Puerto Rico snaps Escogido’s winning streak defeating them 7-3

by Guille Esquivel

Ebeisbol.com Exclusive

Puerto Rico handed the Dominican Republic their first loss of the series defeating them 7-3.

The Leones del Escogido pitching staff that had been so dominant in the past three games faltered today allowing seven runs on eleven hits. Four players on the Mayaguez teams had multi-hit games.

Felix Diaz was the starting pitcher for the Dominican squad and Andrew Baldwin was on the mound for Mayaguez.

With runners at the corners, Raul Casanova doubled deep to left field scoring Jesus Feliciano to make it a 1-0 game. Next batter, Danny Valencia doubles to left scoring Randy Ruiz and Casanova giving Puerto Rico the 3-0 advantage in the first inning.

Diaz who was having control issues pitched four innings allowing three runs on three hits, walking three and striking out one.

Puerto Rico’s defensive woes continued as they committed two errors in the third inning being their eighth and ninth of the series. The errors extended the inning for the Dominican Republic. Dominican Winter League MVP Juan Francisco who had been struggling since the Finals finally came through with his first hit of the series, a single to left center field scoring Pablo Ozuna getting the Leones within striking distance, 3-1.

Escogido got closer in the fifth inning with a two out rally off of Baldwin when Ramon Santiago drew a walk and Francisco doubled him in to make the score 3-2.

Francisco, who has been struggling defensively, was used as the designated hitter by Ken Oberkfell, went 2-3 with 2 RBI.

Baldwin pitched 4 2/3 innings allowing one earned run on four hits, walking four while striking out two.

Indios de Mayaguez greeted reliver Juan Carreño with three consecutive singles to open up the sixth inning and pull away. Randy Ruiz came around to score the first of three runs in the inning. Miguel Abreu grounded into a force out that allowed Casanova to cross the plate. Jesus Feliciano singled to center scoring Valencia and giving Mayaguez the 6-2 lead.

Puerto Rico added another run in the seventh when Angel Sanchez singles in Edgardo Baez to go up 7-2. The Dominican team added a run of their own in the eighth inning on Wilkin Castillo’s RBI.

With their fourth consecutive victory the Dominican Republic would have secured at least a tie atop of the leader board, but now they must win on Saturday or Sunday. They will face Mexico who they beat 7-1 in their second game.

Puerto Rico who now stands at .500 will face Venezuela in Saturday’s nightcap looking to remain in contention.