The Tigres del Licey staged a remarkable comeback to equalize the series against the Leones del Escogido, finishing with a decisive 9-3 win on Friday evening at the Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal. This victory marked the second game of the final series of the 2023-25 fall-winter baseball tournament, bringing the series to 2-2, with both teams now set for their intense battle for the championship title.
Francisco Mejía was the standout player of the evening, hitting a grand slam during the game. This powerful hit not only propelled the Tigers to their first lead but solidified his place as one of the key players for the team, as he became the tenth player overall and the fourth from the Licey to hit such a homer during the finals, joining notable names like Alfonso Perry and Glenn Davis. Mejía's grand slam came off the first pitch from starting pitcher Phillips Valdez, driving the ball 387 feet, making it clear from the onset which team was taking charge.
With the bases loaded, Mejía’s explosive bat defined the match early on. The rally began with Gustavo Núñez’s initial score, quickly followed by Mejía's grand contribution to take the lead to 5-0 in the first inning. This collective effort displayed the offensive strength the Licey had yet to showcase fully during the earlier rounds of the series.
Johan Rojas added to the momentum with two stolen bases and scored two runs himself, continuously challenging the Leones’ defense with his speed. Victor Mendoza also had notable contributions, crossing home plate twice and bolstering Licey’s offensive lineup. The combination of Mejía's batting prowess and Rojas's agility provided the Licey with the edge needed to claim victory.
Mejía’s grand slam proved to be the decisive hit, as it set offensive records not seen by the team during the round-robin stages. The pressure was high: had the Licey lost, they would have faced elimination from the championship race.
"Mejía encontró las bases llenas, después de que Gustavo Núñez anotara la primera. Al primer lanzamiento, el receptor azul desapareció la pelota por el prado derecho," reported Carlos Sanchez of Los Tigres, illustrating the energy felt during Mejía’s home run, which marked the turning point of the game.
Valdez, the Leones' starting pitcher, faced harsh scrutiny as he barely made it through the first inning before being pulled from the game, allowing five earned runs. He ended his outing after only facing eight batters. On the other hand, Ulises Joaquín earned the win for the Licey, pitching perfectly through the fifth inning, showcasing the difference between the two teams’ pitchers.
Despite the Leones attempting to battle back, scoring three runs during the fourth inning thanks to consecutive hits and strategic plays from their lineup, including doubles from Jean Segura and Sócrates Brito, the Licey pitching staff effectively held them back for the remainder of the game. Nico Tellache set the stage for Licey's win and others like Jairo Ascensio closed the game effectively, ensuring there were no late-game scares for Licey fans.
Looking forward, the Licey are buoyed by their performance as they chase the dream of winning back-to-back championships, something they haven’t achieved since the 1997-98 season when they succeeded alongside the Águilas Cibaeñas. The atmosphere within the Licey camp remains positive and excited for their chances to achieve this historic feat once again.
The series now heads to game five, which kicks off at 7:30 PM on Saturday. Fans can expect extensive coverage on Digital 15 for television and Independencia FM on radio, along with streaming options via Licey Tube and MLB TV. The outcome of the next game is anyone's guess, but one thing is certain: both teams are bringing their A-game to this thrilling series.
With each game tightening the stakes, fans on both sides are left wondering who will seize the advantage next. Will the Licey continue their triumphant streak, or will the Leones fight back to reclaim their grip on the series? The answers await as the series enters its next pivotal chapter.