Colombia celebrates an 11-1 win against the Dominican Republic at the Caribbean Series. (Photo Courtesy of CBPC)
Colombia’s Vaqueros De Monteria beat the Dominican Republic’s Tigres del Licey’s 11-1 on Tuesday, the sixth day of the 2023 Caribbean Series, turning what was a scoreless game early into a laugher in the late innings.
Tigres Del Licey manager Jose Offerman assigned starting pitcher Raul Valdes, who, in the top of the fifth inning, became the all-time leader in innings pitched in Caribbean Series history, passing Jose Bracho of Venezuela and Ruben Gomez of Puerto Rico, who each threw 74.1 innings in the series, when Colombia’s Fabian Pertuz’ flew out to right fielder Mel Rojas Jr. in the top of the fifth.
Vaqueros manager Ronald Ramirez called upon starting pitcher Eduar Lopez, who showed composure in today’s action, going seven innings and allowing four hits, no earned runs, walking three, and striking out three, dropping his earned run average to 0.73 in the Caribbean Series.
The game was scoreless until the top of the sixth, when Colombia’s Dilson Herrera drove a two-run single to left field scoring Dayan Frias and Gustavo Campero for a 2-0 lead. Valdes was eventually taken out after pitching 5.2 innings, allowing three hits, four earned runs, walking two batters, and striking out four. The next batter, Jesus Marriaga, sat back and ripped a two run single to right field scoring Jordan Diaz and Herrera to put Colombia up 4-0.
In the top of the seventh inning, Vaqueros looked to add more insurance runs as Andres Agulo cranked a three-run double over left fielder Junior Lake’s head, scoring Daniel Vellojin, Campero, and Francisco Acuna as the flood gates opened for Colombia, getting them a 7-0 lead.
Colombia did not look back the rest of the way, as the Dominican Republic’s pitching staff was totally depleted, having to use their bullpen with just one day left in pool play. The Tigres’ bullpen gave up four earned runs, walking three batters, and allowing seven hits in the out pour later innings.
At 3-3, the Dominican Republic will have to watch the scoreboard and try to control their own destiny and beat Curacao to get a berth in the semifinals Thursday.
In order for Curacao to earn the fourth seed, they will have to score 10 runs and get an outright win, as their loss to Puerto Rico Monday did them no favors.
Wednesday is the final day of pool play. At 1 p.m. EST at Estadio Forum La Guaira, the Dominican Republic, 3-3, faces Curacao, 2-4.
Colombia, at 4-2, will play 4-2 Venezuela at 6:30 p.m. EST at Estadio De La Rinconada in a game where the second and third seeds will be decided, as Venezuela won their game against Curacao 8-6 to clinch a spot in the semifinals. The fourth seed will also be determined on the final day of the first round of the Caribbean Series.
The second place and third place game will be on Thursday at Estadio Forum La Guaira at 2:30 p.m. EST. The fourth place and first place game will be at 6:30 p.m. EST at Estadio De La Rinconada.
All Caribbean Series games will be streamed on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.
