Caribbean Series and Winter League alumni shine in a chilly night in Nashville Game time temperatures approached the low 50s, which is uncharacteristic for this time of year in Nashville, Tennessee. Those chilly Spring temperatures, however, were no match for the performances that many Winter League alumni from the leagues in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Colombia put on display during the Triple A International League game between the Nashville Sound and the Saint Paul Saints. Those teams are the Triple A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Minnesota Twins, respectively. The Sound came out victorious 4-3, on a walk-off in the ninth inning.
Nashville’s offense was led by former Tiburones de la Guaira, and current Tigres de Aragua shortstop Yonny Hernandez, who provided two hits in four at bats, and drove in one run for the winners. Owen Miller, who played for Leones de Ponce during the 2022-23 season, has MLB experience under his belt, and currently Nashville’s starting first baseman also provided one hit and one RBI for the winning club. Leones del Escogido’s Enoli Paredes, who is also an MLB veteran, pitched two innings for Nashville and struck out three batters and was the winning pitcher. Chavez Young also saw action for Nashville. The former Indio de Mayaguez went hitless in four officials at bats but did reach base once on a hit by pitch. The Saint’s offense was also anchored by a Winter League alum, as Jair Camargo from the Dominican League champions, Tigres del Licey had two extra base hits, and two RBI. One of those extra base hits was a 428-foot Home Run that gave his team the lead on the first tally of the game. Deshawn Keirsey, Jr, who played for Caimanes de Barranquilla during their championship season in Colombia, had two hits, stole a base, and scored a run for the Saints. Kersey also had an outfield assist on defense. The Saints were forced to use their bullpen early to preserve their lead, and they relied on Ronny Henriquez, from Tigres del Licey, to pitch an inning and a third during which he struck out three batters and was able to record a big out for his team. Jose Miranda (Criollos de Caguas), Michael Hellman and Yunior Severino (Tigres del Licey) also saw action for the Saints during the game.
The Series continues over the weekend as more players familiar with Winter League and Caribbean series baseball will take the field for their teams.
