Checking in on Pirates’ players and friends in Thursday’s winter league action:
VENEZUELAN LEAGUE
Tiburones de La Guaira 4, Leones del Caracas 3
Los Leones’ solo home run in the top of the 9th got them within one run of Los Tiburones, but they could not get any closer. Armando Galarraga made the start for Los Leones and allowed one run in three of the first four innings. Caracas scored 2 runs in the top of the 3rd, briefly tying the score. Los Tiburones scored their final run in the 7th. After a lead-off single and a sacrifice bunt, Justin Thomas came on in relief. He threw a wild pitch, moving the runner to third base. An RBI single brought the run in. Thomas began the 8th inning with a walk, then erased that runner with a double play, then was relieved.
Tigres de Aragua 5, Caribes de Anzoategui 2
Los Tigres scored in each of the first three innings, beginning with a solo home run by 1B Hector Gimenez in the 1st inning. LF Jorge Cortes walked in the 2nd inning rally, and RF Jonel Pacheco drove in that inning’s run with a sacrifice fly. Gimenez also walked and scored the first of two runs in the 3rd. Los Tigres scored again in the 8th inningon two singles and a sacrifice fly by Cortes. SS Ronny Cedeno smacked a fly ball into center field to lead off the 5th, and made it safely as far as second base, but was out trying to make it to third base. Pacheco also singled in the 6th. Los Caribes scored one run in the 5th and another in the 7th. Gorkys Hernandez pinch-hit for Los Caribes in the top of the 9th, but flied out.
DOMINICAN LEAGUE
Tigres del Licey 6, Toros del Este 3
A 4-run 5th inning gave this game to Los Tigres, despite being out-hit by Los Toros, 7-6. SS Pedro Ciriaco went 0-for-4 in the game.
Aguilas Cibaenas 4, Estrellas de Oriente 1
Former Pirate Shane Youman earned his 5th win, allowing one run over 6 innings. Youman gave up 5 hits and one walk, and struck out 5 batters. The only run he allowed, and Los Estrellas’ only run in the game, was a solo home run by LF Jake Fox in the 4th inning. C Dusty Brown went 0-for-4 for Los Estrellas. Los Aguilas scored one run in each of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th innings.
late games still underway, and the Aussies will be playing in the early morning (our time)….
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