Encarnación hits a three-run home run and leads the Águilas to victory over the Estrellas

SAN PEDRO DE MACORÍS. – A three-run home run by Jerar Encarnación in the very first inning was the key for the Águilas Cibaeñas to defeat the Estrellas de Oriente, 4-3, in a game held this Saturday at the Tetelo Vargas Stadium, corresponding to the 2025-2026 Dominican Baseball League (LIDOM) Tournament.

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The Eagles set the course of the game early on by manufacturing a rally of four runs in the first inning, an advantage they never lost. Leody Taveras opened the offense with a double, advanced to third base after a single by Ezequiel Durán and scored on a run-scoring hit by Geraldo Perdomo. Following this, Encarnación hit his three-run home run to center field, crowning the Eagles’ attack. With the victory, the yellow team improved its record to 31-16, solidifying itself as the absolute leader of the tournament. Already qualified for the semifinals and champions of the regular season, the Eagles also raised their away record to 15-9.
The Stars, on the other hand, saw a streak of four wins stopped and dropped to 22-26, remaining in third place in the standings, tied with the Leones del Escogido and just half a game ahead of the Tigres del Licey and Gigantes del Cibao.

Decisions

The victory went to Yoán López (1-0), while the loss went to Zach Mort (0-1). Jean Carlos Henríquez earned his first save of the championship.

Career Development

The Stars responded in the bottom of the second inning with two runs. After singles by Rodolfo Castro and Ismael Munguía, and a walk to Jorge Mateo, Josh Lester drove in a run with a walk, while Munguía scored the second run of the inning on a double play. The eastern team got closer again in the fifth chapter (4-3) when Vidal Bruján received a walk, stole second base and scored on a run-producing single by Raimel Tapia.

Mound labor

The Eagles’ opener, Devin Smeltzer, pitched 2.1 innings, allowing two runs, three hits, and two walks, with two strikeouts. The Eagles’ bullpen maintained control of the game with performances by Deury Carrasco, Jordhany Mézquita, Brady Feigl, Yoán López, Carlos Peña, Jeurys Familia, Jonathan Hernández, and Jean Carlos Henríquez, who closed the ninth inning. By the Stars, Zach Mort was punished with four runs without recording outs. Then, Román Méndez, J.P. Woodward, Domingo Tapia, Raffi Vizcaíno, Zac Kristofak, Junior Santos and Carlos Belén paraded through the mound.

Offensive Summary

For the Eagles, Jerar Encarnación led the offense with a home run, a single, and three RBIs; Leody Taveras went 2-for-3 with a run and two walks; Geraldo Perdomo drove in a run, while Ezequiel Durán and Steward Berroa each had a hit.

By the Stars, Raimel Tapia went 4-3 with an RBI; Ismael Munguía, 4-3; Josh Lester drove in a run, and Rodolfo Castro and Robinson Canó contributed singles.

Next Match

The Águilas Cibaeñas and the Estrellas de Oriente will face each other again this Sunday at the Cibao Stadium, starting at 4:00 in the afternoon.