SANTO DOMINGO.- In the great 9-3 start that the Leones del Esído presented, Erik González places great value on the motivation that the leader Albert Pujols and the scarlet coaching staff provide every day to the club’s players.
“The communication that Pujols has had with us has been the key. If you look, everyone has participated in our games and that means the boys are prepared to come in at any time and help win games,” said the star shortstop.
González is second with an average of .351 (37-13), only behind his teammate Jean Segura .366 (41-9). He has also achieved 6 runs scored, 5 RBIs, 2 stolen bases and an excellent .429 OBP.
González’s statement about the opportunities that the manager provides to the red players is reflected in infielder Jonathan Guzmán, who from the bench has achieved 9 hits in 12 shifts (.750) and during nine games, where he has also been important as a replacement defensive.
Designated hitter and first baseman Sandber Pimentel has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Pujols’ opportunities, as his 9 RBIs in 11 games represent the highest total of his career. He is currently hitting .269 with 2 homers, 2 doubles and a .983 OPS, the club’s best in at least 10 games.
Ten debutants
With Pujols at the helm, a total of 10 rookies have debuted on the Dominican circuit, highlighting Sauryn Lao as one of the team’s most used relievers, with 7.0 innings of work, 2.57 ERA and 3 strikeouts.
Along with Lao, rookie pitchers Yorlin Calderón, Iván Armstrong, Eduardo Rivera, Joel Valdez, Samuel Vásquez and Augusto Calderón have also participated.
Also third baseman Warming Bernabel, as well as outfielders Carlos Jiménez (first pick of the Chosen One in the 2024 Draft) and Bryan González.
Although he is not a rookie, Robinson Martínez has received more opportunities from the long-haired bullpen. He leads the club with two saves and in 4.1 innings he has 4 strikeouts and a 2.08 earned run percentage.
A total of 48 players, including reinforcements, have received the opportunity to participate in the Lions’ first 12 games. Although all teams have put in the field of 40 players or more, only the Eastern Stars equal the number of the Chosen One.
The Lions will seek to remain alone in first position this Friday, when they face the Toros del Este at the Francisco A. Micheli from 7:30 p.m.
