth and situating them ten games behind the league-leading Águilas.