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The 2024-25 baseball season in the Dominican Republic is officially underway, and that means baseball will be the main topic of conversation among Dominicans.

The Toros del Este, the baseball team from La Romana, has started the season on a high note. Since the games began on October 16, they have secured three wins in four matches, boasting the best run differential in the league (+6).

Here are some key updates and important facts about Los Toros del Este:

Past Performance: Last season, the Toros finished fourth in batting average (.246) and OPS (.667), and third in OBP (.336). However, they ranked last in runs scored (211), largely due to a low average with runners in scoring position (.233) and on base (.235).

Individual Awards: Ronny Simon had a spectacular season and was named Most Valuable Player, becoming the first player from a team that did not make the playoffs to receive this honor. Simon is the fifth player from Los Toros to win the “MVP” and the third to lead the league in batting average (.340) and hits (52).

Strength on the Mound: The Toros had the third-best team ERA (3.76) last season and were second in WHIP (1.35), just behind Escogido. They also led the league in strikeouts (396) and were among the teams with the lowest batting average against (.240).

Notable Pitchers: Paolo Espino became the fourth Toro to be named Pitcher of the Year and the fifth player in LIDOM history to win the pitching Triple Crown, finishing tied for the lead in wins (4), leading in strikeouts (49), and boasting the best ERA (2.40).

Historic Playoff Performance: For the first time in franchise history during the Round Robin era, the Toros have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. This also marks the first time they have finished last in consecutive years.


Imported Players:

Matt Dermody: Had a standout season last year with a record of 2-1 and a 2.22 ERA in five starts, but an injury cut his season short.

Kenny Vargas: This is his third year in the Dominican league and his first season with Los Toros after playing with the Águilas Cibaeñas.

Phillip Evans: Has played parts of four Major League seasons with the Mets and Pirates, and this will be his third stint in Dominican winter baseball.

Anthony Gose: In his third season with Los Toros, he has been one of the standout relievers in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns.

Emmanuel Rivera: Made his MLB debut in 2021 with the Royals and recently played with the Orioles, excelling in 27 games with an impressive offensive line of .313/.370/.578.


Upcoming Game

Don’t miss the next game on Tuesday, October 22, against Licey at 5:00 PM at Estadio Quisqueya.

To follow the season of Los Toros del Este, visit their website at https://torosdeleste.com/.

Go, Toros!

Photos courtesy of Los Toros del Este.