The Águilas Cibaeñas (Dominican Republic) led the whole way in a 6-3 win over the Criollas de Caguas (Puerto Rico) in a Caribbean Series game at Estadio de los Charros de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The scoring started in the first inning with a two-RBI single by1B Edwin Espinal. It was set up by a double steal. In the second inning, SS Abiatal Avelino hit an RBI single, CF-RF Juan Carlos Pérez hit a sacrifice fly, and LF Junior Lake hit an RBI single. Criollas starter Giovanni Soto was relieved after failing to record an out in the second inning, and the Águilas led 5-0. Pérez' sacrifice fly became the winning run.
Meanwhile, Águilas starter Francisley Bueno pitched five shutout innings, scattered six hits, struck out three. He was relieved in the top of the sixth by Samuel Deduno, who was charged with all three of the Criollas' runs, an RBI single by LF Dayron Varona and a two-RBI single by 2B Irving Falu. Deduno left the game without recording an out, and has an ERA of infinity for the tournament.
Ramon E. Ramirez took over from Deduno, pitched two innings, allowed two hits. Wirfin Obispo pitched a hitless eighth inning, struck out two. Josh Judy pitched a hitless ninth inning, got a save.
The Águilas' final run came in the eighth inning, on an RBI single by 2B Gustavo Nunez.
It took three hours and 45 minutes to play this game, partially due to two long video reviews. It was not a defensive gem. Each team was charged with two errors, but that doesn't include a double play that didn't happen in the bottom of the first when the Criollas shortstop missed second base. In the bottom of the sixth, a pickoff attempt by C Morales went astray. In the top of the eighth, a throw by C C Paulino to second base went way into center field.
Avelino and Lake both finished 3-for-5. Varona went 2-for-3 for the Criollas. Bueno got the win, and Soto got the loss.
Both teams are 1-1 in the tournament.
Pérez played for Western Oklahoma State, had a brief MLB career with the Giants. Bueno is Cuban, played for the Braves and Royals. Deduno played for the Rockies, Padres, Twins, and Astros. Obispo pitched in Japan for several seasons. Judy played for Indiana Tech (NAIA All-American in 2007), then the Indians in 2011.
Soto had a brief MLB career with the Indians.
