DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Kansas City Royals top prospect Kila Ka’aihue blasted a two-run homer and added a run-scoring single to help the Escogido Leones halt the Licey Tigres’ win streak at four games with a 5-4 victory. Detroit Tigers farmhand Freddy Guzman collected a pair of hits and scored two runs, and Mets second baseman Argenis Reyes drilled a double, a single and scored a run.

Los Angeles Angels infielder Erick Aybar continued to torch opposing pitchers for the Tigres, going 3-for-5 with a pair of RBIs. Texas Rangers pitching prospect Dustin Nippert fanned five to raise his Dominican Winter League total to 21 — second in the league to Rangers product Joselo Diaz (28) of the Azucareros.

Aguilas 10, Gigantes 5
The Gigantes smacked five solo home runs, including back-to-back-to back shots in the top of the sixth inning by Kendry Morales, Brad Nelson of the Brewers and the Rangers Nelson Cruz, but were doubled up in the final tally as the Aguilas ran their winning streak to six.

The home run derby followed a six-run fifth by Cibaenas, who scored two of the runs when consecutive batters were beaned by pitches with the bases loaded. Morales also homered in the first and Reds prospect Juan Francisco went deep in the ninth for del Cibao. Former Major Leaguers Luis Terrero and Bernie Castro drove in two runs apiece for the Aguilas and six other players each had one RBI.

Cleveland Indians pitcher Scott Lewis (2-0) earned the win, surrendering three runs – all solo homers – on six hits and a walk that included seven strikeouts in 5 1/2 innings.

Azucareros 10, Estrellas 2
Florida Marlins prospect Manuel Mayorson went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, three RBIs and three runs scored as the Azucareros clobbered the Estrellas to end a four-game losing streak. Another Marlins Minor Leaguer, Tagg Bozied, went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and drove in three runs, while Brewers prospect Ozzie Chavez was 2-for-5 with two RBIs.

Minor League veteran Joe Bateman notched the win, giving up a hit and striking out one in two innings out of the bullpen.

Tags: Dominican Republic