The 2025 Caribbean Series culminated on Friday night with a tightly contested final as the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Republic triumphed over Mexico's Charros de Jalisco, taking the championship title with a score of 1-0. The match held at the Estadio Nido de las Águilas in Mexicali was the highlight of the tournament, attracting baseball enthusiasts eager to witness their nations contend for the title.
Benjamín Gil, the manager of the Charros, was eyeing his first Caribbean Series championship title after previously falling short as the runner-up with the Tomateros back in 2015. The Charros entered the final boasting an impressive undefeated record, having defeated their opponents with rigorous pitching and strategic batting. Their last win came against the Indios de Mayagüez from Puerto Rico, where they sealed their place in the final with a 3-1 victory.
The Leones, under the management of baseball legend Albert Pujols, displayed resilience throughout the tournament but faced significant challenges, entering the final with two losses against their Mexican rivals earlier. Their semifinal battle against the Cardenales de Lara from Venezuela also proved to be intense, with the Leones securing their spot with a narrow 5-4 victory.
On this night of the final, it quickly became apparent the intensity was palpable, with both teams determined to seize the title. Esmil Rogers, our standout pitcher for the Leones, delivered six outstanding innings allowing only one hit and displaying his capability as he paralyzed the Mexican lineup. Manny Bañuelos took the mound for the Charros but faced challenges, allowing three hits and one run over four innings.
With sharp focus, the game unfolded with no score until the third inning when the Dominican Republic struck first. During this pivotal moment, Robinson Canó produced what appeared to be a double play, yet it resulted in Junior Lake scoring after the Mexicans failed to complete the play smoothly. This singular run proved to be the decider, emphasizing the importance of every moment and every play.
Game highlights showcased significant pitching battles and nail-biting tension as the Charros attempted to respond. They did manage to mount opportunities, getting players on base, but were consistently thwarted by Rogers and the Dominican defense. The atmosphere intensified as the game crept toward the final innings, with Mexico holding out hope for a miraculous comeback.
On the defensive side, Cuba's pitch strategy unfolded with precision as Joe Corbett took over from Rogers and continued to uphold the Leones' sturdy play. The innings passed with Colombia's chances dwindling, and by the ninth inning, time was of the essence.
On what could be considered the final chance for Mexico, the bottom of the ninth saw Mateo Gil strike out following tense moments of potential scoring, diminishing hopes as the crowd held their breath. With two outs, the Charros’ dreams were just slipping away when Reyes entered as the last hope, setting the stage for one final confrontation.
Unfortunately for Mexico, the dream did not manifest, as Jimmy Cordero sealed the game for the Dominican Republic with solid pitching. The game concluded with the final score at 1-0, granting the Leones del Escogido their fifth Caribbean Series title and marking the 23rd total for the Dominican Republic, reinforcing their status as the all-time leaders of the series.
The defeat marked another heartbreaking moment for the Charros and the Mexican baseball contingent, who have not claimed the championship title since the Venados de Mazatlán's victory back in 2016. Fans expressed disappointment, yet pride remained visible amid the struggles. The anticipation builds, as the Charros were eager to challenge and avenge this loss, hoping to return stronger next year.
This thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Caribbean Series showcased the best of Latin American baseball, pitting two talented teams against one another, igniting national pride and showcasing the sport's vibrant culture. A well-fought battle ended with jubilation for the Dominican players, who celebrated their hard-earned victory on this significant night.
Fans now eagerly await next season's showdown, where both teams will prepare to reclaim glory, but for now, it’s time to enjoy the savory taste of victory for República Dominicana and reflect on the resilience of Mexico's Champions, the Charros de Jalisco.