By Matthew Tallarini
World Baseball Network
Jan. 8, 2023
Coming off a a 6-5 win over Tiburones De La Guaira Thursday, Yadier Molina’s Navegantes de Magallanes improved to 3-2 in the LVBP round robin.
In the bottom of the second inning, Magallanes would go on the board first when Renato Nunez drove a line-drive single scoring Rainel Rosario to make it 1-0. The next inning, Magallanes’ David Rodriguez drove a single to center field, scoring Luis Torrens to go up 3-0.
A few batters later Rainel Rosario roped a ball over the left center field wall for a two-run home run with David Rodriguez also scoring to give Magallanes a 5-0 lead.
Leones starter Erick Leal went six innings with just two hits allowed, no earned runs, walking one batter and striking out three during his start.
Leones got their only run of the game in the top of the seventh inning when Isaias Tejeda drove a solo home run over the left field wall.
Tagged with the loss, Jhoulys Chacin went six innings for Leones, allowing seven hits, four earned runs, striking out three and walking none.
Molina would be at ease with his bullpen as they combined to allow three hits, two walks, and striking out five batters to finish the game.
Magallanes improved their record to 3-2 in the round robin and will face Tiburones de La Guaira, 3-3, on the road at noon EST Sunday. Leones de Caracas, at 2-3, travels to Barquisimeto to face Cardenales de Lara at 4 p.m. EST Sunday.