Mexicali, Mexico - The Caribbean baseball scene celebrated as the Dominican Republic triumphed once again, with the Leones del Escogido edging out Los Charros de Jalisco from Mexico with a narrow 1-0 victory on February 8, 2025, at the Series del Caribe, held in Mexicali. The win marked the fifth crown for the Dominican team, solidifying their status as record-holders with 23 titles.
The match unfolded as a tense pitcher’s duel, where both teams showcased their skills but it was the Dominican squad’s pitching excellence, spearheaded by Esmil Rogers, who proved decisive. Rogers delivered six solid innings, allowing just one hit, five walks, and fanning four batters. His performance earned him the Most Valuable Player award of the Series, reinforcing his impact on the tournament.
Despite their overwhelming success leading up to the final – where Los Charros went undefeated against teams from Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Japan – they were left silenced by the Leones, who struck first during the third inning. A pivotal moment came when Robinson Canó executed a double play, allowing Junior Lake to scamper home. This run would be the only scoring of the day, as the Dominicans held tight against Mexico’s efforts to equalize.
The tension escalated toward the end of the match, with the Charros attempting to push the game to extra innings. A review was called on what could have been the final out, as Julián Ornelas hit what seemed to be double play but prompted the Mexican side to contest the decision. After the review, the umpires confirmed only one out, allowing the innings to continue. The crowd erupted as José Cardona became the potential game-changer, stealing second base. Yet, their hopes were dashed when Jimmy Cordero struck out Rodríguez, ending the Mexican dream.
Mexican fans were left heartbroken; their team was so close to extending their run, only to succumb to the Leones’ unwavered defense. This latest defeat marked yet another frustrating chapter for Los Charros, who failed to convert their tournament dominance – having swept through the group stages and semi-finals – to clinch the championship.
Los Leones’ manager Albert Pujols celebrates this victory as his first major achievement since stepping down from his MLB career. The win is particularly significant, adding to the Dominicans’ rich history at this event, explicitly showcasing their superiority over their Caribbean rivals. Their victory continues to highlight the consistency and strength of Dominican baseball, as seen across countless Caribbean Series over the decades.
Interestingly, it’s been nine years since Mexico last secured the Series title. Their last triumph came back in 2016 when the Venados de Mazatlán claimed victory. Since then, the road has been rough, with Mexico now on the lookout for new strategies and talent to revitalize its competitive edge.
Looking forward, the Caribbean Series will return again for the 2026 edition, hosted by Venezuela, promising to bring new challenges. Japan has been invited as part of this expanded tournament structure, and expectations are high for more exciting games and unpredictable outcomes. The aim remains ambitious, with organizers targeting eight participating teams to boost competitiveness and fan engagement.
For now, the Dominican Republic basks in the glory of its latest achievement, reaffirming its position at the pinnacle of Caribbean baseball and underlining the serious threat posed by teams like Los Charros, who, though defeated, showed remarkable potential throughout the series. This final game will be etched not only as one amid many triumphs for the Dominicans but as the tough lesson Mexico must learn from, propelling them toward future endeavors.