Winter Leagues Playoffs 2021-2022: Round-Robin Recaps LVBP & LIDOM 1/5/22

From the desk: FANÁTICO del BÉISBOL de INVIERNO

! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO !

   

   LIGA VENEZULANA BEISBOL PROFESIONAL

• TWITTER: LVBP

ROUND-ROBIN: Cardenales de Lara (4-3) @ Tigres de Aragua (3-5)

Matters quickly go awry for Cardenales de Lara starter Raul Rivero who yielded five runs in the third inning highlighted by Los Tigres right fielder Jose Martinez's three-run home run.  Los Cardenales strike back with three runs in the fifth against Aragua starter Alexis Candelario and knock him from the box.  But Los Tigres add insurance runs in the home fifth on a two-run home run by left fielder Denis Phipps and add another in the sixth for an 8-3 lead.  Lara designated hitter, and a Mets familiar Ali Sanchez doubled home Los Tigres fourth run in the eighth.  Los Tigres threaten again in the top of the ninth with one run but no more.  Aragua left-hander Fabian Cota with two scoreless innings pitched, and two strikeouts earned the victory in relief while Lara's Raul Rivero took the loss.

• FINAL: Lara 5; Aragua 8
• BOXSCORE Jan. 5 

ROUND-ROBIN: Leones de Caracas (1-6) @ Caribes de Anzoategui (5-2)

Caracas opens the scoring with two runs on three hits in the top of the second, while their pitching keeps Anzoategui off the board through the third.  That is until the roof collapses upon Los Leones during the upcoming frames.  Los Caribes post three runs in the fourth and fifth innings, two in the sixth, and four more in the seventh for a commanding 12-3 lead.  First baseman Balbino Fuenmayor leads the bat attack with a two-run home run in the fourth, and a solo shot in the sixth, third baseman Niuman Romero hit a three-run blast in the fifth right fielder Victor Reyes drove in three runs.  Facing Caribes reliever Freddy Pacheco in the top of the ninth, Leones' catcher Alfredo Gonzalez greets him with a leadoff home run.  A walk, single, double, a run later, and so much for a clean, tidy finish.  Right-hander Lester Oliveros finally replaces Pacheco.  With one out, Romer Cuadrado doubles home two more runs cutting Los Leones' deficit to five.  At this point, Lester Oliveros exits with an injured hand, and right-hander Andres Sotillet enters the game and hits the first batter he faces with a pitch.  A base hit then loads the bases still with one out.  A lineout to second base keeps everyone in place.  Andres Sotillet strikes out Alfredo Gonzalez, swinging to finally bring this game to a harrowing end.

• FINAL: Caracas 7; Anzoategui 12
• BOXSCORE Jan. 5

IDLE: Navegantes de Magallanes (5-2)

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   LIGA de BEISBOL REPUBLICA DOMINICANA

• TWITTER: LIDOM

ROUND ROBIN: Gigantes del Cibao (6-2) @ Tigres de Licey (4-4)

Pitching rules the night, a duel in classic albeit collective form.  Left-hander Enny Romero starts for Los Gigantes and is opposed by Albert Abreu for Los Tigres.  After four scoreless frames, Cibao left fielder Marcell Ozuna opens the scoring with a home run.  Enny Romero yields just one hit and one walk with five strikeouts over five scoreless innings for the victory.  Four Cibao relievers join together for three scoreless innings.  Los Gigantes picks up a much-needed insurance run in the top of the ninth, albeit unearned.  But it would nonetheless prove decisive.  Los Tigres scraped together a run in the home ninth but nothing more.  Cibao right-hander Ryan Kussmaul managed the save.  Albert Abreu takes the hard-luck loss, allowing just one run on three hits with three strikeouts over 5.1 innings pitched.

• FINAL: Cibao 2; Licey 1
• BOXSCORE Jan. 5 

ROUND-ROBIN: Estrellas Orientales (3-5) @ Aguilas Cibaenas (3-5)

Only three of Los Estrellas' 14 total hits go for extra bases.  But after opening the scoring with a run in the third, they nevertheless erupt for seven runs in the sixth inning en route to an 8-3 victory over Los Aguilas.  Shortstop Gustavo Nunez accounted for three runs batted in.  Starter Rony Garcia allowed just two hits and three walks with two strikeouts over five scoreless innings for the win.  Cibaenas starter Marcos Diplan yielded one run on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts over five innings in a losing effort.  Los Aguilas' bullpen could not maintain, allowing six runs on seven hits and four walks with just one strikeout over the final four frames.

• FINAL: Orientales 8; Cibaenas 3
• BOXSCORE Jan. 5

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: Ninth Inning Rally Propels Dominican Republic 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
  

⚾

Federales de Chiriqui  vs.  Aguilas Cinaeñas

(2-3) PANAMA                            3

(5-0) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   4

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/5/21 - Right-hander Manuel Campos toes the rubber for Panama and is opposed by Carlos Martinez for Cibaeñas.  The two duel through five scoreless frames.  However, both are dispatched to the showers by the sixth.  Martinez hits a batter and walks two more to load the bases, but right-hander Luis Castillo enters the game to put out the fire.  Panama is not as fortunate.  Manuel Campos yields consecutive hits to Juan Lagares and Robinson Cano, followed by a double from first baseman Ronald Guzman which scores both runners.  But as the Fates would have it, Panama ties the game in the seventh.  Robinson Cano's error clears the way for two runs crossing the plate on a Rodrigo Orozco base hit to right.  Otherwise, the struggle for runs continues.  Facing Fernando Abad with one out in the top of the ninth, Federales designated hitter Belarmino Campos doubles, and center fielder  Jhonny Santos reaches on an infield hit to third.  Rodrigo Orozco then singles up the middle, scoring Campos.  Right-hander Wirfin Obispo ends the threat in relief of Abad but not before Panama takes a 3-2 lead.  Chiriqui reliever Walter Silva returns to the mound for his third inning of work.  With one out, Melky Cabrera singled, and pinch-runner Yefri Perez steals second.  Designated hitter Rangel Ravelo grounds out to third for out number two.  Afterwhich, Silva intentionally walks Johan Camargo, and an infield hit to short from Junior Lake loads the bases.  Panama makes no move to relieve Walter Silva.  With two outs, replacement catcher Carlos Paulino lines sharply back through the middle, scoring both the tying and the game-winning run.  A certain manager is sure to be questioned in the post-game presser.  The Dominican Republic remains undefeated and awaits the winner between Puerto Rico and Mexico.  Starter Carlos Martinez is stellar but comes away with a no-decision upon allowing no runs on just one hit and four walks with eight strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched.  Fernando Abad is let off the hook.  Wirfin Obispo earns the victory in relief.

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.

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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: Undefeated Cibaeñas Hand Chiriqui First Defeat

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

DAY THREE

Feb. 2, 2021

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

⚾

Aguilas Cibaeñas  vs.  Federales de Chiriqui

(3-0) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  11

(2-1) PANAMA                             6

FINAL

BOXSCORE 2/2/21 - In the battle of the undefeated, heads up base running gives Cibaeñas the early lead.  With one out, Los Aguilas load the bases.  Melky Cabrera lofts a pop-fly in foul territory behind third.  Juan Lagares smartly tags up and scores as third baseman Hector Gomez is out of position to make a throw home.  Los Federales get right back in the game when Jesus Lopez scores on an error by Cibaeñas second baseman Robel Garcia.  However, by the fourth, the roof begins caving in on Panama.  Two Chiriqui fielding errors in the fourth directly lead to three runs.  With the bases loaded in the fifth, catcher Francisco Pena doubles sending everybody home for a commanding 8-1 lead.  Still not through, Cibaeñas scores late.  Melky Cabrera doubles and drives home two in the eighth and another Chiriqui error this time by shortstop Jorge Bishop leads to one more run in the ninth.  Panama finally strings together several hits against reliever Michael Tonkin who walks in a run, then yields two more hits and two more runs.  Tonkin is relieved with two outs after allowing five hits and a walk.  Right fielder Willy Garcia greets new reliever Jhan Marinez with a single through the left side scoring one run.  Designated hitter David Rodriguez then draws a walk to reload the bases.  Third baseman Hector Gomez steps in and is caught looking at strike three.  Panama posts five runs in the inning, but it's not nearly enough as the Dominican Republic wins their third straight game, this one by an 11-6 final score.  Aguilas starter Joe Van Meter allows just one unearned run on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts over six innings for the victory.  Melky Cabrera and Francisco Pena finish with three runs batted in apiece.  Designated hitter Robinson Cano goes 2 for 2 with a run batted in. 

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.

Serie del Caribe 2020-2021 Tournament Preview

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

CARIBBEAN SERIES 

2020-2021

HOST

MAZATLAN, MEXICO

Jan. 31 ~ Feb. 6

@beisboldecaribe 

SerieDelCaribe/YouTube

⚾

CONFEDERACION de BÉISBOL PROFESIONAL del CARIBE

est. 1949

 

MEMBERS

MEXICO ~ DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

PUERTO RICO ~ VENEZUELA

INVITATION

PANAMA ~ COLOMBIA

Liga Mexicana del Pacifíco

• @LIGA_Arco LMP
• @clubtomateros
• Tomateros/YouTube

CHAMPION: Tomateros de Culiacan

The defending champions come all the way back from a 3-1 series deficit against the favored Naranjeros de Hermosillo to win three straight games and clinch back-to-back LMP championships.  Los Tomateros de Culiacan was founded in 1965.  Second, only to Hermosillo, this marks the team's 13th LMP championship.  It's their second in a row, and their third title in the last four years.  They are two-time Serie del Caribe champions in 1996 and 2002.  Mexico is third among counties with nine Caribbean titles.  They last captured the Caribbean championship in 2016 via Los Venados de Mazatlan.  Coincidentally, Mazatlan will be hosting this year's Serie del Caribe.  Catch last night's thrilling game seven victory recap HERE. 

  Liga de Béisbol Profesional República Dominicana

• @LIDOMRD
• @AguilasCibaeñas
  
• DR Sports/YouTube
  

CHAMPION: Aguilas Cibaeñas

Los Aguilas baseball club was founded in 1933.  They are tied for second-most Caribbean titles with five.  In 1998, Los Aguilas went undefeated in the round-robin tournament to capture their second of back-to-back Caribe titles.  The Dominican Republic leads the Confederation with twenty Serie del Caribe championships.  The Dominican Republic is also the defending Caribbean champions, with Los Toros del Este capturing last year's title.  Team Dominican Republic features a host of major leaguers including Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera, Juan Lagares, Jonathan Villar and pitcher Carlos Martinez.

  Liga Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

• @LBPRC
• @CriollosCaguas
  
• Criollos/YouTube

CHAMPION: Criollos de Caguas

As a founding member of LBPRC established in 1938, Los Criollos de Caguas won their league record 19th Puerto Rican championship by defeating Los Indios de Mayagüez.  It's their first title since seizing back-to-back league flags during the 2016-2018 seasons, in which they also went on to capture the Caribbean championship each time.  Along with Cibaeñas of the Dominican Republic, Caguas is tied for second-most with five Caribbean championships, while Puerto Rico itself is second all-time with 16 Serie del Caribe titles.  Los Criollos will feature MLB catcher Yadier Molina and this year's LBPRC MVP and New York Mets farmhand Johneshwy Fargas.  Selected in the reinforcement draft from Los Indios de Mayagüez are Henry Ramos, Jack Lopez, Jeremy Rivera, and Emmanuel Rivera.  Former New York Mets catcher Juan Centeno was selected from Los Atenienses de Manatí.

  Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional

• @LVBP_Oficial
• @caribesanz
  
• Caribes/YouTube
  

CHAMPION: Caribes de Anzoátegui

The LVBP was established in 1945.  Los Caribes were founded in 1987 but did not take the field until 1991.  Anzoátegui defeated the defending champion Los Cardenales de Lara to capture their fourth-ever LVBP title.  Lara was defeated by Los Toros del Este in last year's Caribbean Championship.  Los Caribes have yet to win a Caribbean title; Venezuela has won seven Caribbean titles in the country's history.  Venezuela last won the tournament in 2009 (Tigres de Aragua).  Reinforcements from Los Aguilas de Zulia Silvino Bracho and Ali Castillo will continue forward with Los Caribes, as will pitchers Raul Rivero, Logan Darnell, Yapson Gomez and Williams Perez from Los Cardenales de Lara.

  Panama Probeis LPBP

• @ProbeisOficial
• Baseball International/YouTube
  

CHAMPION: Federales de Chiriquí

The Panamanian regular season was canceled due to COVID.  Therefore, the 2020-2019 Astronautas de Chiriqui (Los Santos) are technically the defending champions.  However, Los Federales de Chiriqui has been selected to represent Panama (again by invitation) in this Caribbean tourney.  The team will more resemble an all-star squad incorporating players drafted from the circuit's three other members.  Among their reinforcements, Los Federales will be adding infielder Jesus Lopez from the Nicaraguan Baseball League, from the Dominican Republic Alejandro de Aza and Eury De La Rosa, and American recruits left-handed pitcher Austin Warner and right-hander Geoff Broussard.  Panama recently won the 2018-2019 Series del Caribe when Panama City stepped up at the last minute as host site due to rising political unrest in (scheduled host) Venezuela putting the tournament in jeopardy.  Historically, Panama is a founding member of the original Confederation and winner of the 1950 Caribbean championship.  Panama, with Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Cuba, comprise the original four members.  Fidel Castro's Cuban revolution caused the Confederation to suspend operations for the next ten years until it restarted again in 1970.  New incoming members Mexico and the Dominican Republic (replacing Cuba and Panama) joined returning members Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

  Liga Profesional de Béisbol Colombiano LPBC

• @bdecolombia
• @CaimanesBquilla
  
• LBP/YouTube

CHAMPION: Caimanes de Barranquilla

Cuba, due to visa issues, did not participate in the 2019-2020 Caribbean tournament.  They were replaced by Colombia (by invitation), who this year will again participate in their second straight tournament as Cuba had already notified the Confederation of their withdrawal from this year's tourney.  Founded in 1984, the "Alligators" defeated Los Vaqueros de Monteria in seven games to win their eleventh LPBC championship.  This marks the team's first trip to the Caribbean Series.  Team Colombia features former New York Met Dilson Herrera.  They'll be reinforced by league MVP Jordan Diaz from Los Vaqueros de Montería and Harold Ramirez, shortstop Brallan Perez and catcher Carlos Martínez from Los Tigres de Cartagena.