Cano And Hjelle Each Blast Two-Run Homers Against Mumbai To End Mid East's Losing Streak

DUBAI, UAE (December 2, 2025) – Gregory Canó hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, while Jake Hjelle repeated the dose in the ninth, while Manato Tanai went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and one RBI, securing a big win for the Mid East Falcons. After the 7-3 victory over the Mumbai Cobras, the Falcons are just percentage points behind first place.

Tanai, one of the two Yokohama Baystars prospects, hit a solo home run in the fourth inning; Hjelle went 2-for-5 with one run scored and three RBIs; and Canó went 1-for-4 with a HR and two RBI’s; all three led an outstanding offensive performance for Mid East.

Mid East pitching staff had a solid night on the mound as well, highlighted by starter Kazuki Yabuta (4.0 IP 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO). Shuto Sakurai picked up the win after a solid 2.0 IP relief with one hit and five strikeouts after scoring a Fire Ball with the bases loaded in the fifth inning.

Shingo Hirata (1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 SO), Kodai Hamaya (0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER), and Severino González, who earned the save (1.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO) completed the pitching line for the Falcons.

The Falcons ended a two-game losing streak, and took sole possession of second place in the Baseball United Season One standings (3-2).

Other highlights:

• Karan Patel took the loss after 4.0 IP (6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO, 1 HR); Brandon Kaminer (1.0 IP, O ER, 2 SO, 1HR); Nyan Hernández (3.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO, 1HR) and Saurabh Gaikwad (1.0 1 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO, 1 HR) .
• Brantley Bell (2-for-5), and Karim Ayubi (2-for-4) stand out in the Mumbai offense.
• Bell reached 14 total hits, to remain the absolute leader in this category.