Junior Lake calls to maintain concentration despite Escogido’s advantage in the final

LA ROMANA.– Just two wins away from conquering the two-time championship and their 18th crown, the Leones del Escogido remain firm in the LIDOM Final Series after defeating the Toros del Este 7-4 on Thursday night at the Francisco A. Micheli stadium, a result that gives them a 2-0 lead in the series.

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One of the protagonists of the encounter was Junior Lake, who hit a two-run home run to accumulate four RBIs in the first two games of the final. The hit represented his sixth home run in final series, a figure that equals him in the fourth historical place of all time in this instance. The hit by the native of San Pedro de Macorís came on the first pitch from reliever Joe Corbett, sealing a key advantage for the Lions in the final stretch of the game. “I went looking for a good pitch, a strike, and I was able to make the swing I wanted. I don’t focus on the position in the order, I just try to contribute where the manager needs me,” Lake said after the game. Despite the scarlet team’s good moment, the outfielder was emphatic in the message of caution:
“We can’t let our guard down, but we can’t get overconfident either. We have to keep doing the work,” he pointed out.

Navarro also sets the offensive pace

In the Escogido’s offense, Yamaico Navarro also shone, finishing the night 5-2, with a double, three RBIs and one run scored, consolidating himself as one of the key pieces in the team’s production. “We’re all having good shifts. The hitters are fulfilling their role and the bullpen has responded. We’re playing very good ball,” commented the red first baseman.

“We’re not done yet”

The Final Series continues this Friday at 7:15 PM at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal stadium, where the Leones will play at home with a 2-0 advantage. However, manager Ramón Santiago made it clear that the objective has not yet been achieved. “The key is to stay focused. The work isn’t finished. We need two more victories to achieve the championship and we must maintain the same energy and determination,” said the scarlet foreman. Santiago emphasized that there is no room for triumphalism against a competitive rival like the Toros del Este. “The guys know they can’t get complacent. We are facing a team that fights every out. Tomorrow we go out to play as if the series were 0-0, looking to go 1-0 that day,” he concluded.