The Giants of Cibao secured a 5‑4 victory over the Escogido Lions on Friday, ending the Lions’ streak of ten consecutive wins in the Dominican Professional Baseball League. The game, played in San Francisco de Macorís, was part of the tournament honoring the late sports promoter Héctor Rizek Llabaly and was a qualifier for the Banreservas Cup. In the decisive fifth inning, the Giants’ offense exploded. Noelvi Marte hit a double to left field, and Roldy Brito followed with a home run over the left‑field fence, driving in two runs. Marte also added a solo home run in the fifth inning, bringing his total to one home run, two doubles, two RBI, and two runs scored. Nomar Mazara contributed a solo home run in the fourth inning. The Giants’ lineup also featured a double by Arístides Aquino, a single by Marcell Ozuna, and a double by Kelvin Gutiérrez. The Lions’ offense was led by Michael De la Cruz, who hit a home run, and José Marmolejos, who had a double and a single. Andy Ibáñez, Erik González, Yamaico Navarro, and Junior Lake each hit a single. The Lions scored first in the top of the first inning when Junior Lake reached third base on a shortstop error and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Erik González. The Giants answered in the bottom of the same inning with a double by Marte and a home run by Brito. In the second inning, the Giants added another run after a single and a double by Marte. The Lions tied the game in the third inning with two runs, including a double by Marmolejos. The Giants regained the lead in the fourth inning with Mazara’s home run, making the score 4‑3. Marte extended the lead in the fifth inning with a solo home run, finalizing the score at 5‑4. The winning pitcher was reliever Emmanuel Mejía, while Juan Mercedes was charged with the loss. Brent Honeywell, the Giants’ import, was credited with a save. With the win, the Giants’ record stands at 8‑8, while the Lions fall to 11‑5. The Giants will travel to Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo on Saturday to face the Tigres del Licey at 5:00 p.m.
Article source: El Nuevo Diario | Image credit: El Nuevo Diario