Puerto Rico vs. México: 7 pitchers combine for first Caribbean Series shutout

[Kevin Barral]

Final score: PUR 2, MEX 0

After Alex Sanabia came out early due to an injury, Puerto Rico's bullpen was untouchable the rest of the way.

MIAMI, FL—The final game of day two of the 2024 Caribbean Series was a flashback for all Marlins fans. Alex Sanabia took the mound for Puerto Rico while Odrisamer Despaigne stood opposite of him for México. The two pitching staffs combined to allow only one extra-base hit in what was the lowest-scoring game of the tournament thus far.

Both starters had familiarity with pitching at LoanDepot Park. They spent three seasons each with the Marlins at the major league level (Sanabia in 2010, 2011 and 2013; Despaigne from 2016-2018).

For Sanabia, his outing was cut short due to a possible groin injury. Before that, he threw three innings, struck out one and only allowed three hits.

The defense behind Sanabia was a difference-maker as shortstop Jack Lopez and center fielder Bryan Torres made big plays, which robbed hitters of potential extra-base hits.

Through the first two innings, Despaigne was perfect, not allowing a single hit and striking out two. In the top of the third, Jonathan Morales led off the inning smacking a base hit right down the middle, but then, Emmanuel Rivera grounded into a double play and Jack Lopez hit an inning-ending grounder to short.

The only runs of the game came in the top of the fifth inning. The inning began with back-to-back base hits, one from Danny Ortiz and the second from Heliot Ramos. A sac bunt from Jonathan Morales moved up both Ortiz and Ramos. Emmanuel Rivera, with a 2-2 count, drove in both Ortiz and Ramos on a single.

For Despaigne, he would end the night going six innings, giving up two runs on four hits, striking out four and walking two. He kept Puerto Rico's hitters guessing with a six-pitch mix, led by his 40% sinker usage. He averaged 92.8 mph with his sinker, which is very similar to the velocity he had during his MLB career.

Puerto Rico's six relievers combined to allow only one hit. Lincoln Henzman, who threw two innings, struck out the side in the bottom of the sixth inning and K'd four batters overall. México's bullpen stayed strong as well, but it wasn't enough.

Puerto Rico improves to 2-0 in the Caribbean Series, while México's hope is beginning to fade as they are now 0-2.

Puerto Rico takes on the Dominican Republic on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. México takes on Panamá at 3:30 p.m.

Watch every Caribbean Series game in English on Bally Sports Florida/Bally Sports Sun or in Spanish on ESPN+/ESPN Deportes.

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