If you were looking for a Major League Baseball score from last night, you probably noticed the silence. It’s mid-January. The lights at Yankee Stadium and Dodger Stadium are dark, the grass is dormant, and we’re still a few agonizing weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training. But "baseball" doesn't just stop because the North American winter set in.
Honestly, if you want to know who won baseball game last night, you have to look south. Far south.
The real action is happening in the winter leagues—the LIDOM in the Dominican Republic, the LBPRC in Puerto Rico, and the ABL down in Australia. Last night, January 17, 2026, provided some massive movement in these leagues as teams claw toward the 2026 Caribbean Series in Guadalajara.
The Big One: Cangrejeros de Santurce on the Brink
In Puerto Rico, the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC) is reaching its boiling point. Last night, the Cangrejeros de Santurce took a commanding lead in the championship series. They beat the Leones de Ponce with a final score of 8-4.
This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Santurce is now just one victory away from representing Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Series.
The game was a scoreless stalemate until the sixth inning. That’s when things got messy for Ponce. Yohandy Morales doubled, Nelson Velazquez drove him in, and the floodgates basically stayed open from there. Santurce’s offense exploded for six runs in the seventh inning alone. Brian Navarreto was the hero of that frame, clearing the bases with a double that put the game out of reach.
📖 Related: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
Ponce tried to claw back. They’re a scrappy team, but they went 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position. You can’t win championships like that. Robert Gsellman shut the door in the ninth, and now Ponce is staring down the barrel of elimination.
Trouble in the LIDOM: Protests and Cancellations
Over in the Dominican Republic, things got a little... weird.
The game between the Águilas Cibaeñas and the Toros del Este was actually cancelled. Why? A rule violation protest. In the LIDOM, the drama off the field is often just as intense as the drama on the mound.
However, the Toros del Este did manage to secure a critical win against the Giants earlier in the weekend, keeping them firmly in the hunt for the Final Series. The Dominican league is widely considered the highest level of winter ball, and the stakes right now are sky-high. If you’re tracking who won baseball game last night in the DR, keep an eye on the standings—they are shifting every single hour based on these protests and tight finishes.
Australian Baseball League: Season Wraps Up
While we were sleeping in the States, the Australian Baseball League (ABL) was finishing its regular season.
👉 See also: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
The Brisbane Bandits finished their season on a high note with a win, while the Perth Heat grabbed two crucial victories against Adelaide. This sets the stage for the ABL Championship Series, which is scheduled to start on January 23.
Perth has been a juggernaut lately. If you’re looking for high-quality ball during the MLB offseason, the Heat are basically the team to beat right now.
Why These Games Actually Matter for MLB Fans
You might think winter ball is just a bunch of guys staying in shape. You’d be wrong.
These games are where the next "undiscovered" stars make their mark. Scouts are everywhere in the Caribbean right now. We saw it with guys like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr.—they used these winter reps to refine their plate discipline and defensive footwork.
Plus, the environment is electric. A January game in Ponce or Santo Domingo has more atmosphere than a standard MLB game in mid-July. The fans are louder, the stakes are more immediate, and the "winner-takes-all" pressure of the Caribbean Series qualification is real.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
Common Misconceptions About Winter Baseball
A lot of people think these leagues are "minor league" level. That's a mistake. While the rosters aren't 100% MLB talent, you’re seeing a mix of:
- Top-tier prospects (the guys about to break into the Top 100).
- Veteran "AAAA" players who are too good for Triple-A but looking for a roster spot.
- Local legends who play for the pride of their country.
It’s a different brand of baseball. It’s faster, more emotional, and less focused on "launch angles" and more focused on just winning the damn game.
What to Watch Next
If you’re wondering who won baseball game last night because you’re itching for the MLB season, here is your roadmap for the next few weeks.
The LBPRC championship could end tonight if Santurce finishes the job. After that, all eyes turn to Guadalajara for the 2026 Caribbean Series. That is the pinnacle of winter ball. It’s a tournament that features the champions from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela, and several guest countries.
Next Steps for Baseball Fans:
- Follow the LIDOM standings: The race for the Final Series in the Dominican Republic is coming down to the wire.
- Check out the ABL Championship: Starting January 23, the Australian league enters its final stage.
- Mark March 5 on your calendar: That’s the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. If you think winter ball is intense, the WBC is going to be on another level entirely.
Baseball never really has an offseason if you know where to look. Keep an eye on the Caribbean—that’s where the real heat is right now.