DR debuts with authority and knocks out Venezuela in women’s softball

SANTO DOMINGO. – The Dominican Republic women’s softball team debuted with authority at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 by defeating Venezuela 10-2 by knockout, in a game held at stadium number 1 of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center Sports Complex.

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The Dominican triumph was supported by a brilliant performance from pitcher Anyela Gómez, who dominated the Venezuelan offense with great control and precision from the pitching circle. Her performance allowed the Dominican offense to play with confidence, while the defense responded effectively throughout the entire game.

The Dominicans set the pace from the first inning, when they scored two runs to take the lead. In the second inning, they added two more runs, extending the gap against Venezuela, which managed to cut the deficit with one run in the first inning and another in the third.

The Quisqueyan offense responded again in the fourth inning with a three-run rally that practically defined the game. Timely hitting, speed on the bases, and constant pressure on the opposing defense allowed the Dominican Republic to consolidate its dominance.

The final blow came in the sixth inning, when the Criollas scored three more runs to complete the ten laps and seal the victory by way of a knockout.

Thousands of fans packed the stands of softball stadium number 1 to support the national team in their debut at the regional tournament.

With the win, the Dominican Republic began its participation in Group B with a 1-0 record, tied with Puerto Rico, which also started with a victory. In Group A, Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands also started with wins.

Gómez earned the win after a solid performance from the pitching circle, while the loss went to Lorely Francia, who entered as a reliever in the third inning. The Venezuelan pitcher allowed five runs, four of them earned, and five hits during her outing.

The Dominican offense was led by Atalyia Rijo, who hit two hits, scored one run, and drove in two. Nelia Peralta also had an outstanding performance by hitting a triple and a single, in addition to scoring one run and producing another.

Felicia Agramonte contributed two hits, one run scored and one RBI, while Graciela Domínguez hit a timely RBI triple to complete a balanced and powerful offense.