For the second time in three days, weather was a factor in LIDOM action. While one contest went extra innings, another was cut to just eight innings.
Leones del Escogido (2) vs Tigres del Licey (5)
Leones del Escogido
While he hasn’t been barreling as many balls as you might like in the early going, Wander Franco (TB) used his quick hands to turn on a down-and-in breaking ball for his first home run of the winter.
A poor showing for the Mariners No. 2 prospect, Julio Rodriguez (SEA) went 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts. He now has five strikeouts in his first 13 at-bats of the winter league.
After a great showing in 2019, lefty Francisco Perez (CLE) — 28.1 innings pitched and 37 strikeouts — has picked up where he left off. He fired an inning-and-two-thirds, struck out two, and allowed a hit. In his first two appearances, the 25-year-old has struck out four batters over two-and-two-thirds innings pitched.
Tigres del Licey
Luis Barrera (OAK) collected two hits, including a lead-off triple in the seventh, helping Tigres del Licey to a 5-2 victory.
Making his first start of the season, Jaime Barria (LAA) pitched three scoreless innings, allowing an unearned run on three hits. As is normally the case with him, the strikeouts just weren’t there — he has struck out 200 batters in 244.1 career MLB innings — he recorded just one on Tuesday night.
Anderson Tejeda (TEX) scored two runs, going 1-for-4 on the night. All three of his hits this winter — a home run and two doubles — have gone for extra bases.
Aguilas Cibaenas (8) vs Gigantes del Cibao (9) — 12 inn
Aguilas Cibaenas
There were 17 runs scored in this game, the first of which cam off the bat of Nationals outfielder Victor Robles — a lead-off homer on the fifth pitch of the game. He finished the night 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored.
With the bases loaded in the eighth inning, John Nogowski (STL) dropped a single into left-center, scoring two runs and giving Aguilas an 8-7 lead.
As a team, they collected 15 hits. Twelve of those hits came off the bats of Robles (3), Nogowski (3), Juan Lagares (2), Wilmer Difo (2), and Deivy Grullon (2 -BOS)
Gigantes del Cibao
With his eyes on securing a 2021 contract, Jose Siri went 3-for-4, scored two runs, and collected his first RBI of the season. The 25-year-old outfielder stole his third base, in as many games, after walking in his second plate appearance.
Oneil Cruz (PIT) collected two hits, drove in a run, and scored a run.
With two outs in the bottom-of-the-ninth, Abiatal Avelino (SF) came through with a clutch game-tying single. In 12 plate appearances, he now has five hits and four walks.
Hard-throwing right-hander Domingo Tapia (SEA) pitched an inning in relief, striking out two of the three batters he faced.
Toros de Este (1) vs Estrellas Orientales (3) — 8 inn
Toros de Este
Miguel Andujar (NYY) recorded his first two hits of the season in a losing effort. Inclement weather didn’t allow the teams to play a full nine innings, thus preventing any chance of a third knock for the 25 year old.
Shortstop Jorge Mateo (SD) went 0-for-3 on the night, striking out once.
Estrellas Orientales
In his first start of the campaign, Mariners left-handed pitcher, Nestor Cortes went 3.2 innings pitched, allowed an earned run, walked two batters, and struck out four.
Having been drafted in the 10th Round of the 2017 MLB Draft, 27-year-old outfielder Zach Reks (LAD) doesn’t exactly have age on his side at this point. However, some might look at his 89 games played in 2019 as an opportunity. His 19 home runs, 71 RBI, and 119 wRC+ would play, however the 27 K% is less than desirable, and the .359 BABIP is not sustainable. All that said, he was all the team needed on Tuesday. His bases-clearing triple provided Estrellas with all the runs needed for the win.