BTN News: The excitement is set to return this weekend as the 15th edition of the Liga Nacional de Béisbol de Verano in the Dominican Republic resumes with a full slate of games, beginning on Friday, August 23rd. This highly anticipated event, dedicated to the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader Corona, promises to deliver thrilling baseball action, especially with the debut of former Major League pitcher, Carlos “El Tsunami” Martínez, who will be taking the mound for the Atléticos de Puerto Plata on Sunday. Baseball fans across the country are eager to see how the teams, currently battling for position, will fare in this crucial third weekend of play. With the regular season comprising 16 games per team, the stakes are high, and every match carries significant weight in the standings.
The weekend kicks off on Friday at 2:00 PM with two crucial matchups. The Arroceros de San Francisco de Macorís, looking to improve their standing, will face the league-leading Bravos de La Vega at the Estadio Olímpico. The Bravos, who have shown impressive form with a 3-1 record, are sure to put up a strong fight, with fans tuning in via YouTube on the Estación 47 channel. Simultaneously, at the Bebecito Del Villar Stadium in Bonao, the Mineros (2-3) will host the Atléticos de Puerto Plata (2-3) in a game that sees left-hander Cecilio Pimentel making his third start for Puerto Plata. Both teams are eager to break their even records and gain an edge in the standings.
Saturday’s action promises to be just as intense, with the Granjeros de Moca, currently holding a 3-2 record and sitting second in the standings, facing off against the Bravos in La Vega at 2:00 PM. Later that evening, at 6:00 PM, the Arroceros will travel to Bonao to take on the Mineros in what is sure to be a competitive encounter. The outcome of these games could significantly impact the playoff race, adding to the drama of the weekend.
The third weekend of the tournament wraps up on Sunday with two morning games that could have major playoff implications. At 11:00 AM, the Atléticos de Puerto Plata will take on the Granjeros de Moca in Moca, while the Bravos de La Vega will clash with the Mineros in Bonao. These matchups are expected to be fiercely contested, as teams push to secure their positions in the standings with only a few games left in the regular season.
This year’s league format adds an extra layer of excitement, with only four of the six teams advancing to the postseason. The team that finishes first in the regular season will automatically earn a spot in the final, while the second and third-placed teams will battle it out in a best-of-five semifinal series. The eventual winner will then advance to the best-of-seven championship series, where they will have a chance to claim the title.
As the league continues to honor President Luis Abinader Corona, the action on the field remains intense, and fans can expect nothing less than high-caliber baseball as the teams vie for the top spots. With the debut of Carlos Martínez and critical games that could shape the playoff picture, this weekend’s matchups are not to be missed. Be sure to tune in and support your favorite teams as the race for the postseason heats up.
