In a pivotal postseason match, Andrés Chaparro led the Águilas del Zulia to a significant 7-3 victory over Caribes de Anzoátegui. The game took place at the Luis Aparicio El Grande Stadium in Maracaibo.
Key Highlights from the Game
Chaparro’s standout moment came in the sixth inning. He hit a three-run home run that turned the tide after the Águilas lost their lead. This home run was crucial as it gave them a 6-3 advantage after the Caribes tied the game.
Chaparro’s Post-Game Reflections
After the game, Chaparro expressed relief and gratitude. “I just wanted to put the ball in play and help the team score,” he noted. He emphasized their team strategy, stating, “We are playing each game like it’s the final. This is how we need to compete.”
Caribes Struggle to Capitalize
Despite their efforts, Caribes was unable to secure the win. They entered the game hoping for a victory to reach the finals but faced setbacks. They recorded 11 hits, including five for extra bases, but couldn’t capitalize on base runners.
Offensive Performers for the Águilas
- Andrés Chaparro: 1 home run, 3 RBIs
- Alí Castillo: 4 hits in 5 at-bats, 2 runs scored
- José Pirela: 2 hits in 3 at-bats, 1 double, 1 run scored, 1 RBI
- Jaison Chourio: 3 hits in 4 at-bats, 1 double, 1 run scored, 1 RBI
Pitching Breakdown
Christian Suárez earned the win for Zulia, improving his record to 2-0. On the other hand, Valentín Linarez took the loss after allowing two runs in a third of an inning.
Upcoming Matches and Player News
The Águilas and Caribes are set to clash again in Maracaibo. Ángel Cuenca will start for Caribes while Carlos Contreras is slated for the Águilas.
Additionally, Caribes will welcome new reinforcement J.C. Ramírez, who recently competed in the Nicaraguan league finals. The Águilas briefly lost José Pirela to injury during the game but he remained hopeful.
Statistics Summary
| Team | Hits | Runs | Errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Águilas | 12 | 7 | 0 |
| Caribes | 11 | 3 | 0 |
This thrilling encounter lasted for 4 hours and 14 minutes and attracted an audience of 4,955 fans to the stadium.
Chaparro’s home run marked his seventh of the postseason and brought his total to 13 career postseason home runs, placing him second in the history of the Águilas. Alí Castillo also made history by surpassing Bob Abreu’s postseason hits total, now ranking 17th all-time.
