Licey takes 2-1 lead in Dominican finals

In a taut pitchers' duel, the Tigres del Licey took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Dominican Winter League finals with a 1-0 victory over the Estrellas Orientales on Sunday at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo.

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Former Major League right-hander Esmil Rogers, who pitched for the Rockies, Cleveland, Blue Jays and Yankees from 2009-15, tossed six scoreless innings for Licey while yielding four hits, walking two and striking out four. He set the tone for the Tigres' bullpen, which shut down the Estrellas from there.

Oliver Ortega, Jonathan Aro, Jean Carlos Mejia and Jairo Asencio combined to complete the shutout while giving up just one hit over the final three frames.

All the offense Licey needed came in the bottom of the fourth inning, courtesy of shortstop Sergio Alcántara, who doubled home Mel Rojas Jr. to break the scoreless tie. The run was unearned, as Rojas reached first base on a throwing error by Estrellas shortstop Gustavo Núñez and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt.

For the Estrellas, a great pitching effort by Domingo Robles, Roman Mendez and Marcelo Martinez went for naught. Robles started and gave up the lone run of the game along with four hits, also walking none and striking out five over 3 2/3 innings. Mendez and Martinez combined to allow just two hits over the final 4 1/3 frames, walking none and fanning four.

With the 2-1 series lead, the Tigres del Licey are two wins away from their 23rd LIDOM championship, which would break a tie with Aguilas for most all-time.