Former Toronto Blue Jays catcher leads the way in epic Caribbean Series matchup
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It was a slugfest on Wednesday night in Mexico and a former member of the Toronto Blue Jays was front and centre.
A contest between Panama's Federales de Chiquiri and Leones de Escogido of the Dominican Republic was the ultimate back-and-forth affair as the two teams slugged it out before the Dominicans prevailed with a 16-15 victory.
Christian Bethancourt, team Panama's starting catcher and a former big leaguer who spent 2025 in Triple-A for the Blue Jays, led the way going 3-5 with four RBIs, while his teammate Johan Camargo went 3-6 with two RBI's.
Christian Bethancourt (Panama) hits a triple, tying the game at 12 runs against the Dominican Republic in the sixth inning.
The Leones (Dominican Republic) scored 5 runs in the fifth, and the Federales (Panama) responded with a 6-run rally in the sixth.
The Leones (Dominican Republic) scored 5 runs in the fifth, and the Federales (Panama) responded with a 6-run rally in the sixth.
Ultimately however, their efforts proved to be in vain. After coming back from 5-2 and 12-6 deficits in the game, it looked like the Panamanians were going to steal a victory before the powerhouse D.R. squad reclaimed the lead and held on to victory.
The Dominicans' offence was led by former big leaguer Franchy Cordero who went 2-4 with a key two-run home run and four RBIs, and Marco Hernandez, former shortstop for the Boston Red Sox, who also drove in four runs.
With the loss, Team Panama dropped to 0-3, while the Dominicans secured their spot in the semifinals. A subsequent 8-3 loss to Puerto Rico on Thursday, eliminated the Central American nation from the Tournament.
Dominicans favourite to win the tournament
The Dominicans, who boast a stacked roster for the World Baseball Classic - including the Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - are the favourites to win the Caribbean Series and will play Mexico Verde on Friday in the first of two semi-final matches.
Mexico Rojo and Team Puerto will square off in the second match.
The winners will play each other in the final, which takes place on Saturday.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Ex-Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier takes on a new role
Ex-Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier takes on a new role
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