Mulos, Gigantes stay alive in Double-A semifinals

Gigantes right-hander Héctor “Heto” Acevedo was dominant over 7.2 innings, scattering four hits, walking two batters and striking out six. (Robert Washao Acosta)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Mulos of Juncos and the Gigantes of Carolina both won on Sunday to force sixth games in their respective Superior Double-A Baseball League semifinal series.

Both teams won on the road to stave off elimination. The Pescadores del Plata of Comerío and the Azucareros of Yabucoa hold 3-2 leads in their respective series.

The Mulos defeated the Pescadores del Plata 7-5 at Carlos Bonet Stadium in Comerío, fueled by a key three-run rally in the fifth inning.

With just one day of rest, right-hander Rubén Ramírez took the mound in relief and earned the win, pitching 2.1 scoreless innings. He relieved Derek Rodríguez, who had worked the first 4.2 innings before giving way to Ramírez, Luis Cintrón and Kenny Burgos, who was credited with the save. Cintrón pitched for the second consecutive day, having started Game 4 of the series on Saturday.

Offensively, Luis Román had a perfect night at the plate for Juncos, going 4-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored. Joel Fuentes and Jan Rivera each drove in two runs.

Reliever Kelvin López took the loss for Comerío, while José “Pocholo” Rivera hit a home run and drove in four of the Pescadores del Plata’s five runs.

In the other semifinal, the Gigantes shut out the Azucareros 9-0 at Néstor Morales Stadium in Humacao. Five of Carolina’s nine runs came in the top of the first inning, including a home run by Alexis Torres with a runner on base.

Gigantes right-hander Héctor “Heto” Acevedo was dominant over 7.2 innings, allowing just four hits, walking two batters and striking out six. Luis Ayala completed the shutout with 1.1 innings of relief.

The loss went to right-hander Arturo Martoral, who allowed the Gigantes’ first five runs without retiring a single batter.

Both series will continue this Friday with a pair of Game 6’s at Mariano “Niní” Meaux Stadium in Juncos and Roberto Clemente Walker Stadium in Carolina.