Grant Gavin and Norge Ruiz will reinforce the Escogido Lions’ rotation again.

SANTO DOMINGO.- Grant Gavin, one of the heroes of the 2024-25 Final Series won by the Leones del Escogido, and the Cuban Norge Ruiz, will be back with the red team for the 2025-26 season. This was announced this Monday by Carlos Peña, the general manager of the national and Caribbean champions.

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Gavin, 30 years old, shone in that epic final against the Tigres del Licey, setting a record of 1-0, 1.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP in 9.0 innings that included 2 strikeouts and a .161 batting average allowed to the opposition. “His versatility and ability to perform in pressure situations make him a strategic pitcher for us. He’s a proven arm in the big moments,” Peña indicated. During this summer, Gavin was working in the Mexican Baseball League, with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna team. His performance was 4-3, with a 4.11 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 70.0 innings, including a 1.27 WHIP. This will be the first time Gavin will start in the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League, as he has done so in the Mexican Pacific League for the last two years. In the minor league circuits of the Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, and Cincinnati Reds, Gavin has combined for a 25-17 record, a 3.42 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and 444 strikeouts in 387.0 innings. Ruiz, 31 years old, was part of the Escogido in the Round Robin of the last campaign, posting a 4.35 ERA and 8 strikeouts in 10.1 innings. This will be his fourth campaign in the Dominican league, as he previously played with the Águilas Cibaeñas (2016-17) and with the Estrellas Orientales (2020-21). In that tournament with the Eagles, his performance was 2-1, 3.77 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 14.1 innings. In the United States, Ruiz belonged to the Oakland Athletics organization between 2017 and 2023. He pitched in the Major Leagues in 2022, with his 18 strikeouts in 19.0 innings standing out. “Norge is a pitcher with a lot of experience, including his time in the Major Leagues. His performance in the last Round Robin confirms that he is a piece of immediate impact for our team,” explained Peña. The Lions will begin the defense of their crown as visitors at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal stadium on Wednesday, October 15, against their eternal rivals Tigres del Licey.