Luciano and Tapia Lead Estrellas Past Gigantes in LIDOM Thriller

Marco Luciano delivered the decisive blow as the Estrellas Orientales defeated the Gigantes del Cibao 12-11 in a high-scoring contest at Estadio Tetelo Vargas. The victory, secured by a walk-off infield hit with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, moved Estrellas to second place (4-2), half a game behind league-leading Tigres del Licey (5-2). Gigantes fell to third place (4-3).

The Decisive Moment

The game featured two major momentum shifts. After Estrellas took an 11-6 lead on a grand slam by Raimel Tapia in the seventh, Gigantes rallied for five runs in the eighth, including a grand slam by Pablo Reyes, to tie the score at 11-11. In the bottom of the ninth, facing reliever Jimmy Cordero, Luciano singled through the infield to score the winning run after Oscar González filled the bases.

Pitching Performance

Reliever Patrick Weigel earned the win by pitching a perfect ninth inning. For Gigantes, starter Jake Eder lasted only two and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on two hits and five walks before being replaced by a bullpen that ultimately could not hold the lead.

League Context

While Estrellas surged, other results shaped the early standings. Tigres del Licey maintained their top spot with a dominant 14-1 victory over Gigantes earlier in the week, powered by Kevin Alcántara’s two home runs. However, Licey suffered a setback in a separate matchup, losing 9-5 to Águilas Cibaeñas, who rallied from a deficit to claim the win.

What's Next

Estrellas will face Gigantes again on Sunday in San Francisco de Macorís, with left-hander Enny Romero slated to start for the Orientals.