PIRATES PROSPECTSPITTSBURGH PIRATES MINOR LEAGUE NEWS, TRANSACTIONS, AND ARTICLES

Checking in on Pirates' players and friends in Wednesday's winter league action:

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Tigres del Licey 7, Estrellas de Oriente 2

C Robinzon Diaz supplied the only two RBI for Los Estrellas, with his 2-RBI single in the 2nd inning. The single followed a single and a double, which were half of Los Estrellas hits for the night. Each of the remaining hits were erased with double plays. 2B Pedro Lopez was hitless in two trips to the plate.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Navegantes del Magallanes 6, Bravos de Margarita 3

Three runs in the bottom of the 8th, on two doubles and two singles, broke a 3-3 tie and gave Magallanes the win. Neither 3B Neil Walker nor CF Jonel Pacheco had a hit for Margarita. SS Argenis Diaz was also hitless for Magallanes. LF Mike Ryan had an RBI single in the 3rd inning. Jean Machi earned his 6th save with a perfect 9th inning.

Tiburones de La Guaira 7, Tigres de Aragua 6

Aragua scored on a 2-run homer in the top of the 1st, and then La Guaira took over, scoring 2 runs in each of the 2nd, the 4th, and the 6th innings, plus one more run in the bottom of the 8th. Los Tigres rallied with two homers, a 3-run blast and a solo shot, in the top of the 9th, but fell one run short. 1B Hector Gimenez doubled for Los Tigres in the 1st inning, and SS Ronny Cedeno singled in the 8th.

Leones del Caracas 14, Aguilas de Zulia 8

Los Aguilas might have thought that a 7-run 2nd inning would have helped them to a win, but Los Leones scored 5 in the 1st, 3 in the 3rd, and 4 in the 8th, plus one more in each of the 4th and 9th, to get the win. Ronald Uviedo came on in relief for Caracas after the 7 runs had scored in the 3rd inning. Uviedo finished the inning with a line out, then pitched a scoreless 4th. He gave up two singles and got two outs in the 5th, and was relieved, though neither of those base runners came in to score.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Tomateros de Culiacan 3, Naranjeros de Hermosillo 2 (11 innings)

CF Luis Cruz was the hero for Culiacan in the bottom of the 11th inning. With the score tied at 2-2, the inning began with a single, a walk, and a single to load the bases for Cruz. He lined a single into center field to plate the winning run for Los Tomateros. Both teams had scored one run in the 5th inning -- Hermosillo on two singles with a stolen base, and Culiacan with a double, a single, and a sacrifice fly. Both teams scored one run again in the 8th -- Hermosillo with a walk and two singles, and Culiacan with a solo homer. Cruz also singled in the 2nd inning.

Venados de Mazatlan 6, Aguilas de Mexicali 3

LF Rogelios Noris continued to dazzle his hometown fans with a double in the 8th inning. He tried to stretch it into a triple, though, and was thrown out at third base. Mexicali scored their 3 runs all in the 4th inning, tying the game briefly. Mazatlan came back with 2 runs in the 5th on three singles, a walk, and a sacrifice fly. They added one more in the 8th on CF Ruben Rivera's homer.

Surprise Rafters 10, Scottsdale Scorpions 5

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Jose Tabata did the DH'ing today for the Scottsdale Scorpions, and he continued the hot hitting he's been doing for Scorpions. Tabata went 3-for-5 in today's game. That's 10-for-18 in the past 4 games, and 16-for-37 (.432) in his 8-game hitting streak. In 17 games with the Scorpions, Tabata has a .365 average. That leads the Scorpions, and ranks him 7th in the Arizona Fall League.

Unfortunately, Tabata's hits could not carry the Scorpions today. They scored their runs one-at-a-time, with one run in each of 5 different innings. The Rafters scored in "only" four innings, but they had a 5-run 2nd inning and a 3-run 8th. The most telling stat of the day: while each team posted 13 hits, and the Scorpions walked three times to the Rafters' one, the Rafters left just 5 runners on base, but the Scorpions left 11 runners stranded.

The Scorpions started off well, getting onto the scoreboard with one run on a walk, a ground out, and 1B Brandon Allen (Diamondbacks)' RBI single. Tabata's first single of the game led off the 3rd inning, and he advanced to second base on a throwing error. CF Cole Gillespie's (D'backs) single brought Tabata home. Singles by 3B Darin Holcomb (Rockies) and C Tuffy Gosewisch (Phillies) set up Tabata for an RBI single in the 4th, scoring Holcomb. LF Thomas Neal (Giants) homered in the 5th for another Scottsdale run. Neal also had the RBI in the 9th inning, with a single after RF Domonic Brown (Phillies) walked and went to second base on defensive indifference. Tabata also singled in the 6th inning, but was one of the 11 runners left stranded. The Scorpions had at least one base runner on base in each of the innings in which they didn't score.

Bryan Augenstein (D'backs) made the start for the Scorpions but did not make it through that 5-run 2nd inning. He was responsible for one run in the 1st inning, then 4 of the 5 runs that scored in the 2nd. Japan's Tooru Murata relieved Augenstein, but the first batter he faced smacked a 2-run homer (the first of those runs charged to Augenstein). Murata also gave up a solo homer in the 3rd inning. Cesar Valdez (D'backs) got things back under control, pitching two scoreless innings for the Scorpions and allowing only one single. Japan's Takanobu Tsujuichi and Andrew Johnston (Rockies) each pitched one scoreless inning, and each allowed a single. Scott Mathieson took the mound to finish the game for Scottsdale, and he gave up a solo homer to the first batter he faced, then a single and a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 8th.

The Pirates have traded former Indy Indian Jesse Chavez to the Tampa Bay Rays, in order to acquire 2B Akinori Iwamura.

Chavez came to the Pirates from the Texas Rangers in July 2006, in the trade that sent P Kip Wells to Texas. The California native joined the AAA Indy Indians to finish the 2006 season, appearing in 12 games, and earning a 2-1 record with a 4.24 ERA. He struck out 15 batters in 17 innings. Chavez spent all of 2007 with the Indians, where he pitched 80.1 innings in 46 appearances, all but one in relief. Chavez struck out 65 batters that season. He split the 2008 season between the Indians and the Pirates, making his major league debut on August 27th, after having recorded 14 saves for the Indians in 51 appearances. He made 15 appearances for the Pirates over the rest of the 2008 season. His ERA was 6.60, as he allowed 11 runs on 20 hits over 15 innings, though he also struck out 16 batters. Chavez pitched entirely for the Pirates in 2009, with 73 relief appearances. He earned a 1-4 record and a 4.01 ERA, and struck out 47 batters in 67.1 innings. Chavez was one of the more consistent relievers out of the Pirates' bullpen, and was most effective against lefty hitters, who hit .228 against him.

Peoria Javelinas 3, Scottsdale Scorpions 2

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CF Jose Tabata and 3B Chase d'Arnaud each had a hit, and d'Arnaud swiped three bases, but they couldn't help the Scorpions overtake the Javelinas in Tuesday's AFL play.

Scorpions' starter Chaz Roe (Rockies) gave up a walk and two singles in the first two innings, but kept the Javelinas from scoring. He got into trouble in the 3rd inning, which began with four consecutive singles, scoring two runs. After a strikeout, another single brought in another run, and sent Roe to the showers. That was all the scoring the Javelinas would do, but it was enough. Tom Layne (Diamondbacks) finished the 3rd inning with two ground outs, and he pitched a scoreless 4th inning. Giants' Daniel Turpen and Steve Edlefsen each pitched 2 scoreless innings, with Turpen retiring the side in order in both of his frames. Michael Schwimer (Phillies) threw a scoreless 9th inning.

The Scorpions put at least one base runner on in every inning but the 8th, but had trouble getting the runners around to score. Both Jose Tabata and 1B Brandon Allen (D'backs) walked in the 1st inning, but a double play ended that threat. Chase d'Arnaud singled to lead off the 3rd inning and stole second base, but he was left standing on second when Tabata grounded out. D'Arnaud stole second again in the 7th, after reaching base on a throwing error, but again he was left on base when the inning ended.

Jose Tabata collected the Scorpions' first RBI in the 5th inning. C Wilin Rosario (Rockies) led off the inning with a single, and Chase d'Arnaud followed with a walk. After two strikeouts, one by 2B Brian Friday, Tabata slipped a single into right field, scoring Rosario from second base. A third strikeout ended that inning without further scoring.

RF Cole Gillespie (D'backs) brought the Scorpions within one run of the Javelinas with a home run to begin the 9th inning. With one out, pinch-hitter Domonic Brown (Phillies) lined a double into left field, and a wild pitch let Brown advance to third base. Chase d'Arnaud grounded to third, and while he was safe at first on the fielder's choice, Brown was tagged out at the plate. D'Arnaud stole his third base of the game to move into scoring position at second, but Brian Friday struck out for the fourth time to end the threat and the game.

Yesterday’s trade of Jesse Chavez for Akinori Iwamura was hardly a blockbuster. The Pirates traded a replacement level reliever for an average second baseman,...

Tuesday's action involving Pirates' players and friends in the Winter Leagues:

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Aguilas de Mexicali 6, Venados de Mazatlan 2

Rookie Mazatlan native LF Rogelios Noris went 2-for-4 for Los Venados, but Mazatlan could not catch up to 4 early runs and 2 late runs by Los Aguilas. Noris' fielding error in the 2nd inning contributed to Mexicali's 3-run rally, and former Team USA pitcher Ehren Wasserman (White Sox) allowed the 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits over his 5 innings of work. The Mazatlan batters went down in order for the first three innings, until 2B Brian Bixler led off the 4th inning with a walk. A sacrifice bunt moved Bixler to second base, but he was out at third on a fielder's choice. Noris had Los Venados' first hit, when he singled in the 5th inning, but he was left on base at the end of the inning. Mazatlan scored one run in the 6th, on a double by RF Christian Quintero and an RBI double by 3B Freddy Sandoval. They threatened again in the 8th inning, when they loaded the bases on a single by SS Heber Gomez, a walk by Brian Bixler, and a walk to 1B John Lindsey (Marlins), but a strikeout ended the inning. Mazatlan scored one more run in the bottom of the 9th. With one out, C Miguel Ojeda doubled, Rogelios Noris singled, and Ojeda scored on Gomez's sacrifice fly.

Naranjeros de Hermosillo 6, Tomateros de Culiacan 3

A 4-run 7th inning plus one more in the 9th pushed Hermosillo over Culiacan. Los Tomateros scored one run in the 1st inning on a solo homer, and a 2-run homer in the 3rd took care of their remaining scoring. CF Luis Cruz went 1-for-4 for Culiacan, with a double in the 6th inning.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Navegantes del Magallanes 4, Bravos de Margarita 3 (10 innings)

Two walks, a wild pitch, and a walk-off RBI single gave Magallanes the win in the bottom of the 10th inning. 3B Neil Walker's double after a single in the 2nd inning contributed to Los Bravos' 2-run rally. A hit batter with the bases loaded brought in one run, and Walker raced home from third on a wild pitch. A double and two sacrifice bunts gave Margarita another run in the 7th inning. Two throwing errors, including one by Walker, helped Magallanes tie the score with 2 runs in the 3rd inning. A walk and two singles by Los Navegantes in the bottom of the 7th tied the score again, and set the teams up for extra innings. SS Argenis Diaz went 0-for-2, and LF Mike Ryan was 0-for-3 for Magallanes. Jean Machi pitched a perfect top of the 10th for Magallanes, and he was the pitcher of record and the winning pitcher when the winning run scored in the bottom of the 10th.

Leones del Caracas 5, Tigres de Aragua 0

It was all Caracas, as their pitching staff held Los Tigres to just 4 hits. 1B Hector Gimenez had one of the hits, a single to lead off the 5th inning, but he was out in a double play. C Raul Chavez and SS Ronny Cedeno both went 0-for-4.

Tiburones de La Guaira 9, Caribes de Anzoategui 8

La Guaira scored early, with a 4-run 1st inning and a 5-run 5th. Los Caribes kept chipping away, but fell one run short of catching up. The two teams combined for 25 hits, but CF Gorkys Hernandez went 0-for-2 with a walk for Los Caribes.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Estrellas de Oriente 6, Tigres del Licey 2

C Robinzon Diaz had two of Los Estrellas' 14 hits. He singled in the 1st, after two other singles, a double, and a 2-run homer. 2B Pedro Lopez singled to lead off the 2nd, and he scored the first of two runs on a sacrifice bunt and two more singles. Diaz led off the 5th with a single, but he was doubled off first base in a line-out double play.

It has been seventeen years since the Pirates finished .500. Everyone knows that. Let's have a look at the top 10 things that contributed...

The Pirates have reportedly acquired second baseman Akinori Iwamura from the Tampa Rays for reliever Jesse Chavez. Dejan Kovacevic is reporting that the...

The Arizona Fall League has announced the 2009 Rising Stars roster -- kind of the all-stars of the all-stars. Three of the Pirates' AFL participants have been named to the Rising Stars team:

OF Jose Tabata

IF Chase d'Arnaud

LHP Danny Moskos

Other members of the Scottsdale Scorpions who were named to the Rising Stars roster:

C Buster Posey -- Giants

1B Brandon Allen -- Diamondbacks

OF Domonic Brown -- Phillies

RHP Andrew Johnston -- Rockies

RHP Toru Murata -- Japanese league

LHP Matt Reynolds -- Rockies

The Rising Stars game will be played on Saturday Nov 7th at 6:15 pm (MT -- 8:15 pm Eastern). It will be broadcasted live on the MLB network.

Tabata currently has a .348 average in 15 games with the Scorpions, along with 3 doubles, 2 triples, a home run, and 11 RBI, plus two stolen bases.

D'Arnaud is hitting .200 in 9 games, with 3 doubles, a triple, and 2 RBI.

Moskos has made 7 relief appearances for Scottsdale, going 9.1 innings and allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 14 hits, 7 walks, and 9 strikeouts.

Pitcher Donnie Veal was named the AFL Pitcher of the Week for Oct 26- Nov 1. Veal made two starts for the Scottsdale Scorpions during the week, and in a combined 7.2 innings he did not allow a run. He gave up 5 hits and 2 walks, and struck out 7 batters in those two games. Veal has a 2-0 record and a league-leading 0.71 ERA. Hitters have a .159 average against him (2nd best in the league).

OTHER NOTES: Former Indy Indians' hitting coach Hensley (Bam Bam) Meulens has been named the hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants. Meulens coached the Giants' AAA team in 2009.

Peoria Javelinas 6, Scottsdale Scorpions 4

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A 4-run Peoria 7th inning, which included two Scottsdale errors, led to a Scorpions' loss on Monday afternoon in Arizona. The inning began with a 2-2 tie, and Craig Baker (Rockies) on the mound for the Scorpions. The first batter of the inning reached base safely on a throwing error by 3B Darin Holcomb (Rockies). The next batter, Team USA's C Lucas May (Dodgers), belted a 2-run homer over the right center field wall, giving the Javelinas a 4-2 lead. After a strikeout, Holcomb made a fielding error to put another runner on base. That runner scored on a double, and the next batter singled to bring in the 4th run of the inning, lifting the score to 6-2. The batter was out at second, on the throw in from CF Jose Tabata, and a ground out ended the inning.

The Scorpions had scored first, when RF Domonic Brown (Phillies) singled to lead off the 2nd inning, and C Buster Posey (Giants) followed with his second home run of the AFL season. The Javelinas tied the game with a single and a double for one run in the 5th, and two singles and a double for another run in the 6th. With Peoria ahead in the bottom of the 7th, the Scorpions got one run back. 1B Brandon Allen (Diamondbacks) walked with two outs, and a single by Brown and a walk to Posey loaded the bases. A wild pitch allowed Allen to scramble home, to make the score 6-3. They added one more run in the 8th inning. Darin Holcomb walked, and Jose Tabata singled, moving Holcomb to third base. SS Hector Gomez (Rockies) slapped a grounder back to the mound, which ricocheted off the Javelina's pitcher and over toward third base. Holcomb was able to score before the third baseman could get to the ball, but that was all the Scorpions could get.

Jose Tabata also singled to lead off the 1st inning, but was out in a double play. He led off the 3rd inning with another single, and stole second base, but was left stranded there when the inning ended. 2B Chase d'Arnaud walked in the 4th inning, but was out in his three other trips to the plate.

Scorpions' starter Michael Cisco (Phillies) faced only one batter over the minimum for his first 4 innings -- a double to lead off the 2nd inning. He gave up a single in the 5th inning, along with two outs, and that runner became the Javelina's first run of the game, and the only run charged to Cisco. Edgar Garcia (Phillies) gave up the double to May in the 5th, then ended that inning. He pitched the 6th, and was responsible for the run scored in that inning. Craig Baker was responsible for 4 runs (one earned) in the 7th. Andrew Johnston (Rockies) pitched a scoreless 8th inning, and Danny Moskos allowed a walk and a single in the scoreless 9th. The winning pitcher for the Javelina's was former Pirate farmhand, now with the Dodgers, Eric Krebs.

The Mexican Pacific, Venezuelan, and Dominican Leagues all had a scheduled day off on Monday.

Pirates' players and friend in Sunday's winter ball action

VENZUELAN LEAGUE

Bravos de Margarita 7, Cardenales de Lara 6

Former Pirate Romulo Sanchez suffered the loss for Lara, as he gave up the winning run in the bottom of the 7th. A fielding error, a ground out, and RF Rene Reyes' third hit of the game pushed the go-ahead run across the plate. Former Indy Indian Tim Harikkala got the start for Margarita, and he allowed 6 runs on 11 hits over his 5.2 innings. He allowed 3 runs in the top of the 1st inning on 5 singles plus his own throwing error. Reyes scored Los Bravos' first run in the 2nd inning, when he was hit by a pitch, moved to second and then third on two walks, and scored on a sacrifice fly. 3B Neil Walker tied the score in the 4th inning with a 2-run homer following Reyes' first single. Lara went ahead with a home run in the top of the 5th, and Margarita countered with a run on a hit batter, a walk, and Reyes' second single in the bottom of the inning. A two-run homer again gave Los Cardenales the lead in the top of the 6th. Again Los Bravos caught up with C Henry Blanco's two-run homer in their half of the inning. That set up Reyes to be the hero in the 7th. CF Jonel Pacheco went 0-for-4 for Margarita.

Navegantes del Magallanes 10, Tiburones de La Guaira 8

Jean Machi earned his 5th save for Magallanes with a hitless and scoreless 9th inning (there was a fielding error). LF Mike Ryan had a single and scored for Magallanes in their 5-run 3rd inning, which included two home runs. Ryan walked in the 5th inning, when Los Navegantes again scored 5 runs, though he was forced out at second base. Two singles, two walks, and two doubles accounted for the scoring in the 5th. La Guaira scored in four consecutive innings -- two in the 5th, 4 in the 6th, and one each in the 7th and 8th -- but could not catch up.

Caribes de Anzoategui 9, Aguilas de Zulia 6

Los Caribes took an early lead with 4 runs in the 1st inning and 3 more in the 2nd, then held off Los Aguilas for the win. CF Gorkys Hernandez went 0-for-4, with a fly out and three ground outs.

Leones del Caracas 9, Tigres de Aragua 3

Los Leones also snatched an early lead with a 4-run 1st inning, including a triple by Team USA's Josh Kroeger (White Sox). A homer, a double, and Kroeger's RBI single in the 2nd inning gave Caracas a 6-0 lead. Los Leones added another run in the 4th on three singles (another by Kroeger), and two more in the 6th on a two-run homer. Los Tigres scored one run in the 3rd on a lead-off double by C Alex Delgado followed by a second double. They did not score again until the 9th inning. Two singles, the second by LF Jorge Cortes, a wild pitch, and another single gave Aragua 2 more runs. Cortes was 1-for-4 in the game. 1B Hector Gimenez went 0-for-3 with a walk. Delgado went 1-for-2, and SS Ronny Cedeno had a single in three trips to the plate.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Venados de Mazatlan 7, Tomateros de Culiacan 3

Mazatlan too scored 4 runs in the 1st inning, on a single, a walk, an RBI single, and a three-run homer by DH Robert Saucedo. LF Rogelios Noris singled after the homer but was left on base. Saucedo doubled to lead off the 3rd inning, and score on an RBI single. Culiacan scored one run in the bottom of the 3rd on a solo home run. They added two more in the 7th, after loading the bases with a single, a walk, and a single by CF Luis Cruz. A double brought in two runs, to make the score 5-3. 2B Brian Bixler got a small rally started for Los Venados in the 8th inning with a one-out single. He advanced to second base on a wild pitch, and moved up to third after two walks. A hit batter forced Bixler in with a run, though Los Venados left the bases loaded with a fly out to end the inning. Rogelios Noris hit his first home run of his rookie season in the top of the 9th inning. Bixler singled again after Noris' homer, and he also walked twice. Noris went 3-for-5 in the game, and has a .368 average. Luis Cruz was 2-for-4; he doubled in the 5th inning.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Gigantes del Cibao 6, Aguilas Cibaenas 4

Ramon Aguero pitched 1.2 innings for Los Aguilas. He took the mound to begin the 7th inning and gave up a single and a double, but got a ground out and a line out to third to end the inning, then retired two batters in the 8th. Los Gigantes' Juan Perez pitched to one batter in the 7th -- he struck out Kevin Barker (Reds).

Toros del Este 7, Estrellas de Oriente 3

2B Pedro Lopez had two singles for Los Estrellas, including a single to lead off the top of the 9th. Two more singles and a 3-RBI double got Los Estrellas closer to Los Toros, but they could not catch up to a 4-run 4th and a 3-run 8th by Los Toros. Robinzon Diaz pinch-hit in the 8th inning for Los Estrellas, but grounded out. He remained in the game to catch the last inning. Former Indy Indian Roberto Giron came on in relief for Los Estrellas in the 4th and got the final out, then gave up a double and a walk with two outs in the 5th.

Saturday's winter ball action with the Pirates' players and friends:

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Aguilas de Mexicali 8, Naranjeros de Hermosillo 4

Ty Taubenheim made the start for Hermosillo and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks over 4.2 innings. Two consecutive singles followed by two consecutive hit batters forced in a run in the 2nd inning. Taubenheim kept Mexicali from scoring in the 3rd and 4th innings. A walk and two singles in the 5th gave Mexicali two more runs, and Taubenheim was relieved. Hermosillo scored two runs in the 4th and two more in the 6th, and after 6 innings, the score was tied at 4-4. Mexicali scored 4 more runs in the 8th inning to take the win, and Taubenheim was not involved in the decision.

Venados de Mazatlan 3, Tomateros de Culiacan 2

LF Brian Bixler opened the game with a double for Mazatlan, and scored on a sacrifice bunt and a ground out. Bixler also reached base in the 3rd inning, on a fielding error by Pirates' teammate 2B Luis Cruz, but Bixler was left stranded that time. Culiacan took a 2-1 lead in the 4th on two walks, a double, and a sacrifice fly. Mazatlan tied it up in the next inning, on a walk and a dobule. CF Ruben Rivera gave Los Venados the winning run with his solo homer in the 8th. Cruz singled in the 9th inning, but did not score.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Navegantes del Magallanes 5, Leones del Caracas 3

Jean Machi earned his 4th save for Magallanes with a scoreless 9th inning. LF Mike Ryan had two singles and SS Argenis Diaz contributed one single to Los Navegantes' cause. A double and three singles, one by Ryan, got Magallanes started in the bottom of the 1st inning. A double and a single gave them another run in the 2nd. A walk, a single by Ryan, and a 2-RBI double in the 3rd made it 5-0 for Magallanes. Caracas picked up their three runs on four walks, forcing in a run, and a 2-RBI single in the 4th inning.

Tiburones de La Guaira 7, Tigres de Aragua 6 (11 innigs)

Aragua more than doubled La Guaira's hit count, but it was Los Tiburones who finally took a bite out of Los Tigres for the extra-inning win. A walk-off home run by La Guaira's 3B Oscar Salazar was the difference. Bobby Livingston made his fourth start for La Guaira, going into the 4th inning and allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. Livingston gave up 2 runs in the 2nd inning, on a lead-off walk to Aragua's 1B Hector Gimenez, an error, and three singles, including one by LF Jorge Cortes. Livingston opened the 4th inning with another walk to Gimenez and a single, and he was relieved. A single scored Gimenez, a double by Cortes brought in two more runs, and another RBI single plated Cortes.

Los Tiburones picked up one run in the 3rd on a solo homer, and made it a 6-5 game with 4 runs in the 5th. SS Jorge Velandia singled, and after two walks, a triple brought in 3 runs, and a sacrifice fly added one more. La Guaira remained behind by one run until the bottom of the 9th, when a fielding error, a double, and a wild pitch tied the game and sent it into extra innings. Livingston did not factor into the decision. Hector Gimenez had the two walks but no hits in the game. DH Raul Chavez went 1-for-5. Jorge Cortes was 2-for-5. SS Ronny Cedeno had 6 hitless trips to the plate.

Bravos de Margarita 2, Cardenales de Lara 1 (Game 1, 7 innings)

Scott Strickland gave up a run in the top of the 9th, but held on to earn his 5th save for Margarita. Los Bravos scored their first run in the 5th. 1B Dennys Abreu walked, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and to third on a single. Another sacrifice bunt allowed Abreu to score, but an alert play by the Lara first baseman made it a double play by throwing back to third base (covered by the shortstop) to get the trailing runner out. Margarita scored the winning run in the bottom of the 6th on two doubles. 3B Neil Walker was 0-for-3 in the game.

Bravos 4, Cardenales 3 (Game 2, 7 innings)

3B Neil Walker led Los Bravos with two hits and a walk to win the nightcap. Lara scored 2 runs in the top of the 1st, but Margarita came back with 3 in the bottom of the inning. A double and two singles brought in one run, and a sacrifice fly tied the game. Walker's RBI single plated the go-ahead run. A solo homer for Lara tied the game again in the top of the 4th. Walker got Los Bravos rally started in the bottom of that inning with a walk. He moved to second base on a single, and scored on an RBI double. Walker also led off the bottom of the 6th with a double, and he was removed in favor of a pinch runner. That runner got to third base as a hit batter and an intentional walk loaded the bases, but was doubled off third base in an inning-ending line out that turned into an unassisted double play.

Aguilas de Zulia 4, Caribes de Anzoategui 0 (Game 1, 7 innings)

Chris Hernandez also collected his 5th save of the winter season for Zulia, when he entered the game in the 7th inning with one out and two runners on base, and got two quick outs to end the game. Los Caribes CF Gorkys Hernandez was 0-for-2, as his teammates managed only 5 hits.

Aguilas 4, Caribes 2 (Game 2, 7 innings)

Gorkys Hernandez went 0-for-4 with 3 strikeouts in the nightcap, as Los Caribes lost both ends of the double header. Los Caribes scored one run on a single and a double in the 2nd, and another run on a triple and a single in the 4th. Zulia posted only 5 hits, but three of them were home runs, accounting for all of their runs.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Aguilas Cibaenas 10, Estrellas de Oriente 6

C Robinzon Diaz and 2B Pedro Lopez each had two hits for Los Estrellas, including a home run for Diaz. Lopez led off the 3rd inning with a double, and came around to score the first of two runs that inning. Diaz doubled begin the 4th inning, but was left on base. His solo homer led off the 6th inning, and two singles, including one by Lopez, and a sacrifice fly added another run in that inning.