Julio Robaina was the starter who won the game for Leones del Caracas / Photo: Isaías Rivera / Prensa Leones
Leones del Caracas put an end to a bad streak of four defeats, by beating Águilas del Zulia 9 runs to 5 at the Monumental Stadium of Caracas-Simón Bolívar, thanks to a great work by Julio Robaina in the duel corresponding to the third week of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP).
Alan Navarro, press officer for the pack, reported that Cuban Luis Robaina was in charge of taking the mound this Thursday night, and he did not disappoint in his third start with the Leones del Caracas.
The left-hander worked for five innings, allowing three hits, one earned run, walking two and striking out four batters to earn his first win of the year.
A novelty
It is important to highlight that Robaina became only the second starter for the long-haired team to complete the five innings in this contest, the first being Jesús Vargas.
The offensive of the most successful team in Venezuela (holder of 21 titles) was noticeable in the first episode, with two runs against the deliveries of the American Sterling Sharp. They were driven by a home run by big league player Lenyn Sosa, who found a runner in circulation to open the scoring.
In the third episode, the capitalians were going to end the match with six scores. Each of them came through a home run by Harold Castro, a double by Víctor Bericoto, a single by Oswaldo Arcia and a hit by Danny Ortiz.
Eaglet reaction
The Eagles made their runs in the seventh and eighth innings thanks to connections from Jorbit Vivas, José Godoy and Rougned Odor, although that was not enough to overcome the score.
Eliézer Alfonzo Jr. saved one last hit, sending the ball into no man’s land in the bottom of the eighth inning, this being his first homer of the 2024-2025 season.
Finally, Julio Robaina took the victory and Sterling Sharp took the defeat. Both organizations will meet again this Friday at the La Rinconada arena.
Caracas / Web Editorial
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Interview with Julio Robaina, Winning Pitcher for Leones del Caracas
Interviewer: Good evening, Julio! Congratulations on the victory against Águilas del Zulia. It must feel great to put an end to that four-game losing streak. How does it feel to be back on the winning side?
Julio Robaina: Thank you! It feels amazing. We knew we needed to turn things around, and coming out strong against Águilas del Zulia was crucial for our morale. The team really pulled together, and I’m just happy I could contribute to the win.
Interviewer: You delivered a strong performance on the mound. What was your mindset going into this game, especially after the previous losses?
Julio Robaina: I focused on staying calm and trusting my training. I knew my teammates were counting on me to set the tone. We had a rough patch, and I wanted to ensure we capitalized on any opportunities. My goal was to pitch deep into the game and give our bats a chance to come alive.
Interviewer: The team scored 9 runs! That’s an impressive output. How important do you think the offensive support was during this game?
Julio Robaina: Very important! Baseball is a team sport, and having a strong offense takes so much pressure off the pitcher. Once I saw our hitters getting going, it boosted my confidence. It’s reassuring to know you have that kind of support behind you.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the next games? How can you build off this win?
Julio Robaina: Each game is a new challenge, but I think this win can be a turning point for us. We need to maintain this momentum, continue supporting each other, and focus on executing our game plan. If we can keep the energy up, I believe we can turn this season around.
Interviewer: Thanks for your time, Julio, and congratulations again on the victory. Good luck in your upcoming games!
Julio Robaina: Thank you! I appreciate it. Let’s go Leones!
Do my part on the mound.
Interviewer: You had a fantastic game, working five innings while allowing only one earned run. What was your mindset going into this start?
Julio Robaina: My mindset was to stay focused and trust my training. I wanted to be aggressive early on and establish my fastball. The defense behind me was solid, which allowed me to stay calm and just focus on each pitch.
Interviewer: This was your third start with the team. How have you felt adjusting to the culture and competition in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League?
Julio Robaina: It’s definitely been an adjustment, but the guys in the clubhouse have been welcoming and supportive. The intensity in the LVBP is high, and every game feels important. I’m learning a lot from my teammates and coaching staff, which is helping me adapt quickly.
Interviewer: You became only the second starting pitcher for Leones del Caracas to complete five innings in this series. What does that mean for you personally and for the team moving forward?
Julio Robaina: It means a lot! It shows that I’m contributing to the team’s efforts. Completing five innings is important for the bullpen, especially during a busy schedule. I hope this performance can inspire more consistency for the rotation as we look to build momentum.
Interviewer: The team scored nine runs, with several exciting offensive plays. How vital is it to have that support from the hitters when you’re on the mound?
Julio Robaina: It’s incredibly vital. Knowing the offense is behind you makes a huge difference. It allows pitchers to be more aggressive and take a few more risks. When you can trust that your team will put runs on the board, it takes a lot of pressure off.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, how do you feel about facing Águilas del Zulia again in the upcoming game?
Julio Robaina: I’m excited! We’ve got to keep the momentum going and build on this victory. I believe we can continue to improve, and I’m looking forward to competing again. Hopefully, we can make it two wins in a row!
Interviewer: Thank you, Julio, and best of luck in the next match!
Julio Robaina: Thank you! I appreciate it!
