Last year’s Del Caribe Series was dominated by the two teams from the Dominican Republic. They finished 1/2, with Mexico and Venezuela sharing the basement. This year the roles are reversed with Mexico and Venezuela doing battle for the top spot.

Venezuela came out on top, 5-3 with Raul Chavez and Selwyn Langaigne combining for six hits in 10 at bats and driving in three runs. Venezuela used the bullpen again, trotting out five pitchers to get the win. Francisco Butto (Yankees) then pitched the ninth to get his fifth save of the series. Venezuela last won the series in 2006, with the Dominican Republic winning the last couple years. Puerto Rico last won in 2000.

Puerto Rico won’t go winless this year with a 3-0 win over crumbling Licey. Licey were the favorites to win the series, but when packing for Mexico someone forgot to bring the bats. Licey’s team batting average dropped to .199 with the loss. The Dominican Republic’s pitching staff ERA is also at the bottom, the 3.68 ERA more than one run from their closest pursuer Mexico.

Josue Matos walked six Dominican batters in five innings, but none of them scored as he gave up only two hits. Josh Rainwater (Tigers) came on to throw three innings of shutout ball, the second relief pitcher to appear. Ivan Maldanado came on in the ninth to retire the last two hitters and get the second save of the Series.

Puerto Rico got solo shots from Jesus Feliciano and Andy Gonzalez, with Jesus opening the game with a homerun. Luis Figueroa drove in the third run with an RBI single.

This article courtesy of the international baseball website – My World Of Baseball

Tags: Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela