MIAMI.- With power, a Caribbean game, spice and a team full of former major leagues, the representation of Curacao defeated the Naranjeros de Hermosillo 6-5, representative of Mexico on the first day of the 2024 Caribbean Series, played at the LoanDepot Park in the city of Miami.
The Naranjeros struck first when Aaron Altherr and Julián Ornelas hit consecutive home runs in the second inning. However, when it seemed that it would be a display of power on the part of the Aztecs, the currency of Curacao responded with a triple base sweep by former big leaguer Didi Gregorios, to spice up the game. From that point on, those on the island did not lose their advantage.
Curacao showed they have power when fellow former major leaguer Jonathan Schoop and Adimar Rifaela hit back-to-back home runs.
And in the top of the eighth Wladimir Balentien joined the festival of hits, which combined with good defense and the Caribbean spark gave the first victory to Curacao, which in the last edition had two victories.
In the ninth, the Mexican team attempted a comeback with three runs against reliever Kevin Kelly. But manager Hainley Statia called in Anthony Herrera to end the threat.
