SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic (AP) There was no relief for a manager in the Dominican winter baseball league who signaled for a relief pitcher when nobody was warming up.
Manager Pat Kelly, whose animated arguments with umpires have made for popular YouTube videos, was fired by Licey on Friday, a day after his gaffe in a game against big rival Aguilas.
Licey reliever Rafael Soriano took a 2-0 lead into the eighth inning before the former major league closer gave up two hits. Kelly went to the mound and called for a new pitcher, but no one was getting loose in the bullpen.
Leyson Septimo, who briefly pitched for the White Sox in 2012, entered and walked the only batter he faced. Aguilas went on to score five runs and won 5-2.
Licey has lost five straight in a round-robin tournament to determine which two teams play for the league championship.
The 61-year-old Kelly was a catcher for three games with Toronto in 1980. He has managed in the minors for more than 25 years, and guided Cincinnati’s Double-A Pensacola team last season.
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