The Dodgers were the biggest winners in the Dominican Summer League. The truth is, the organization won before the players even stepped on the field.
The DSL Dodgers No. 2 defeated the DSL Dodgers No. 1, 6-4, in the league's championship game on Saturday at Campo Las Palmas, the club's academy in Guerra, Dominican Republic.
Dodgers No. 2 finished the season with a 45-28 record, while Dodgers No. 1 went 47-25.
The game itself had its moments.
Second baseman Hector Martinez stole home in the first inning to score the winning team's first run and right fielder Jaime Perez scored on a single by left fielder Christopher Arias to give Dodgers No. 2 a 2-0 lead after one inning. Designated hitter Rolando Lebron scored the team's third run in the second inning to put them ahead 3-0.
Catcher Cesar Mendoza and left fielder Jhoan Calderon scored for Dodgers No. 1 team in the top of the fourth on an error to cut the lead to 3-2, but Dodgers No. 2 responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth to extend the lead to 5-2.
Perez scored again in the seventh, this time on an error, to his give team a four-run advantage. Mendoza and Calderon each scored again in the top of the ninth for Dodgers No. 1, but the rally came up short.
It's been quite a season for the Dodgers in the Dominican Republic. The club completed an extensive renovation of Campo Las Palmas training academy earlier this year, and it appears to be paying dividends.
The renovation tripled the housing capacity for players and staff from the original 40-player accommodations that opened in 1987 when the Dodgers were the first organization to provide a permanent academy on the island.
The renovated complex also includes new plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning. In addition to refurbished dorms, the expanded weight room and the Jackie Robinson Hall, the complex features improved classrooms, dining and medical facilities. A sustainable garden producing crops for meals provided to players was also added.