García Jr. and Gary Sánchez lead Giants’ sweep over Toros

SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORÍS. – Luis García Jr. had a perfect night, going 4-4, with a home run, and Gary Sánchez hit a home run and drove in four runs, for the Gigantes del Cibao to defeat the Toros del Este 11-8 in the second game of the doubleheader played this Tuesday, in the continuation of the 2025-2026 Dominican Baseball League championship, dedicated to Juan Marichal and in option to the Copa Banreservas.

You may be interested in:Ismael Munguía’s hit decides victory for Estrellas 4-2 over Licey

With the victory, the Giants completed the sweep, after winning 8-1 in the first game, and improved their record to 19-25, achieving their second consecutive victory. Despite the setback, the Toros del Este secured their classification to the postseason, becoming the second team to achieve the ticket.

Pitching

The opener Miller Hogan worked two innings, in which he allowed two hits and four earned runs, gave three walks, struck out three and conceded two home runs, facing eleven batters. The loss fell on Manuel Mercedes (0-1), who couldn’t retire batters in the eighth inning after allowing one hit, three earned runs, and two walks. In relief, Bryan Rodríguez pitched 3.2 innings, allowed four hits and three earned runs, with two walks, four strikeouts and a home run. The save went to Anderson Pilar (5), who struck out the three batters he faced in the ninth inning.

Offensive

For the Toros del Este, Gilberto Celestino stood out, going 4-2 with a run scored and a walk; Allan Castro, going 5-1 with a home run and two RBIs; Sócrates Brito, going 4-2 with two doubles, a run scored, an RBI, and a walk; and Jeimer Candelario, going 4-1 with a home run and three RBIs. For the Gigantes del Cibao, in addition to García Jr. and Sánchez, Leury García stood out, going 4-1 with a run scored, an RBI, and a walk, and Pablo Reyes, who scored a run and received two walks.

Upcoming commitments

This Wednesday, the Giants will visit the Toros del Este in La Romana, the Leones del Escogido will face the Águilas Cibaeñas in Santiago, and the Estrellas Orientales will play the Tigres del Licey in Santo Domingo, all games scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The LIDOM will have a day off on Thursday, prior to the last weekend of the regular season, which concludes next Tuesday. The Giants will play on Friday in San Pedro de Macorís (7:30 p.m.), they will receive the Escogido on Saturday (7:30 p.m.) and will close the regular series on Sunday visiting the Leones (5:00 p.m.).