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Taiwan come close, but fall again to MLB stars

By Paul Huang / Contributing Reporter

Red-hot Michael Morse continued his productive play at the plate with a crucial two-run single in the sixth to help the MLB All-Stars pull off a narrow 3-2 win over Taiwan’s national team in Game 4 of the Taiwan All-Star Series at Chengcing Lake Baseball Stadium in Greater Kao-hsiung yesterday afternoon.

It was the second straight game in which the cleanup man for the Washington Nationals — and the MLB All-Stars — drove in a pair of runs, which included a solo blast and a run-scoring double, to give his team just enough run support for the victory.

The win not only gave the unbeaten visitors a commanding 4-0 lead in the five-game exhibition series, but also put them on the verge of sweeping what has been a very entertaining series for the fans.

Unlike the first three games, the hosts actually drew first blood, with Lin Che-hsuan (林哲瑄) connecting on a two-out single off Major League starter Dillon Gee (New York Mets) with runners at the corners to give Taiwan a quick 1-0 in the top of the second inning.

The lead lasted less than an inning as the All-Stars answered with a run of their own off Taiwan starter Ni Fu-te (倪福德) in the bottom of the third, courtesy of a triple by Erick Aybar (Los Angeles Angels), to score Emilio Bonifacio (Florida Marlins) all the way from first base to tie the game at 1-all.

Neither team managed to score in the fourth and fifth with reliever Chen Yu-hsun (陳禹勳) holding the visitors scoreless despite giving up a double and a single in the fourth and fifth respectively, and Gee pitching perfect throughout the same span before being relieved in the bottom of the sixth.

However, Chen’s luck finally ran out in the sixth as he walked the leadoff man and gave up a double to Robinson Cano (New York Yankees) to put two runners in scoring position to set up Morse’s two-run single that gave his team a 3-1 advantage.

Taiwan scored one more run in the seventh with Lan Yin-lun (藍寅倫) stretching a double into a triple off reliever Trevor Bell (Los Angeles Angels) to set up Lin Chia-yo’s (林加祐) RBI fielder’s choice, but that was as close as they got as they came up empty-handed in the eighth and ninth.

Picking up the win with two innings of one-run relief was Bell, while Chen was tagged with the loss for serving up Morse’s game-winning hit.

The “Pride of Taiwan,” Wang Chien-ming (王建民) of the Washington Nationals, will represent his country in the series finale this afternoon at 2pm when he takes the mound against Jeremy Guthrie (Baltimore Orioles) in a matchup of Major Leaguers at the Chengcing Lake stadium.

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Hawks sweep Lions, reach Japan Series

Eliminate Seibu on Hasegawa's game-ending hit in 12th inning


Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011

All for one:

Hawks players give manager Koji Akiyama the traditional doage (victory toss) after the Pacific League champions advanced to the Japan Series by beating the Seibu Lions in 12 innings on Saturday. KYODO PHOTO

By KAZ NAGATSUKA

Staff writer


FUKUOKA —

The invitation ticket for the Japan Series had been delivered before the game was officially over.
Thrilled:

The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks celebrate their series-clinching victory over the Seibu Lions on Saturday at Yahoo Dome. Fukuoka beat Seibu 2-1 in 12 innings in the decisive game of the Pacific League Climax Series final stage. KYODO PHOTO

Hawks closer Takahiro Mahara got three outs in the top of the 12th inning with the score tied 1-1, and at that moment, the two-time reigning Pacific League champion Fukuoka Softbank clinched its first NPB Fall Classic berth since 2003 in Game 3 of the PL Climax Series final stage on Saturday afternoon.

Since the rules limit the games to 12 innings in the CS, when the Seibu Lions failed to score a run in the top of the final frame, the Hawks clinched the series.

To make matters official, Yuya Hasegawa drove Shuhei Fukuda home in the bottom of the 12th to give the Hawks a sayonara, 2-1 triumph.

The Hawks entered the series with a one-win advantage and swept the Lions 4-0.

"It never gets old," Hawks manager Koji Akiyama said of the doage (victory toss) that he received from his players after the game at Yahoo Dome. "I hope to get it one more time as we become the Japanese champions."

In 2003, the franchise, then called the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, defeated the Hanshin Tigers in a seven-game Japan Series.

Seiichi Uchikawa, who went 5-for-11 with three RBIs in the series, was selected as the PLCS MVP. Hasegawa, who had both of his team's RBIs on four hits in Saturday's game, earned the Outstanding Player Award.

Seibu broke a 0-0 deadlock in the top of the 10th on a Jose Fernandez RBI hit. In the bottom half of the inning, Hasegawa drove in the tying run with a double.

Finishing in a tie would still have given Softbank an edge because the Lions could only earn up to three wins the rest of the series. That would've meant Seibu could only end up tying in the series. If that had happened under NPB's quirky Climax Series rules, the Hawks would have obtained a Japan Series spot because they are a higher-seeded team.

After Mahara retired a batter for the third out in the top of the 12th, Game 2 hero Nobuhiko Matsunaka was about to rush out of the dugout and onto the diamond, perhaps thinking the game was over at that moment, while others seemed to know it wasn't.

But it didn't matter. The Hawks, who had faltered in numerous recent postseasons no matter how well they played in the regular season, ended their painful eight-year playoff curse.

Until this year, the Kyushu club made the playoffs six times since 2004, when the current playoff system was introduced, but never advanced to the Japan Series.

So after the game was over, the Hawks Nine, including the team's spiritual leader Hiroki Kokubo, Yuichi Honda and Munenori Kawasaki, broke into tears on the bench instead of flashing smiles during that joyful moment.

"I'm extremely pleased, that's all I can say," shortstop Kawasaki said.

"I actually thought about what we've been through and that we've always ended up in tears on the bench since 2004, while I was fielding. . . . I can't put it into words."

The game was a nail-biter, an entertaining duel between starters Hideaki Wakui of Seibu and Toshiya Sugiuchi of the Hawks.

Wakui, a right-hander, didn't allow a hit in the first five innings and ended up giving up just one run. He scattered seven hits in 9⅔ innings on 127 pitches. Sugiuchi worked 9⅓ innings and gave up a run and five hits on 127 pitches.

Sugiuchi, who had been 1-5 with a 5.59 ERA in Climax Series outings, retired 18 batters in a row at one point.


Steady lefty:

The Hawks' Toshiya Sugiuchi retires 18 consecutive batters in Game 3 of the Pacific League Climax Series final stage on Saturday. KYODO PHOTO

"As a game became like that (pitching duel), it was more like Wakui against (the Hawks)," Lions skipper Hisanobu Watanabe said. "Wakui probably had his best performance of all year."

Asked in what areas Softbank bettered Seibu, Watanabe responded by saying, "In all aspects. There were big gaps between us, for sure. But those aren't gaps we can't make up. So we'll challenge the big power next year."

Mahara (1-0) earned the win, while Kazuhisa Makita (0-1) took the loss for Seibu.

Hasegawa had four hits and Uchikawa added two for Softbank. Cleanup hitter Takeya Nakamura and catcher Ginjiro Sumitani each had a pair of hits for the Lions, who swept the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in the first stage.

Seibu's Hiroyuki Nakajima was 1-for-5 with three strikeouts.

While the Hawks players exhibited their mixed emotions once the contest was over, Akiyama said his team has unfinished business. That, obviously, means a triumph in the Japan Series, which begins next Saturday in Fukuoka.

"We have one more goal to finish," the third-year manager said.

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Dragons cruise to win

Kyodo

NAGOYA —

Ryosuke Hirata hit a bases-clearing double in the first inning, left-hander Yudai Kawai allowed one unearned run over five innings and the Chunichi Dragons downed the Tokyo Yakult Swallows 5-1 in Game 4 of the Central League final stage on Saturday.

The CL champion Dragons, who had an automatic one-win advantage as the league champion, moved one win away from a Japan Series berth for the second consecutive year and 10th overall. They can also book a meeting against the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks with a tie in Game 5 on Sunday.

Tony Blanco opened the scoring with a one-out RBI single after a leadoff single by Masahiro Araki and Hirata followed one out later with a double to right off Katsuki Akagawa after the lefty loaded the bases for a 4-0 lead at Nagoya Dome.

Yakult rookie shortstop Tetsuto Yamada committed an error that put runners at the corners, setting the stage for Blanco in the first, but drove in his first career run on his first hit — a double in the third.

Blanco went deep off reliever Tetsuya Yamamoto with a towering blast to left leading off the fifth.

Kawai yielded two hits, struck out one and walked two and four relievers shut down Yakult the rest of the way. Akagawa took the loss after giving up four runs in four innings of work.

Rondon continues to pitch well in relief. This game was held up in the 4th inning due to rain. It shouldn't be much longer that Rondon will get back into the rotation

Hector Rondon was injured

The prospect of the Cleveland Indians felt discomfort in his right arm and was removed from the meeting

Cesar Augusto Marquez

Hector Rondon is doing his rehabilitation with the Leones del Caracas |

Alexander Van Schernbeek

05/11/11 - 07:29 pm

CARACAS .-

Hector Rondon out of Saturday's game after experiencing a strained right elbow. The prospect pitcher for Caracas and Cleveland Indians had elbow surgery last year and was serving with the Leones in a rehabilitation assignment for Caracas.

Rondon, who is one of the bastions in the farms of the Indians will undergo an MRI to determine the nature of the injury.

The native of Guatire had a rate of 3.12 ERA before the time of injury.

Rising stars

On Tuesday the Arizona Fall League (AFL) announced that right-handed bullpen pitching prospects Cory Burns and Preston Guilmet were selected to participate in the Rising Stars game. The game serves as a showcase for the top talent participating in the AFL and was played last night in Surprise, AZ.

Hot hitting first baseman Jesus Aguilar was the most deserving of any Indians’ prospect and probably would have been named to the team, but he is no longer participating in the AFL after he left for home to Venezuela last weekend. It was a pre-planned departure as he was to only play in the AFL until the end of October before going home to play the rest of the offseason for Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League. Outfielder Carlos Moncrief has replaced Aguilar on the Arizona roster.

Parting shots

Outfielder Jerad Head was outrighted a few weeks ago from the 40-man roster, but as a second time outright he declined the assignment and is now a free agent. While there is mutual respect between the Indians and Head, due to the depth of outfielders in Cleveland and Columbus he probably will seek a better opportunity elsewhere and not resign with the Indians. …

Navarro nearly hits for cycle in Aguilas' win

Angels prospect goes 3-for-3 with solo homers, scores twice

MLB.com | 11/06/11 12:53 AM ET

Dominican Winter League

Aguilas 5, Escogido 2

Angels prospect Efren Navarro went 3-for-3 with an RBI, scored twice and fell a triple shy of the cycle to lead the Aguilas to their third straight win. Astros outfielder Brian Bogusevic also went deep for Cibaenas, while Braves farmhand Diory Hernandez homered and doubled in a losing cause.

Gigantes 8, Toros 3

Brewers infielder Erick Almonte went 4-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored as the last-place Gigantes won for only the fifth time in 16 games. Mariners outfielder Carlos Peguero chipped in two hits, including his league-leading sixth homer, and scored twice for Cibao. Pirates prospect Matt Hague was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for the Toros.

Efren Navarro played eight games with the Angels after spending most of the season at Triple-A Salt Lake. (Getty Images)

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 2, Ponce 0

Mu-Young Kim allowed one hit over six innings and Mets farmhand Luis Figueroa homered to power the Criollos to their first win of the season. Edgard Clemente drove in the other run for Caguas, while A's Minor Leaguer Yadel Marti pitched four shutout frames for Ponce.

Mayaguez 7, Carolina 2

Rangers prospect Jose Ruiz homered, doubled and drove in four runs to lead the Indios to their first victory. Former Southern League All-Star Miguel Negron added two hits, including a solo shot, for Mayaguez, while Dodgers prospect Wilberto Ortiz had two hits and drove in both runs for Carolina.

Venezuelan Winter League

Zulia 4, La Guaira 0

Cubs farmhand Austin Bibens-Dirkx allowed two hits and struck out five over seven innings as the Aguilas extended their winning streak to five games. Tigers prospect Justin Henry went 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored for Zulia, while Braves Minor Leaguer Ernesta Mejia homered.

Caribes 2, Lara 1

Angels prospect Alexi Amarista capped a three-hit night by singling home the go-ahead run in the ninth inning as the Caribes avoided a third straight loss. Major League veteran Gustavo Molina had two hits and drove in the other run for Anzoategui, while Mariners prospect Erasmo Ramirez allowed a run on three hits over five innings for Lara.

Margarita 12, Caracas 7

Diamondbacks outfielder Collin Cowgill went 2-for-5 with a run scored to lead a 13-hit attack as the Bravos outslugged the Leones for their fourth straight win. Former big leaguer Rene Reyes contributed three hits, four RBIs and scored twice for Margarita, while Rays catching prospect Jose Lobaton homered and drove in three runs in a losing cause.

Aragua at Magallanes, postponed

Mexican Pacific League

Navojoa 2, Mazatlan 1

Nick Singleton allowed one hits and recorded seven strikeouts over 7 1/3 innings as the Mayos held off the Venados. Christian Zazueta delivered an RBI single for Navojoa, while pinch-hitter Rogelio Noris (Pirates) doubled home the lone run for Mazatlan.

Hermosillo 2, Mexicali 1

Indians right-hander Jason Rice struck out two in a hitless ninth inning for his fourth save, nailing down the Naranjeros' second win in a row. Erubiel Durazo delivered an RBI single and walked twice for Hermosillo, while fellow former Major Leaguer Geronimo Gil had two of the Aguilas' five hits.

Obregon 8, Guasave 7 (10 innings)

Former Braves Minor Leaguer Doug Clark hit a walk-off homer in the 10th inning as the Yaquis handed the Algodoñeros their third straight loss. Ex-Met Victor Diaz capped a five-run ninth with a three-run homer for Obregon, while Leonardo Heras fell a homer shy of the cycle, drove in two runs and scored three times for Guasave.

Los Mochis 8, Culiacan 5

Mets prospect Juan Carlos Gamboa hit a three-run homer to spark a five-run eighth inning as the Cañeros rallied to reach the .500 mark. Giants outfielder Justin Christian also slugged a three-run shot for Los Mochis, while Yankees farmhand Jorge Vazquez went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs for Culiacan.

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Panama Winter League

Toru Murata had his worst start in five outings. Paolo Espino got the start for the home team. Both Murata and Espino got rocked.

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Resilient Taiwan drop All-Stars series finale 6-4

By Paul Huang / Contributing Reporter
Curtis Granderson (All-Stars) greets fans in Greater Kaohsiung yesterday.

Photo: Lin Cheng-kung,

Wowing the 16,000-plus fans in the stands with a pair of home runs, the MLB All-Stars outfought a resilient Taiwan national squad to run away with a 6-4 win in Game 5 of the 2011 Taiwan All-Star Series at Chengcing Lake Baseball Stadium in Greater Kaohsiung yesterday afternoon, sweeping the friendly exhibition series in grand fashion.

Robinson Cano (New York Yankees) showed off his expertise in the long-ball category with a solo shot off Taiwan reliever Yang Yao-hsun (陽耀勳) in the top of the third that put the visitors ahead 4-3. Ty Wigginton (Colorado Rockies) followed with a pinch-hit blast off Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ching (林煜清) to lead off the seventh that provided an insurance run for the Big Leaguers.

The highly anticipated showdown between Jeremy Guthrie (Baltimore Orioles) and Taiwan’s very own Major Leaguer, Wang Chien-ming (王建民), of the Washington Nationals did not live up to its hype, as both starters failed to shut down the opposing hitters by serving up three runs apiece through the first two innings of play.

After surviving a shaky first that saw him give up a walk and a single without surrendering any runs, Wang found himself in trouble in a three-run second by giving up two doubles and a single even though two of the three runs were unearned.

However, Guthrie returned the favor by allowing a two-run double to Taiwan’s Pan Chih-fang (潘志芳) before an RBI groundout by Lin Che-hsuan (林哲瑄) tied the game at 3-all in the bottom of the second.

That set up Cano’s homer, which gave the All-Stars a 4-3 lead that they added to with a run in the fifth inning when Logan Morrison’s (Florida Marlins) double off reliever Cheng Wen-hao (鄭文豪) drove in Ryan Roberts (Arizona Diamonbacks) all the way from first to make it 5-3.

Even though Taiwan’s hitters plated a run in the bottom of that frame against reliever LaTroy Hawkins (Milwaukee Brewers) to again reduce the deficit to one run, that was as close as they managed against the stingy bullpen work of Rich Thompson (Los Angeles Angels), Jose Veras (Pittsburgh Pirates) and Mark Melancon (Houston Astros), who combined for four shutout innings of two-hit relief to deny Taiwan any chance for a rally.

Thompson earned his second win of the series with two innings of shutout ball. He allowed a hit, while fanning four and walking one to beat counterpart Yang, who gave the Major Leaguers the lead for good on the homer to Cano.

“It’s been a very positive influence for baseball in Taiwan,” Major League skipper Bruce Bochy (San Francisco Giants) said after the game.

His troops came in and showed why the Major League is still the premier stage where only the elite can compete and thrive in the game of baseball.

Joe, I don't think Rice is under Cleveland's control any more. The news on Rondon

Hector Rondon out of Saturday's game after experiencing a strained right elbow. The prospect pitcher for Caracas and Cleveland Indians had elbow surgery last year and was serving with the Leones in a rehabilitation assignment for Caracas.

Rondon, who is one of the bastions in the farms of the Indians will undergo an MRI to determine the nature of the injury.

is disappointing.

Civ,

The only reason I'm posting his numbers is because Tony still posts his number. Rice has been designated for assignment. He has not been affiliated with another team yet.

Here's the last write-up I found concerning Rice:

The Cleveland Indians designated right-handed pitcher Jason Rice for assignment, the club announced. The move was made in order to make room on the 40-man roster for right-handed pitcher Zach Putnam. It was only last week the Indians acquired Rice.

The name "Jason Rice" might seem familiar, being he's been traded once, acquired off waivers once, and now designated for assignment twice - all this year. Rice will wait on the waiver wire, hoping to join his fourth team of the year. Otherwise, he'll be looking at a minor league assignment and off the 40-man roster.

Rice, 25, is posting a 3.69 ERA, 9.4 K/9, 4.4 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9 across 85 1/3 innings of work in the International League (Triple-A). He hasn't thrown since August 30, before he was sent to Oakland (then Cleveland soon after).

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The Padres swing hard and land a POWER bat

November 1, 2011

FRANMIL REYES-OF
Franmil is 16 years old from Palenque, Dominican Republic. He’s 6’4, 190lb, XL frame, with a well proportioned body with muscle tone and strength. Body type resembles Jermaine Dye. Franmil’s home town (Palenque) has produced many professional players most notable MLB players are Francisco Liriano, Timo Perez and Juan Uribe. Franmil has a lot of up-side and projection, he posses above average arm strength, solid fielding ability and raw plus power. His hands are quick through the zone; he generates good bat speed and squares up pitches with authority gap to gap. He works out with notable trainer Basilio Vizcaino in San Cristobal, Dom. Rep.
Padres Latin American scout Felix Feliz had been following him for quite some time, the Padres initiated their evaluation in 2010 and have been scouting him ever since. Franmil was selected to the DPL Elite Travel Team last March which traveled to Arizona and Florida during MLB Spring Training. Every organizations had the opportunity to follow a group of the best free agent prospects available in 2011. During the trip Reyes ran into a little slump in game situation but his raw power didn’t go unnoticed. Since then he has bounced back, he has shown consistent quality at-bats and has been locked in. In August he was invited to the UA All-America Game at Wrigley field along with standout short-stop Yairo Munoz. Reyes went 2 for 4 with an infield hit and a solid line drive to center field while scoring a run. Reyes also qualified for the Home Run Derby during the workout session at the ICU campus hitting 5 monster shots. He was eliminated in the first round of derby but had solid at bats during the game at Wrigley.

The San Diego Padres struck a deal at a time when Reyes was eager to start his professional career, they have agreed to terms with Reyes for $700,000.00, the deal is still awaiting MLB approval. Via phone conversation Reyes said “I’m happy to finally be a part of an MLB organization it’s been a long process but it has all been worth it, I’m going to make everyone who believed in me proud, especially the Padres”.

Congratulations to Franmil Reyes, Basilio Vizcaino and San Diego Padres!

Rosario drives in four in Aguilas' victory

Rockies catching prospect extends RBI lead in Dominican League

Dominican Winter League

Aguilas 10, Licey 2

Rockies catching prospect Wilin Rosario went 3-for-5 and drove in four runs to lead the first-place Aguilas to their fourth straight victory. Astros outfielder Brian Bogusevic also had three hits and fell a homer shy of the cycle for Cibaenas, while Mets prospect Jordany Valdespin tripled home both runs for Licey.

Escogido 3, Toros 2

Cubs prospect Chris Rusin struck out five over seven shutout innings as the Leones snapped a three-game losing streak. Giants first baseman/outfielder Brandon Belt had two hits and an RBI for Escogido, while Rockies prospect Hector Gomez went 2-for-4 and scored a run in a losing cause.
Wilin Rosario homered off Arizona's Joe Saunders on Sept. 7 in his second Major League game.

Estrellas 6, Gigantes 5

Reds farmhand Tom Cochran pitched six strong innings as the last-place Estrellas ended a five-game slide. Angels prospect Luis Jimenez tripled home two runs and scored once for Oriente, while Brewers infielder Erick Almonte went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored for the Gigantes.

Venezuelan Winter League

Caracas 6, Margarita 0

Reds right-hander Chad Reineke struck out seven over five innings for his league-leading fourth win as the Leones snapped a four-game losing streak. Phillies prospect Carlos Rivero went 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored, while Brewers Minor Leaguer Caleb Gindl homered, drove in two runs and scored twice for Caracas.

Magallanes 5, Caribes 4

Astros infielder Jose Altuve capped a three-hit effort with a walk-off single in the ninth inning to give the Navegantes their league-leading 14th win. Angels prospect Darwin Perez went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and two runs scored for Magallanes, while suspended Rockies catcher Eliezer Alfonzo slugged a game-tying two-run homer in the top of the ninth for the Caribes.

Lara 6, Aragua 5

Oswaldo Navarro drove in three runs, helping the last-place Cardenales rally past the Tigres. The Astros Minor Leaguer drew a bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning to force in the go-ahead run after former big leaguer Jolbert Cabrera was hit by a pitch to produce the tying run. Minor League veteran Luis Maza went 4-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored for Aragua.

La Guaira 5, Zulia 2

Major League veteran Oscar Salazar delivered a two-run double and the Tiburones went on to end a three-game losing streak. White Sox prospect Jose Martinez chipped in two hits and an RBI for La Guaira, while Yankees prospect Jose Pirela doubled home both runs for the Aguilas.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 6, Ponce 0

Giants prospect Johnny Monell went 3-for-3 with a two-run homer and fell a triple shy of the cycle in his season debut as the Criollos posted their second straight win. Yuki Yanagita also went deep and had two RBIs for Caguas, while five pitchers combined on a five-hitter.

Carolina 6, Mayaguez 4

Marlins farmhand Jeff Dominguez hit a solo homer, doubled and scored twice to lead the Gigantes past the Indios. Mariners prospect Daniel Carroll delivered an RBI single, walked twice and scored a run for Carolina, while Jose Ruiz (Rangers) and Jeremy Farrell (Pirates) each drove in two runs for Mayaguez.

Mexican Pacific League

Culiacan 7, Los Mochis 2

Former Major Leaguer Alexis Gomez hit a two-run homer, powering the Tomateros to their league-best 15th win. Pinch-hitter Sergio Gastelum ripped a go-ahead three-run double in the sixth inning for Culiacan, while Giants outfielder Justin Christian drove in one run and scored the other for Los Mochis.

Obregon 3, Guasave 0

Cubs prospect Marco Carrillo pitched 5 2/3 innings and combined with four relievers on a four-hitter as the Yaquis blanked the Algodoñeros for their third straight win. Iker Franco smacked a solo homer and fellow former Braves farmhand Doug Clark had an RBI single for Obregon.

Hermosillo 2, Mexicali 1 (1st game)

Major League veteran Edgar Gonzalez allowed two hits over five scoreless innings as the Naranjeros won the opener of a doubleheader. Jesse Gutierrez cranked a solo homer for Hermosillo, while former big leaguer Oscar Robles drove in the lone run for Mexicali.

Mexicali 3, Hermosillo 0 (2nd game)

Former Major Leaguer Mike Jacobs slugged a three-run homer as the Aguilas snapped a six-game losing streak. Marco Duarte allowed three hits over 4 1/3 innings for Mexicali, which got a pair of hits from Christhian Presichi.

Mazatlan 5, Navojoa 0

Former Padres right-hander Walter Silva scattered six hits over seven innings as the Venados blanked the Mayos. Carlos Sievers smacked a grand slam and former Florida State League MVP Brandon Sing went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for Mazatlan.

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Puerto Rican Winter League

•Joseph Colon (RP, Leones de Ponce): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. With the Puerto Rican Winter League getting underway this past weekend, Colon is one of a few Indians’ players participating. He needs to continue to get innings after missing all of 2010 with an arm injury.

•Giovanni Soto (RP, Gigantes de Carolina): 0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. Soto faced three batters and gave up hits to two of them and struck out one. He missed a lot of time this year due to an arm injury and is playing in Puerto Rico to make up some of his lost innings.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Luis Valbuena (2B, Cardenales de Lara): 2-for-4. A much needed multi-hit game for Valbuena who is still hitting just .237/.275/.421 in his last 10 games.

Monday, Nov. 7, 2011

Dragons punch ticket

Ibata leads Chunichi to second straight Japan Series

NAGOYA —

Hirokazu Ibata made Shohei Tateyama pay in the worst way, breaking a scoreless tie with a two-run homer in the sixth inning as the Chunichi Dragons held off the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in a 2-1 victory to book a spot in the Japan Series for the second consecutive year on Sunday.

Title shot:

Hirokazu Ibata hits a two-run home run during the Dragons' 2-1 win over the Swallows in the CLCS final stage on Sunday. The Dragons advanced to the Japan Series with the victory.

The Central League champion Dragons, who had an automatic one-win advantage as the league champion, won the Climax Series final stage four games to two against the second-place Swallows, setting up a meeting with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in the best-of-seven Japan Series that gets under way on Saturday at Yahoo Dome.

Outgoing Chunichi manager Hiromitsu Ochiai will aim to bring home the championship trophy for the first time since achieving the feat for the first time in 53 years in five games against the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in 2007.

"The pennant race and the Climax Series are two different things," said Ochiai. "I was just sitting here watching intensely but the players were really focused. I owe it to the players and staff and everyone else involved that helped us make it through the Climax Series. Tomorrow I want to take a nice rest."

Chunichi will make its 10th overall appearance in the Japan Series. It is the first time that both league champions will face each other in the championship series since the Yomiuri Giants and Fighters faced off in 2009.

Tateyama (0-1), pitching on two days' rest after a two-inning relief appearance in Game 2, allowed just two singles through five innings but things took a wrong turn when he issued a one-out walk to Masahiro Araki in the sixth.

The right-hander, who went 11-5 during the regular season, was distracted as he threw several times to first in an attempt to pick off Araki and Ibata drilled a 2-2 fastball over the left-field wall for a 2-0 lead at Nagoya Dome.

"I'm not a home run batter, so it's not like I'll get a raise in salary for that home run," Ibata joked. "This year the pitching staff helped carry us to the league title. At the very least, I wanted to changed the script in a short series like this and help the pitching staff relax."

Game 1 winner Kazuki Yoshimi, pitching on three days' rest, threw eight shutout innings of three-hit ball, striking out eight while walking none, get his second win of the series.

Japan's all-time saves leader Hitoki Iwase yielded a leadoff double in the ninth to pinch-hitter Ryohei Kawamoto, who scored on a Norichika Aoki two-out single to center for Yakult's sole run, and with the game on the line Ochiai had seen enough from his closer.

Takuya Asao got Kazuhiro Hatakeyama to pop out in third base foul territory for the final out.

Chunichi won Game 1 behind Yoshimi's strong outing before dropping Games 2 and 3 and winning the next two to clinch its spot in the Japan Series.

Once the runway CL leader, the Swallows faded badly at the end of the season before relinquishing first place to Chunichi on Oct. 6.