The representation of the Cañeros de Mochis, from Mexico, obtained a sensational and dramatic victory five rounds for four over the Tigres del Licey, from the Dominican Republic, in the first game of the 65th round. Gran Caracas 2023 Caribbean Series, which took place at the La Rinconada stadium.
The Mexicans, who had been losing the game 4-2, managed to turn the score around when they attacked left-handed reliever Fernando Abad for three runs after two outs to get their first win in the Caribbean Series. They had nine hits and the Dominican Republic had seven hits.
Irving López, pinch hitting, hit a double with two on bases against Jairo Asencio that put the Cañeros up 5-4. Reynaldo Rodríguez had driven in the first run of the episode that made the score 4-3.
The game was won in a relief role by Rafael Córdova (1-0) and charged with the failure, Fernando Abad (0-1) and Jake Sánchez was credited with his first game saved.
The teams of the Tigres del Licey, from the Dominican Republic, and the Cañeros de Mochis, from Mexico, made history by playing the first match at the La Rinconada stadium. Ramón Hernández had the first hit and scored the first run, Kelvin Gutiérrez drove in the first run of the game.
The game was started by left-hander Raúl Valdes (who left without a decision), who worked in six innings, allowed three hits, two runs, conceded one transfer and struck out two. He was looking for his sixth victory in eight participation in the Caribbean Series.
Licey, who failed to win the game, was also behind reaching her 194th career win in this Caribbean Classic to move ahead of a Puerto Rican who has 195 wins.
He also worked in the relay Fernando Abad, who allowed three runs in the eighth act where the Mexicans turned the game score in their favor, 5-4 and Jairo Asencio.
While Braulio Torres started the game for Mexico (he left without a decision), he pitched 6.0 innings, allowed four runs, received five hits, walked one and struck out two. Then Cesar Vargas, Rafael Cordova, Samuel Zarzueta and Jake Sánchez worked.
For Mexico, Irving López shone with a two-run RBI double, José Cardona had two hits and a double, Reynaldo Rodríguez hit a home run to drive in a round, Justin Dean had a double and an RBI.
They shone on offense for the Tigres del Licey, Ramón Hernández had two hits, Mel Rojas and Kelvin Gutiérrez each drove in a lap. Canó and Bonifacio had a hit each.