Central American Games: Nicaragua vs Honduras Preview

Preview of tonight’s game between Nicaragua (2-0) and Honduras (0-2) in the Central American Games in Managua, Nicaragua, at the national stadium, Estadio Dennis Martínez.

Lineups de Nicaragua 🇳🇮

1. Ismael Munguía CF
2. Darrel Campbell 3B
3. Ofilio Castro 1B
4. Cheslor Cuthbert DH
5. Elmer Reyes 2B
6. Jilton Calderón LF
7. Renato Morales RF
8. Rafael Estrada C
9. Iván Marín SS
Leonardo Crawford P

— BEISBOLNIC (@BeisbolNic) December 14, 2017

There are three new position players (6-8-9) in the lineup for Nicaragua vs Honduras. Rafael Estrada & Ivan Marín each played 1 season in minors. Amazingly, Ivan Marín went 6 seasons without playing in a recognised league from his debut with GCL Braves in 2010 until this year with the Lincoln Salt Dogs (Indy, AA).

The headliner, though, is Crawford, a 6-0, 180 lefthander in the Dodgers’ system. This year, he suited up for the Ggreatlakesloons, 2 years younger than the average player. Crawford started 24 games (1 relief), throwing 135 innings with 4.60 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. 97/47 K/BB ratio.

Crawford has a funky delivery for Nicaragua in which he faces forward with left foot facing 1B, then moves into a stretch-like position with right foot closer to 1B, then fires. Throwing a SL with 2-8 movement with a lot of late tail in the high 70s, a CH with late 12-6 break at 73/74, and a fastball he has only thrown a couple times.

Below is a link to our preview of last’s night’s Nicaragua game, with more information on its players.

Lineups de Honduras 🇭🇳

1. Kevin Reyes CF
2. Francisco Cardona C
3. Lombardo Padilla SS
4. Luís Matamoros 3B
5. Walter Aguilar LF
6. Jorge Zavala 3B
7. Carlos Cordero DH
8. Moisés Mena RF
9. Manuel López 2B
Luís Salinas P

— BEISBOLNIC (@BeisbolNic) December 15, 2017

There are two former professionals in the lineup for Honduras. Jorge Zavala is playing IF, but pitched successfully for 4 years in the Braves’ system (2.84 ERA, 1.27 WHIP in 152.1 IP w 163 K as a reliever). Luis Matamoros (‘Bull-fighter’!), also listed at 3B, also pitched, but for McAllen in the #NABL in 2011. Had a 4.12 ERA, 1.32 WHIP in 39.1 IP with 30/10 K/BB ratio. To sum up, Honduras does not have anyone playing with professional experience at his position.

Numerous players were on this year’s Under-23 Pan-American Championship, including Reyes, Zavala, Cordero, and Salinas. Zavala and Matamoros played for the Honduras team in 2012 that finished 7th out of 15 in the Under-15 World Cup.

Watch the game live (link) and check out our previous articles on the Central American Games:

Central American Games Standings: Day 2 (link)
Central American Games: Nicaragua vs Guatemala Preview (link)