Bullfighting shutout keeps the Bulls firm in second place

SANTIAGO.– With a brilliant combined effort from the mound and a timely hit by Jeimer Candelario, the Toros del Este defeated the Águilas Cibaeñas 3-0 on Wednesday night at the Cibao Stadium, to remain alone in second place in the Round Robin of the LIDOM.

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Panamanian right-hander Jaime Barría started for the Toros and pitched five solid scoreless innings, allowing five hits, not issuing any walks, and striking out one batter, although he didn't get the decision. The bullpen was impeccable and took care of preserving the shutout. Emailín Montilla (2-0) took the win by pitching a scoreless inning, followed by effective innings from Jimmy Yacabonis and J.C. Mejía, while closer Joe Corbett retired the ninth in order, with a strikeout, to earn his fifth save of the Round Robin. In total, the Toros' pitching completely handcuffed the Aguilas' offense, which went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base.

For the Eagles, starter Oscar De la Cruz (2-1) took the loss, despite a solid performance of six innings in which he allowed two runs, four hits, gave three walks and struck out one.

The orange offense broke the zero in the top of the eighth inning. With runners on second and third, Jeimer Candelario hit a powerful double against the right field wall, driving in two runs to give the Toros a 2-0 lead. Then, a sacrifice bunt by Onix Vega and a deep fly ball by Sergio Alcántara produced the third run of the game. With this victory, the Bulls improved their record to 9-6, remain firm in second place and take a one-game lead over the Eagles, who now fall to 8-7.

On the offensive for the Bulls, Candelario went 1-2 with a double, two RBIs, a run scored, and a walk; Eric Filia went 1-3 with a double and a run scored; Yairo Muñoz went 1-2 with a run scored, while Rudy Martín Jr., Bryan de la Cruz, and Eddie Rosario each had a hit. Sergio Alcántara drove in a run.

For the Eagles, Ezequiel Durán had an outstanding night, going 3-4 with a double; Steward Berroa hit 2-3 and Geraldo Perdomo 1-4. The Toros return this Thursday to La Romana, where they will receive the Leones del Escogido starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Francisco A. Micheli Stadium.