DOMINICAN LEAGUE
Toros del Este 5, Tigres del Licey 3 — Los Tigres posted 13 hits, but scored only one run in each of three innings. In the 4th, C Robinzon Diaz singled, and another single and an error loaded the bases for DH Ronny Paulino, whose sacrifice fly plated the first Licey run. Paulino also walked in the 6th run rally, when two more singles brought in a run. A double and a single added their third run in the 7th. 1B Jake Fox also singled in that inning. Los Toros scored twice in the 2nd inning, on three singles, a walk, and a sacrifice fly. SS Pedro Ciriaco entered the game at shortstop for Los Toros in the 6th inning. He reached base on a fielding error in the 7th, and that allowed a run to score. Los Toros scored two more runs in the 7th, with a single, two walks, and two wild pitches.
Gigantes del Cibao 10, Estrellas de Oriente 9 — This was the wrap-up of a suspended game. Los Estrellas must have thought they were sitting pretty when they scored 7 runs in the 1st inning. C Dusty Brown singled in that inning, and came around to score one of the 7 runs. A single, a walk, and a sacrifice fly added another run in the 4th. But Los Gigantes caught up with two busy innings. In the 3rd, C JR House led off with a single, and eventually scored on a grand slam. In the 5th, five singles and a walk plated another 3 runs, and Los Gigantes were within one run, 8-7. Mike Dubee came on to pitch for Los Gigantes in the 5th, and he retired the side in order. In the 6th, he got a ground out and allowed a walk, then was relieved by Juan Perez, who finished the inning. Then in the top of the 9th, Los Gigantes tied the score with three singles, sending the game into extras. The game was suspended after neither team could capitalize on scoring opportunities in the 10th inning. House, who had singled in the 4th, also singled to begin the 10th, and was replaced by a pinch-runner. Neither team scored in the 11th either. Then three singles and a fielding error gave Los Gigantes the lead and an insurance run in the top of the 12th. They needed the insurance, since Los Estrellas scored one run on a double and a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning, but Los Gigantes held on for the win.
MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE
Venados de Mazatlan 4, Mayos de Navojoa 1 — Both teams posted 10 hits, but Los Venados were more efficient with their hits. They scored 3 runs in the 2nd, when they began the inning with a solo homer, a single, and a 2-run homer. RF Rogelios Noris was hit by a pitch in that inning, after the homers, but was left on base. He also walked in the 4th inning, then went 0-for-2 in two other plate appearances. Los Venados scored again in the 6th on a double, a passed ball, and a sacrifice fly.
AUSTRALIAN LEAGUE
Canberra Cavalry 6, Adelaide Bite 1 — The Cavalry again took the teeth out of the Bite, holding them to 5 hits and just one run. The lone run came in the 5th, on a double by RF Tom Brice, who then moved to third base on a fielding error in right field. An RBI ground out sent him across the plate. Brice had 2 hits for the Bite, as did 3B Stefan Welch (Mets). LF Quincy Latimore singled in the 1st inning, and was left stranded. He walked in the 6th inning, and got as far as 3rd base on two ground outs, but another ground out ended the inning. The Cavalry got onto the scoreboard with a solo homer in the 2nd, then added 3 runs on an 2-RBI double and an RBI single in the 3rd. A walk and two doubles gave them 2 more runs in the 5th. This was a 7-inning game, as it was scheduled to be the first in a double-header. But the rain moved in again, and the second game had to be postponed. It will be made up over New Years’ weekend.
SMP Images has a photo of Latimore on their site. There’s another of him swinging, but the photographer’s proof marks are right over his face. And, lots of photos of Latimore, Paul Mildren, and Rinku Singh from Friday’s games on another SMP Images page.
