Trinidad's Three-Run Triple Lifts Puerto Rico Past Dominican Republic, 3-1
Sebastian Trinidad delivered the decisive blow with a three-run triple in the sixth inning as Puerto Rico rallied to defeat the Dominican Republic 3-1 in a seven-inning contest at the Coastal Baseball Classic on January 2, 2026.
The Dominican Republic struck first with a run in the opening inning and held its 1-0 advantage through five innings. Puerto Rico broke through in the sixth, scoring all three of its runs in a single inning. Trinidad accounted for all three RBIs with his triple, the only extra-base hit recorded by Puerto Rico.
Choice Johnson led Puerto Rico with two hits in three at-bats, scored once and drew a walk. Joseph Cruz, Jimmy Rivera and Trinidad added one hit apiece. Kennys Vargas reached base three times on walks, helping Puerto Rico's offense work around 15 strikeouts.
Puerto Rico's pitching was equally important. Starter Miguel Rosa worked five innings, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out 10 and walking two. J. Espada followed with two hitless innings, striking out four more batters to finish the victory. Together, the two pitchers limited the Dominican Republic to two hits and recorded 14 strikeouts.
Willian Santana scored the Dominican Republic's only run and finished with one hit, a walk and two stolen bases. Alex Tapia drove in the run, while Oscar Hernandez supplied the team's other hit. The Dominican Republic drew five walks but could not add to its early lead.
Dominican Republic starter Joel Inoa struck out 11 over 5⅓ innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs while issuing six walks. Gabriel Moya worked the final 1⅔ innings without allowing a hit or run, striking out four. The Dominican Republic pitching staff combined for 15 strikeouts in the loss.
The game featured 29 combined strikeouts and only seven total hits, but Puerto Rico made its scoring opportunity count. Trinidad's sixth-inning triple turned a one-run deficit into a two-run lead, and Puerto Rico's pitching staff protected that advantage through the final inning.
