Winter Leagues Playoffs 2021-2022: Caguas and Carolina Take Game Three in LBPRC Semifinals

From the desk: FANÁTICO del BÉISBOL de INVIERNO

! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO !

LIGA PROFESIONAL de BEISBOL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

• TWITTER: LBPRC

SEMIFINAL - I

Cangrejeros de Santurce (1-2) @ Criollos de Caguas (2-1)

Both teams pick up where they left off in Game Two by absolutely stymying each other at the plate.  Caguas shortstop Edwin Diaz leads off the fourth with a single and with two outs scores from second base on Jancarlos Cintron's two-out single to left for the game's only run.  Santurce starter Luis Cruz suffers the hard-luck loss, allowing just one earned run on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched.  Caguas right-hander Yordi Cabrera allows no runs on five hits and one walk with six strikeouts over six innings for the win.  The bullpen yields no hits and strikes out two over three innings.  Right-hander Ricardo Gomez earns the save.

• GAME THREE FINAL: Santurce 0; Caguas 1
• BOXSCORE Jan. 9
  

Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales

Caguas, Puerto Rico

SEMIFINAL - II

Gigantes de Carolina (1-2) @ Indios de Mayaguez (2-1)

Los Gigantes de Carolina earns their first victory of the series.  They open the first inning with a three-run burst and add a run in the second.  Afterwhich, it's a matter of holding on.  Mayaguez gets on the board in the fifth, and the teams then traded runs in the sixth.  Los Indios rally again in the ninth but are held to one run by Francisco Lopez-Soto, who earns the save.  Carolina starter Oddy Nunez allows one run on seven hits and no walks with four strikeouts over five innings for the win.  Mayaguez starter Robby Rowland is knocked out of the box, allowing three runs on four hits in his first and only inning of work.  Los Gigantes leadoff hitter Bryan Torres goes 4 for 5 with a run batted in, and right fielder Anthony Garcia goes 2 for 4 with two runs batted in.

• GAME THREE FINAL: Carolina 5; Mayaguez 3
• BOXSCORE Jan 9.
  

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2021-2022: Santurce Wins in 17th Inning; Mayaguez Takes 2-0 Lead in LBPRC Semifinals

From the desk: FANÁTICO del BÉISBOL de INVIERNO

! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO !

LIGA PROFESIONAL de BEISBOL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

• TWITTER: LBPRC

SEMIFINAL - I

Criollos de Caguas (1-1) @ Cangrejeros de Santurce (1-1)

Game Two at Hiram Bithorn Stadium is a tale of attrition.  Right-hander Nivaldo Rodriguez climbs the hill for Caguas and is opposed by Hector Hernandez for Santurce.  Both starters walk off with no decisions as Rodriguez holds Los Cangrejeros to no runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts over 5.2 innings pitched, while Hernandez yields no runs on just four hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts through five complete.  Afterwhich, the respective bullpens take over, and the score remains unchanged for the next eleven innings.  Eight Santurce relief pitchers join in limiting Los Criollos to just a pair of hits and three walks through the top of the 17th inning.  Having entered the game back in the 13th inning, Criollos right-hander Alex FaGalde climbs the bump in the home half of the 17th for his fourth inning of relief.  Leading off the frame, first baseman Christian Vasquez and third baseman Ivan DeJesus Jr. wield consecutive singles.  After a successful sacrifice bunt advances the runners one base,  Alex FaGalde walks Alexis Torres, loading the bases.  Still with one out, FaGalde hits Santurce's right fielder Jan Hernandez with a pitch forcing home the winning run.

• GAME TWO FINAL: Caguas 0; Santurce 1  17-inn
• BOXSCORE Jan. 8

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

SEMIFINAL - II

Indios de Mayaguez (2-0) @ Gigantes de Carolina (0-2)

Game Two is played at Estadio Roberto Clemente Walker, where Mayaguez and host Carolina battle to a three-all tie through the fifth.  Los Gigantes post single runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings, highlighted by catcher Brian Navarreto's two-out home run in the home fourth.  Los Indios group together all three runs in the top half of the fourth - center fielder Chavez Young drives in a run, and shortstop Jeremy Rivera drives home two.  Not yet done, Mayaguez erupts for another four runs in the sixth inning, highlighted by third baseman Emmanuel Rivera's two-run triple en route to a 7-3 lead and the final margin of victory.  Los Indios starter Eric Stout escapes with a no-decision after allowing two runs on four hits and two walks in four innings pitched.  Meanwhile, the bullpen limits Carolina to one run on three hits and no walks over the final five frames.  Right-hander Dereck Rodriguez earns the win, and Ruben Ramirez takes the loss after a disastrous sixth inning.

• GAME TWO FINAL: Mayaguez 7; Carolina 3
• BOXSCORE Jan. 8
  

Estadio Roberto Clemente Walker

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2021-2022: Caguas and Mayaguez Win LBPRC Semifinal Opening Games

From the desk: FANÁTICO del BÉISBOL de INVIERNO

! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO !

LIGA PROFESIONAL de BEISBOL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

• TWITTER: LBPRC

SEMIFINAL - I

Cangrejeros de Santurce (0-1) @ Criollos de Caguas (1-0)

Caguas opens their semifinal series in commanding fashion at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan.  After jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first, Los Criollos erupt for four more runs in the second.  Santurce starter Adalberto Flores is knocked out of the box upon yielding five earned runs on six hits and two walks in just 1.1 innings pitched.  Caguas mounts another four-run rally in the fifth against Santurce relievers Osvaldo Berrios and Luis Atilano. Criollos' designated hitter Roby Enriquez finishes 3 for 4 with a double, one RBI, and two runs scored, while right fielder Engel Beltre and second baseman Vimael Machin drive in three runs each.  On the mound, Caguas starter Mitch Lively allows just two hits and five walks with two strikeouts over five scoreless innings for the win.  Right-hander Ricardo Velez and Raul Rivera follow with four scoreless innings of no-hit ball to complete the shutout. 

• FINAL: Santurce 0; Caguas 9
• BOXSCORE Jan. 7

SEMIFINAL - II

Gigantes de Carolina (0-1) @ Indios de Mayaguez (1-0)

Carolina takes an early a 1-0 lead in the second.  Afterwhich, Los Indios de Mayaguez unleash a six frame long offensive with pairs of runs in the third and fourth innings, single runs in the fifth and sixth, a big four-run seventh, and conclude with two runs in the eighth en route to a 12-4 final margin of victory.  Designated hitter Blaine Crim leads the charge with three runs batted in; leadoff hitter Brett Rodriguez, former New York Met T.J. Rivera, and center fielder Chavez Young each drive home two runs.  Starter 

Daryl Thompson allows just one run on three hits and one walk over five innings for the win.  Los Gigantes rally for three runs in the ninth against reliever Bryant Salgado, but Mayaguez right-hander 

Danny Dopico ends the threat.  Carolina right-hander Jose Espada takes the loss.

• FINAL: Carolina 4; Mayaguez 12
• BOXSCORE Jan. 7

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2021-2022: Mayaguez Rises To Top of LBPRC; Jalisco and Culiacan Open LMP Semifinals With Wins

From the desk: FANÁTICO del BÉISBOL de INVIERNO

! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO !

LIGA PROFESIONAL de BEISBOL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

• TWITTER: LBPRC

On Monday, Jan. 3, Los Indios de Mayaguez defeated Los Criollos de Caguas by a 4-2 margin to once and for all settle this season's regular-season final standings - BOXSCORE.   On Friday, Jan. 7, the semifinal round commences with top-seeded Mayaguez taking on fourth-seeded Los Gigantes de Carolina while Caguas will be pitted against third-place Los Cangrejeros de Santurce.

1. Indios de Mayaguez (21-10)
2. Criollos de Caguas (20-12)
3. Cangrejeros de Santurce (17-15)
4. Gigantes de Carolina (13-18)

 LIGA MEXICANO del PACIFICO

• TWITTER: LMP

SEMIFINAL - I

Sultanes de Monterrey @ Charros de Jalisco 

Los Sultanes seize a 4-0 lead as Charros southpaw Orlando Lara fails to make it out the fourth inning.  With two outs, Lara is relieved by right-hander Jaime Lugo but not before Monterrey's Carlos Figueroa

and third baseman Ricardo Serrano drive home two runs apiece.  However, Los Sultanes' lead does not last.  Los Charros tie the score in the fifth on a pair of runs batted in by Amadeo Zazueta and a two-run home run by designated hitter Christian Villanueva against Sultanes starter Christian Castillo and reliever Linder Castro.  Jalisco strikes again in the sixth, with second baseman Messael Rivera doubling home the go-ahead run.  They add to their lead with two more runs in the seventh.  Christian Villanueva drives home his third run this game, and Dariel Alvarez's base hit gives Jalisco a 7-4 lead.  The score remains unchanged through the ninth.  Right-hander Alexandro Tovalin wins in relief with 1.2 innings of one-hit ball with three strikeouts. 

BOXSCORE

SEMIFINAL - II

Tomateros de Culiacan @ Algodoneros de Guasave

With southpaw Manny Banuelos starting for Culiacan, Los Algodoneros de Guasave jump out to an early first-inning lead on Ramon Rios' leadoff double and shortstop Esteban Quiroz's home run.  Facing Guasave right-hander Geno Encina, Los Tomateros score single runs in the third and fourth innings driven in by second baseman Ramiro Pena and third baseman Emmanuel Avila respectively.  Both starters pitched scoreless fifth and sixth innings.  Pinch-hitting in the top of the seventh, Jesus Fabela triples home the go-ahead run against Guasave reliever Rafael Cordova.  Ramiro Pena then drives home, Fabela, from third for a 4-2 Tomateros lead.  After Banuelos initially allows two first-inning runs, he keeps Guasave scoreless over his final five innings of work for the win.  Culiacan's bullpen hurls three scoreless innings of one-hit ball.  Southpaw Alberto Baldonado earns the save.  BOXSCORE

Winter Leagues Baseball Playoff Preview 2021-2022

From the desk: FANÁTICO del BÉISBOL de INVIERNO

! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO !

LIGA PROFESIONAL de BEISBOL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

• TWITTER: LBPRC

The regular season winds down on Tuesday, Jan. 4, with Los Criollos de Caguas and Los Indios de Mayaguez still locked in a pitched battle for first place.  The third-place Cangrejeros de Santurce and fourth place Gigantes de Carolina round out the semifinals.  The RA12 squad is eliminated.

• Criollos de Caguas
• Indios de Mayaguez
• Cangrejeros de Santurce
• Gigantes de Carolina

   LIGA VENEZULANA BEISBOL PROFESIONAL

• TWITTER: LVBP

The league's top five teams of the field of eight advances to the round-robin semifinals now five games in.  Los Navegantes de Magallanes clinched the regular-season championship by four games over Los Cardinales de Lara.  The round-robin series runs from Dec. 27 through Jan. 16, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals.

• Navegantes de Magallanes
• Cardenales de Lara
• Caribes de Anzoategui
• Tigres de Aragua
• Leones de Caracas

   LIGA de BEISBOL REPUBLICA DOMINICANA

• TWITTER: LIDOM

LIDOM's round-robin series runs from Dec. 27 through Jan. 17 with ten games down and 26 more contests to go.  The top four teams of the six-team field advance.  In a hotly contested race, Los Gigantes del Cibao clinched the regular season flag by one game over Los Estrellas Orientales.  Los Tigres del Licey finished two games back, and Los Aguilas Cibeanas finished three back.

• Gigantes del Cibao
• Estrellas Orientales
• Tigres de Licey
• Aguilas Cibaenas

   LIGA MEXICANO del PACIFICO

• TWITTER: LMP

Round One of the LMP playoffs is complete.  Los Naranjeros de Hermosillo and Los Mayos de Navojoa have been eliminated.  The remaining four teams advance to the semifinals, which commence Tuesday, Jan. 4, with Los Tomateros de Culiacan facing off against Los Algodoneros de Guasave and Los Charros de Jalisco pitted against Los Sultanes de Monterrey. 

• Tomateros de Culiacan
• Algodoneros de Guasave
• Charros de Jalisco
• Sultanes de Monterrey

Serie del Caribe 2021: Los Aguilas Cibaeñas Capture Caribbean Series Championship

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

CARIBBEAN SERIES FINAL

FEB. 6, 2021

⚾

Criollos de Caguas  vs.  Aguilas Cibaeñas

(5-2) PUERTO RICO                 1

(7-0) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  4

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/6/21 - The battle to be crowned Caribbean Series champion features Puerto Rico southpaw Hector Hernandez who is opposed by right-hander Cesar Valdez for the Dominican Republic.  A double from shortstop  Ramon Torres leading off the first accounts for the only hit through the game's first four innings.  In the top of the fifth, designated hitter Juan Centeno singles for Los Criollos' first hit.  Centeno advances on a wild pitch, then scores on center fielder Jarren Duran's two-out hit through the right side.  But the lead does not last long.  With two outs in the bottom of the frame, third baseman  Johan Camargo ties the game at one with a home run to left.  Right-hander Luis Castillo relieves Cesar Valdez in the sixth.  Right-hander Anthony Maldonado likewise enters the game for Caguas.  Leading-off, Ramon Torres greets Maldonado with a single.  Center fielder Juan Lagares follows with a double scoring Torres all the way from first.  First baseman Ronald Guzman then singles driving home Lagares for a 3-1 Cibaeñas lead.  After hitting left fielder Junior Lake with a pitch, Maldonado is relieved by  Zach Muckenhirn, who strikes out Jonathan Villar swinging.  With one out in the bottom of the eighth, Ronald Guzman homers off reliever Fernando Cruz giving Los Aguilas a 4-1 lead.  Right-hander Jumbo Diaz retires Caguas to close out the victory and earn the save in order in the top of the ninth.  Luis Castillo earns the win.  Anthony Maldonado takes the loss.

AGUILAS CIBAEÑAS

⚾  CAMPEONES SERIE DEL CARIBE  ⚾

2020-2021

The Dominican Republic wins back-to-back titles and their tournament-leading 21st Caribbean championship overall.  Los Aguilas Cibaeñas now ranks second all-time with their sixth ever Caribbean title.  This is the second time (1998) Cibaeñas has gone on an undefeated run.  Only 13 teams have gone on undefeated runs in the 63-year history of the tournament.

Serie del Caribe 2021 Semifinals: Puerto Rico Outlasts Mexico to Advance Into Serie Finale

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

SEMIFINALS

FEB. 5, 2021

• Serie del Caribe 2021 Tournament Preview
• DAY ONE
• DAY TWO
• DAY THREE
• DAY FOUR
• DAY FIVE

⚾

Tomateros de Culiacan vs. Criollos de Caguas

(3-3) MEXICO             1

(5-1) PUERTO RICO  2

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/5/21 - After three scoreless innings, Mexico strikes in the fourth.  Left fielder Joey Meneses singles home second baseman Ramiro Pena with the first run of the game.  Caguas first baseman Jonathan Morales singles with one out in the bottom half of the frame.  Left fielder Rey Fuentes follows with a home to right off Culiacan starter Manny Barreda for a 2-0 Criollos lead.  Both starting pitchers are out of the game after five.  Barreda allows two runs on four hits and three walks with three strikeouts.  Criollos starter Luis Medina exits on the winning side after yielding just one run on two hits and two walks with four strikeouts.  The respective bullpens reengage in a pitcher's duel on through the eighth.  Caguas reliever Rayan Gonzalez returns to the hill for his second inning of work with the game on the line.  Mexico goes down in order.  Los Criollos bullpen accounts for four scoreless innings of one-hit ball.  Luis Medina gets the win; Rayan Gonzalez earns his first save.  Puerto Rico will next face the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series championship game.

• Semifinal: Dominican Republic vs. Panama

Serie Del Caribe 2021: Day Five Recaps

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

DAY FIVE

Feb. 4, 2021

• Serie del Caribe 2021 Tournament Preview
• DAY ONE
• DAY TWO
• DAY THREE
• DAY FOUR
  

⚾

Federales de Chiriqui  vs.  Criollos de Caguas

(2-3) PANAMA              8

(4-1) PUERTO RICO    9

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/4/21 - Panama immediately puts up five runs in the first.  Shortstop Jonathan Arauz leads off the game with a double to right and scores on a David Rodriguez base hit to center.  Chiriqui loads the bases, and starter Jason Garcia walks in a run.  First baseman Carlos Quiroz then singles to drive home two, and with two outs, right fielder Rodrigo Orozco singles and drives home another.  In the bottom of the first, center fielder Jarren Duran leads-off against Panama starter Harold Arauz with a home run to right.  Caguas shortstop Jeremy Rivera drives in a run in the second.  Los Criollos then string together four consecutive hits in the third en route to three runs and a tie game; Harold Arauz is knocked out of the game without recording an out.  Caguas takes the lead in the sixth when Jarren Duran scores on a sac-fly from second baseman Vimael Machin, making it a 6-5 game.  Undeterred, David Rodriguez singles leading off the top of the fifth and comes around to score on a double-play, tying the game at six.  Puerto Rico reestablishes the lead in the bottom of the frame.  First baseman Jonathan Morales hits a lead-off double and scored on Juan Centeno's hit to center.  With the bases loaded and one out, right fielder Henry Ramos singles to center, driving in two runs for a 9-6 Puerto Rico lead.  But they have trouble closing out the game.  Reliever Joshua Torres starts the ninth, but after yielding four hits and hitting a batter, he is yanked in favor of Fernando Cruz, who secures the last two outs on a pop-up and a strikeout, but not before Panama scores two runs and puts a good scare into fans of Puerto Rico.  Giovanni Soto earns the victory with two innings pitched in relief.  Fernando Cruz earns his third save of the tournament.  

⚾

Caimanes de Barranquilla  vs.  Aguilas Cibaeñas

(0-5) COLOMBIA                          2

(5-0) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC     2

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/4/21  Still seeking their first-ever Caribbean Series victory, Colombia takes a 2-0 lead in the fourth on runs batted in from third baseman Jordan Diaz and Dilson Herrera.  Barranquilla pitching is once again stellar.  Starter Edison Frias limits Los Aguilas to just four hits over five scoreless innings pitched.  However, the bullpen cannot hold Cibaeñas at bay.  Third baseman Johan Camargo singled home a run in the sixth, and right fielder Melky Cabrera doubles home a run in the seventh, tying the game at two.  Colombia starter Yunesky Maya exits to a no-decision after allowing two runs on five hits and no walks with five strikeouts through six innings pitched.  The game remains knotted through eight.  Colombia threatens in the top of the ninth with runners on the corners but strands them both.  Aguilas shortstop  Ramon Torres draws a walk leading off the bottom of the ninth, then steals second.  Robinson Cano is intentionally walked, followed by a pitching change.  Luis de Avila retires Melky Cabrera but then balks both runners forward one base.  With two runners now in scoring position, first baseman  Rangel Ravelo punches a hit through the left side, scoring Ramon Torres.  Colombia remains in search of its first-ever Caribbean Series victory.  Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic stays undefeated, heading into the semifinal round.  Right-hander Lisalverto Bonilla earns the win.

⚾

Caribes de Anzoátegui  vs.  Tomateros de Culiacan

(1-4) VENEZUELA  3

(3-2) MEXICO          4

FINAL/10inn

BOXSCORE 2/4/21 - Venezuela starts strong, but it's Mexico who proves more resilient.  Right fielder Danry Vasquez homers to open the scoring in the third.  They add two more runs in the fifth; catcher Jose Sucre scores on a fielder's choice and second baseman Ali Castillo drives in a run with a single to center, giving Los Caribes a 3-0 lead.  Starter Logan Darnell strikes out the side in the bottom half of the fifth.  Anzoátegui pitching continues holding sway through the seventh.  Mexico finally breaks through in the eighth.  With two outs and two runners on base, back to back doubles from right fielder Sebastian Elizalde and third baseman Joey Meneses tie the game at three.  After a scoreless ninth, into extra-innings, they go at Estadio Teodoro Mariscal.  With two outs in the tenth, Tomateros third baseman Juan Carlos Gamboa singles home the winning run.  Starter Edgar Arredondo scapes with a no-decision after yielding three runs on six hits and one walk with three strikeouts over 4.2 innings pitched.  Mexico's bullpen allows just two hits and no runs with three strikeouts over the final 5.1 innings.  Carlos Torres earns the victory in relief.  Los Tomateros de Culiacan advance to the semifinal round.

⚾

FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS

1. Dominican Republic   5-0
2. Puerto Rico                 4-1
3. Mexico                         3-2
4. Panama                        2-3
5. Venezuela                     1-4
6. Colombia                      0-5

Serie del Caribe 2021: Day Four Recaps

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

DAY FOUR

Feb. 3, 2021

• Serie del Caribe 2021 Tournament Preview
• DAY ONE
• DAY TWO
• DAY THREE

⚾

Caribes de Anzoátegui  vs.  Aguilas Cibaeñas

(1-3) VENEZUELA                         0

(4-0) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC       2

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/3/21  Yet another pitching duel unfolds at Estadio Teodoro Mariscal in Mazatlan, Mexico.  Right-hander  Williams Perez toes the rubber for Anzoátegui and is opposed by southpaw Andy Otero for Cibaeñas.  The game remains scoreless through the sixth, with four hits for Venezuela and just one for the Dominican Republic.  But that changes in the seventh.  Left fielder Junior Lake leads off with a single, and third baseman Ramon Torres draws a walk.  After Lake steals third, second baseman Robel Garcia doubles both base runners home for a 2-0 Aguilas lead and the final margin of victory.  Fine pitching by Venezuela goes for not.  Williams Perez yields no runs on just two hits with six strikeouts through six innings pitched but does not figure in the decision.  Reliever Loiger Padron takes the loss.  Aguilas starter Andy Otero allows no runs on five hits and one walk with three strikeouts over 5.1 innings, but he too does not figure in the decision.  Southpaw Dario Alvarez earns the victory in relief.  Fernando Abad preserves the shutout and earns the save.  Five Dominican Republic pitchers limit Venezuela to just six hits.  Los Aguilas remain undefeated in the tournament.  The only question remaining is who they will face in the semifinal.

⚾

Caimanes de Barranquilla  vs.  Criollos de Caguas

(0-4) COLOMBIA           1

(3-1) PUERTO RICO      2

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/3/21 - Los Caimanes and Criollos exchange runs early in the game.  In the second inning, Colombia third baseman Jordan Diaz doubles home Dilson Herrera, and Yadier Molina singles home the tying run in the third.  Otherwise, pitching once again rules the day.  The teams remain knotted through the eighth, and into the ninth inning, they go.  Criollos reliever Fernando Cruz retires Los Caimanes in order, striking out the last two batters.  Right-hander Cody Mincey enters the game for Colombia.  After striking out third baseman Jose Miranda, Mincey loses the Midas touch.  A double by Johneshwy Fargas and two intentional walks loaded the bases for catcher Jonathan Morales.  Mincey hurls a breaking pitch in the dirt after breaking pitch in the dirt.  The count runs full.  But Mincey refuses to offer a fastball, unleashing yet another breaking ball.  Morales stays disciplined and takes ball four.  Johneshwy Fargas scores the winning run from third.  In another case of hard-luck pitching, five Colombia pitchers join in limiting Puerto Rico to a pair of runs on five hits and just three walks with ten strikeouts.  Criollos starter Tommy Romero yields just one run on three hits and two walks with six strikeouts through 5.1 innings but does not figure in the decision.  Three relievers join in limiting Colombia to no runs on no hits and no walks with four strikeouts over the final 3.2 innings.  Fernando Cruz is credited with the victory.  Caguas assures themselves a spot in the semifinals.

⚾

Tomateros de Culiacan  vs.  Federales de Chiriqui

(2-2) MEXICO     6

(2-2) PANAMA    3

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/3/21 - Panama opens the scoring but it's Mexico who strikes the mighty blow.  Chiriqui catcher David Rodriguez leads off the top of the second with a double and comes around to score on a double-play.  Panama starter Luis Machuca is relieved after walking two batters in the top of the fourth.  Reliever Walter Silva intentionally walks Victor Mendoza to load the bases.  Catcher Julian Leon then follows with a grand slam home run to left.  Los Federales get one back in the bottom of the sixth on a lead-off home run by center fielder Jhonny Santos.  But Culiacan puts the game out of reach with a run in the seventh and another in the eighth en route to a very important 6-3 victory.  Tomateros southpaw Anthony Vasquez is the victor, allowing two runs, just one earned, on four hits and no walks with three strikeouts through seven innings.  Alberto Baldonado earns the save.

Serie Del Caribe 2021: Puerto Rico Triumphs Over Mexico

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO 

DAY THREE

Feb. 2, 2021

• Serie del Caribe 2021 Tournament Preview
• DAY ONE
• DAY TWO

⚾

Criollos de Caguas  vs.  Tomateros de Culiacan

(2-1) PUERTO RICO   6

(1-2) MEXICO              4

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/2/21 - Puerto Rico achieves their second victory in the tournament.   Los Criollos jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the second on a two-run home run from shortstop Edwin Diaz.  But the lead is short-lived.  Los Tomateros tie the score in the bottom of the second.  With two outs, shortstop  Juan Carlos Gamboa and center fielder Jesus Fabela each drive in a run apiece.  Caguas then pulls away with three runs in the fifth.  Center fielder Jarren Duran tripled home a run and scored on a hit from second baseman Vimael Machin.  Behind the plate again, Yadier Molina scores on a sacrifice fly by left fielder Rey Fuentes.  Left fielder Henry Ramos knocks in Puerto Rico's sixth run with a two-out hit in the sixth.  Mexico plates two in the bottom of the seventh on a double by center fielder Jesus Fabela and a hit by right fielder Sebastian Elizalde but would score no more.  Criollos starter Hector Santiago allows four runs, but only two earned, on seven hits and one walks with five strikeouts over 6.1 innings for the victory.  Reliever Fernando Cruz pitches a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts for his second save of the tourney.  

DAY THREE:

• Dominican Republic defeats Panama
• Venezuela defeats Colombia

Serie Del Caribe 2021: Day Two Results

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

DAY TWO

February 1, 2021

 

• Serie del Caribe 2021 Tournament Preview
• DAY ONE

⚾

Federales de Chiriqui  vs.  Caimanes de Baranquilla

(2-0) PANAMA         9

(0-2) COLOMBIA     5

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/1/21 - Reminiscent of 2019, Panama enters the Serie del Caribe like a wrecking ball.  Los Federales de Chiriqui are now 2-0 after Monday's victory over Colombia.  With a seven-run outburst in the third and two more runs in the ninth, Panama offers no quarter.  Try as they might, Los Caimanes rallied for four runs in the sixth but fall by a 9-5 final score.  Leading the attack is shortstop Jonathan Arauz with three hits and two runs batted in.  Designated hitter David Rodriguez doubles in three times at bat with three runs batted in.  Right fielder Willy Garcia and first baseman Carlos Quiroz each drive in a run apiece.  Caimanes designated hitter Jordan Diaz goes 3 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in.  Panama starter Manuel Campos opens the game with three scoreless innings allowing just one hit and a walk with two strikeouts.  Southpaw Davis Romero earns the victory in relief, pitching the final three innings with five strikeouts.  Colombia's bullpen limits Panama to a pair of runs on three hits with nine strikeouts over the final 6.1 innings, but the damage was already done.  Playing in their second straight tournament, Colombia is still seeking their first-ever victory in Caribbean Series play.

⚾

Caribes de Anzoátegui  vs.  Criollos de Caguas

(0-2) VENEZUELA        0

(1-1) PUERTO RICO     3

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/1/21 - With Yadier Molina starting his first Winter game behind the plate, Puerto Rico southpaw Hector Hernandez toes the rubber opposed by Raul Rivero for Venezuela.  Caguas opens the scoring in the bottom of the third on a run batted in by left fielder Henry Rodriguez.  Hector Hernandez's work is done after five, allowing no runs on just two hits and four walks with five strikeouts.  He exits on the winning side of a one-run game.  Afterwhich, Caguas center fielder Jarred Duran draws a walk leading off the bottom half of the sixth, then with one out steals second.  Yadier Molina follows, giving Puerto Rico much needed insurance with a home run to left against Raul Rivero for a 3-0 lead.  Right-hander Anthony Maldonado yields no hits in a scoreless sixth.  Southpaw Zach Muckenhirn hurls a scoreless seventh with three strikeouts, and Rayan Gonzalez tosses a scoreless eighth.  Fernando Cruz throws a scoreless ninth inning for the save.  Jarred Duran ends the game with a fine running catch in the center/left gap.  Five Caguas pitchers, received by Yadier Molina, join together to hurl a gem.  Together they limit Venezuela to just two hits and six walks with eleven strikeouts.  The bullpen accounts for no runs and no hits with six strikeouts; Hector Hernandez earns a well-deserved win.  Molina set the tone right away with a strike 'em out/throw 'em out double-play in the first inning, nailing Ali Castillo's attempted steal of second.

⚾

Aguilas Cibaeñas  vs.  Tomateros de Culiacan

(2-0) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   4

(1-1) MEXICO                             1

FINAL

 

BOXSCORE 2/1/21 - In the battle of the undefeated, Cesar Valdez climbs the hill for Cibaeñas and is opposed by Culiacan right-hander Hector Velazquez.  In the third inning, Aguilas first baseman Ronald Guzman drives home Melky Cabrera for the game's first run.  Valdez faces just two over the minimum through four complete.  In the top of the fifth, Hector Velazquez issues a two-out walk to Juan Lagares, and off to the showers he goes.  Southpaw Arturo Lopez is brought into the game to face lefty-swinging Robinson Cano, who grounds out, second to first.  Designated hitter Jesse Castillo with one out in the bottom half of the fifth lines a single to right, only the second hit of the game for Mexico.  Tomateros batters struck out to end the first, third, fourth, and fifth innings.  With two outs in the top of the sixth and Ronald Guzman on first, Aguilas left fielder Junior Lake launches a double over the head of center fielder Jose Cardona giving the Dominican Republic a 2-0 lead.  Cesar Valdez sets down Los Tomateros in order in the bottom of the sixth.  Los Aguilas strike for another clutch two-out hit in the seventh, a home run to right from Juan Lagares, who continues having an extraordinary Winter post-season.  Mexico strikes out again to end the eighth.  The Dominican Republic scores in the top of the ninth for good measure; shortstop Jonathan Villar doubles and scored on Melky Cabrera's hit to left for a 4-0 Cibaeñas lead.  With two outs and runners on first and second in the bottom of the frame, Mexico ruins the shutout against  Fernando Abad on runs batted in from Jesse Castillo and catcher Julian Leon making it a 4-2 deficit for Los Tomateros.  Jhan Marinez is called upon to secure the final out for the save.  Starter Cesar Valdez throws six scoreless innings on just two hits and six strikeouts for the victory.