Tigres de Aragua 9, Leones del Caracas 8 - Do we have ourselves an early candidate for game of the year in the LVBP?
After trailing 8-1 through 6 1/2 innings, the Leones staged a comeback that ultimately fell short in a one-run loss to the Tigres.
Lorenzo Cedrola's two-run single and a two-run home run by Gorkys Hernandez gave the Tigres a 4-1 advantage through two innings. They tacked on runs in the fifth and sixth and scored two more in the seventh before the Leones rallied for seven runs in the next three frames.
Caracas center fielder Yonathan Daza went 3-for-5, hitting a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth to cut the deficit to 9-7. The Leones scored their eighth run when Victor Bericoto grounded into a double play.
The difference maker? An RBI sacrifice fly from Aragua catcher Rene Pinto in the top of the ninth.
Combined, the two pitching staffs allowed 29 hits. The Tigres permitted nine walks but still managed to squeeze out the victory. Ronnie Williams walked three of those batters, but he also struck out three and allowed one run on four hits in four innings for Aragua.
LVBP Quick Hitters
Caribes de Anzoátegui starting pitcher Bryan Caceres has a LVBP-best 0.73 ERA through his first three starts of the winter.
Hernan Perez's league-leading five home runs are one fewer than the entire Aguilas del Zulia offense.
With three hits on Monday, Leones outfielder Victor Bericoto now has a .407 batting average in 35 plate appearances.
Less than one (0.98 HR/G) home run per game has been hit in the 92 LVBP games so far this season.
Catchers are having success behind the plate, throwing out basestealers at a 33.82% (33-for-85) rate.
Where to Watch - LVBP fans can stream the games live on BeisbolPlay, which requires a paid subscription.
Tonight's LVBP Schedule
All times Eastern Daylight Time
7 p.m. EDT - Cardenales de Lara (8-2) at Bravos de Margarita (7-4)
7 p.m. EDT - Tiburones de La Guaira (4-8) at Navegantes del Magallanes (2-10)
7 p.m. EDT - Águilas del Zulia (4-8) at Caribes de Anzoátegui (9-3)
