SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORÍS. – The Estrellas Orientales regained their competitive rhythm after the calendar break and defeated the Gigantes del Cibao 6-1, in a game that started late due to rain at the Julián Javier Stadium, supported by a solid performance by starting pitcher Óscar De la Cruz and home runs by Josh Lester and José Tena.

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The match began at 9:38 p.m., but the weather didn't affect the focus of the green team, which now places its mark at 10-12, momentarily climbing to third place in the championship. The Giants, on the other hand, fell to 7-11, remaining in the basement, although only half a game away from the fourth spot.

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De la Cruz dominates and leads the triumph

Right-handed Óscar De la Cruz (2-1) was key in the victory by pitching five innings of just two hits, one walk and three strikeouts, completely controlling the Cibao offense.
Since his departure, five relievers combined to complete the job, culminating with Jhan Maríñez, who secured the last outs after complications from veteran Neftalí Féliz.

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Lester and Tena Set the Pace with Power

The Stars took the lead in the third inning thanks to a long solo home run by Josh Lester. In the fifth, José Tena extended the lead with another home run to right field, making the score 2-0 and starting an offensive streak that lasted until the eighth inning.

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Constant Production from the Fifth to the Eighth

In the sixth inning, the greens took advantage of the rival's errors:

• Ángel Martínez reached base by hit by pitch, advanced on a single and a bad turn, then scored for 3-0.

In the seventh, a single by Raimel Tapia drove in Rodolfo Durán, who had reached third after a single and a hit-and-run play, to make it 4-0. The offensive continued in the eighth episode with two more runs:

• Robinson Canó started the attack with a single.
• Martínez negotiated a walk.
• A wild pitch advanced the runners.
• Junior Pérez also received a base on balls.
• Vidal Bruján walked to force the fifth run.
• Another wild pitch allowed Martínez to score the sixth.

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Giants Avoid the Shutout

The Giants scored their only run in the ninth, when Neftalí Feliz got into trouble, although finally Maríñez came in to close the game without further damage.