DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Nationals infielder Anderson Hernandez singled in the winning run as the Tigres del Licey completed a five-game sweep of the Gigantes and secured their 20th Dominican Winter League championship.

Licey started Los Angeles Angels Ervin Santana who blanked Gigantes over five innings with three strikeouts while surrendering just three hits. However, the Tigers’ bullpen could not hold the lead with Chicago Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol committing a costly error in the ninth that allowed Gigantes to pull even, 3-3.

Nationals teammate Ronnie Belliard started the 12th with a base hit and moved up on a sacrifice by Marlins infielder Emilio Bonifacio. After Los Angeles Angels infielder Erick Aybar was intentionally walked, Hernandez grounded a single into left field to set off a wild celebration.

Aybar turned in another stellar outing reaching base six times on three hits and three walks while Bonafacio also netted three hits for the Tigers.

After Licey took the first two games, the Gigantes forfeited Game 3 in protest of the suspension of infielder Felix Martinez.

The Tigres posted a rain-shortened win on Friday, setting the stage for the sweep.

Tags: Dominican Republic