2026 Caribbean Series: Dominican Republic & Mexico Claim Wins – Day 1 Recap

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Monday’s action at the 2026 Caribbean Series, hosted at Guadalajara’s Estadio Panamericano de Béisbol, saw the Dominican Republic’s Leones del Escogido defeat Puerto Rico’s Cangrejeros de Santurce 5-3 in a pitching-dominated contest, followed by a decisive offensive display from the host nation’s Charros de Jalisco against Panama’s Federales de Chiquirí, winning 11-4.

The opening game showcased a strong performance from Escogido starting pitcher Enny Romero, a veteran who has previously pitched for the Rays, Nationals, Pirates, and Royals. Romero pitched five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and one walk, earning the win for the Dominican squad. This victory marked their second consecutive win in the series.

Junior Lake continued to be a key offensive contributor for the Leones del Escogido, going 5-for-7 with four RBIs in the club’s first two games of the series. He drove in a run with a single in the first inning and scored twice, fueling the Dominican offense. With a 2-0 record, the Dominican Republic is now one win away from securing a spot in the semifinal round, though they have a scheduled off-day on Tuesday, February 3rd.

The second game of the day was a stark contrast, with the Charros de Jalisco overpowering the Federales de Chiquirí from the outset. A grand slam by Bligh Madris in the first inning off Paolo Espino, formerly of the Brewers, Rangers, Nationals, and Blue Jays, ignited the Jalisco offense. This was quickly followed by a seven-run third inning, extending their lead to a commanding 11-0.

Despite a two-run home run from Johan Camargo, a former player for the Braves, Phillies, and Giants, representing the Federales de Chiquirí, the Panamanian club couldn’t overcome the early deficit. The Charros ultimately secured an 11-4 victory, evening their record in the tournament to 1-1. Benji Gil, the manager of the Charros, is also set to lead Team Mexico in next month’s World Baseball Classic.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s schedule, a crucial matchup is set between the Federales de Chiquirí and the Tomateros de Culiacán, Mexico’s other representative in the tournament. Both teams currently hold a 0-1 record and will be looking to avoid falling to 0-2, a position that could significantly jeopardize their chances of advancing to the semifinal round.

The night game will pit the Charros de Jalisco against Puerto Rico’s Cangrejeros de Santurce. Both teams enter the contest with 1-1 records, and a win for either side would position them favorably to clinch a semifinal berth with one more victory in the round-robin phase. The Charros, buoyed by their dominant performance on Monday, will aim to capitalize on their home-field advantage.

The Dominican Republic’s strong start to the Caribbean Series, highlighted by Romero’s pitching and Lake’s hitting, positions them as early contenders. Their ability to maintain this momentum will be crucial as the tournament progresses. The Charros de Jalisco, meanwhile, have demonstrated their offensive firepower and will look to build on that success as they navigate the remaining games of the round-robin stage.

The Caribbean Series continues to showcase the talent and passion of winter baseball across the region, with teams battling for supremacy and a chance to represent their countries on the international stage. The competition is fierce, and every game carries significant weight as teams vie for a spot in the coveted semifinal round.

The November 15, 2025, “Showdown” event at Citi Field, where the Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico 6-2, featured a two-run home run by Emmanuel Rodríguez and two RBIs from Wester Rivas. That game, the first official “All-Star Game” type matchup held on the continental United States, honored former players Robinson Canó and Carlos Delgado. The Dominican team wore number 24 jackets in recognition of Canó, while the Puerto Rican team sported number 21 jackets for Delgado.

Isan Diaz was named Finals MVP for Mayaguez after their performance in the Caribbean Winter Leagues, as reported on January 25, 2025. The Navegantes del Magallanes captured the LVBP title with a 14-6 rout of the Caribes, securing their spot in the Caribbean Series.