Isaac Rodríguez gave up a double to open the ninth and prevented Tyler Alexander from pitching a perfect game, but not the Giants of Cibao from defeating the Charros of Jalisco 2-1 and obtaining the ticket to play tonight’s final of the Caribbean Series against the Caimanes of Barranquilla.
The veteran American left-hander gave no bases and struck out five.
“My children are Dominican, my wife too and I feel happy to represent that part of my life,” he told reporter Natacha Peña after the game.
He was relieved by Juan Minaya, who tolerated a single by the emerging Victor Mendoza, but was able to save the game.
The only no-hit game in the history of the Caribbean classic occurred in its first stage in 1952 and was the work of Thomas Fine, of the Claveles Rojos del Habana team against Cervecería Caracas, of Venezuela in Panama.
“My children are Dominican, my wife too, and I feel happy to represent that part of my life,” he told reporter Natacha Peña after the game.
The Giants finished the regular phase of the series with a 5-1 lead. They were escorted by the Caimanes (4-2).
Henry Urrutia hit two doubles and a single in four innings. Sierra was 3-2 with two RBIs and Canó also had two hits in three opportunities.
Rodriguez, who reinforced the Giants this year, and Mendoza gave the only two hits in no-man’s land for the eliminated Mexican team, which leaves with a record of three wins and an equal number of setbacks.
