In a ball game that featured drama until the end, the Navegantes del Magallanes defeated the Cardenales de Lara 5 runs to 3 at the Antonio Herrera Gutiérrez stadium in Barquisimeto, in what was the closing of the fourth week of the 2024 championship. 2025 of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP), reported Juan Pablo Carmona, member of the press department of the Carabobeño troop.
North American Derek West led the Turks to victory, with a great outing of 5.0 scoreless innings with four hits allowed, two walks and a strikeout, thus taking his first win of the campaign and leveling his record at 1W-1L .
“The key was to keep hitters off base as much as I could and let the offense run the game, and I had great defense from my teammates that allowed me to stay in the game. I had a couple of tough innings with runners on the pads and they did the job when I needed it,” said the right-hander.
buccaneer attack
The buccaneers attacked Máximo Castillo at the dawn of the match, after opening the scoreboard with a sacrifice fly by Renato Núñez that drove Carlos Rodríguez. However, they were only able to score that run despite having loaded the bases with no outs.
At the top of the third inning, the Naviero first baseman did his thing again after hitting a double along the third base line that sent Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. to the rubber, who had also reached second base with a double. .
Then, Alberth Martínez extended the lead and made the score 4-0 with a superb two-run homer throughout left field. In this way, he reached 53 home runs for life in the Turkish uniform, equaling none other than Mario Lissón for second place in history and placing himself just three away from rubbing shoulders with leader Richard Hidalgo.
“God’s timing is perfect. I take advantage of the moment in every game they give me and give my one hundred percent to contribute my grain of sand and give the team victories.” stated the outfielder after the victory. “The key has been to work hard with a lot of consistency and get the timing. “I am very happy and proud to reach that historic second place with the Navigators.”
The end of the crash
Despite having a difficult time in the final stages, the Turkish bullpen supported West’s great outing, after keeping the twilight offense at bay. Those in charge of relieving the North American were Alfred Gutiérrez, Deolis Guerra, Ángel Acevedo, Wilking Rodríguez and finally Luis Martínez, who put out the fire by making the 27th out after dominating Juniel Querecuto with a fly ball to left field, which earned him the save.
For his part, Guerra also reached an important figure on his way to continue making history with Magallanes, after surpassing Alan Closter (245) and placing himself alone in the fourth place of the pitchers with the most lifetime strikeouts wearing the filibuster uniform.
The first line for the home club came in the bottom of the eighth inning with a hit by Jecksson Flores off of Ángel Acevedo’s deliveries that drove Pedro Castellanos. Then, the red birds came closer in the ninth inning thanks to a wild pitch that allowed Cade Gotta to score and a hit by Castellanos that sent Gorkys Hernández to the rubber. However, it was not enough for the comeback.
In this way, the filibusters closed the fourth seven-year period of the season with a level record of 3W-3L.
Barquisimeto / Web Editorial
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**Interview with Derek West, Pitcher for Navegantes del Magallanes**
**Editor**: Joining us today is Derek West, the star pitcher who led the Navegantes del Magallanes to a thrilling 5-3 victory over the Cardenales de Lara. Derek, congratulations on the win! How are you feeling after such a strong performance?
**Derek West**: Thank you! I’m feeling great. It’s always nice to contribute to the team’s success, and I really appreciated the support from my teammates today.
**Editor**: You threw 5 scoreless innings and controlled the game well. What was your game plan going into this matchup?
**Derek West**: The key for me was to keep the hitters off base whenever possible. I wanted to let my offense take control of the game, and having great defense behind me made a big difference. There were a couple of tough moments with runners on base, but my teammates helped me out when I needed it the most.
**Editor**: The team started strong with an early lead. How important was that for you as a pitcher?
**Derek West**: It was crucial. Getting those early runs really helps settle the nerves. When you know your offense is producing, you can focus better on your pitching. It felt great to have that cushion going into the later innings.
**Editor**: Speaking of offense, Alberth Martínez hit a two-run homer that added to your lead. What did you think of that play?
**Derek West**: That was an incredible moment! Alberth has been outstanding for us, and his ability to hit the ball out of the park is a game-changer. It really electrifies the team and the fans. I’m happy to see him getting closer to that record.
**Editor**: As you mentioned, you now have a 1L-1W record this season. What are your goals moving forward?
**Derek West**: I want to keep building on this momentum and help my team win as many games as possible. Consistency is key for me. Each outing is a chance to improve and contribute to our playoff aspirations.
**Editor**: Well, we’ll be looking forward to your next game. Thank you for joining us, Derek, and best of luck for the rest of the season!
**Derek West**: Thank you! I’m excited for what’s ahead.
