Serie del Caribe 2021 Semifinals: Ninth Inning Rally Propels Dominican Republic Into Serie Finale

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

SEMIFINALS

FEB. 5, 2021

• Serie del Caribe 2021 Tournament Preview
• DAY ONE
• DAY TWO
• DAY THREE
• DAY FOUR
• DAY FIVE
  

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Federales de Chiriqui  vs.  Aguilas Cinaeñas

(2-3) PANAMA                            3

(5-0) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   4

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/5/21 - Right-hander Manuel Campos toes the rubber for Panama and is opposed by Carlos Martinez for Cibaeñas.  The two duel through five scoreless frames.  However, both are dispatched to the showers by the sixth.  Martinez hits a batter and walks two more to load the bases, but right-hander Luis Castillo enters the game to put out the fire.  Panama is not as fortunate.  Manuel Campos yields consecutive hits to Juan Lagares and Robinson Cano, followed by a double from first baseman Ronald Guzman which scores both runners.  But as the Fates would have it, Panama ties the game in the seventh.  Robinson Cano's error clears the way for two runs crossing the plate on a Rodrigo Orozco base hit to right.  Otherwise, the struggle for runs continues.  Facing Fernando Abad with one out in the top of the ninth, Federales designated hitter Belarmino Campos doubles, and center fielder  Jhonny Santos reaches on an infield hit to third.  Rodrigo Orozco then singles up the middle, scoring Campos.  Right-hander Wirfin Obispo ends the threat in relief of Abad but not before Panama takes a 3-2 lead.  Chiriqui reliever Walter Silva returns to the mound for his third inning of work.  With one out, Melky Cabrera singled, and pinch-runner Yefri Perez steals second.  Designated hitter Rangel Ravelo grounds out to third for out number two.  Afterwhich, Silva intentionally walks Johan Camargo, and an infield hit to short from Junior Lake loads the bases.  Panama makes no move to relieve Walter Silva.  With two outs, replacement catcher Carlos Paulino lines sharply back through the middle, scoring both the tying and the game-winning run.  A certain manager is sure to be questioned in the post-game presser.  The Dominican Republic remains undefeated and awaits the winner between Puerto Rico and Mexico.  Starter Carlos Martinez is stellar but comes away with a no-decision upon allowing no runs on just one hit and four walks with eight strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched.  Fernando Abad is let off the hook.  Wirfin Obispo earns the victory in relief.