Valencia .-

.................................Before the game between Caracas-Magallanes on Saturday, Luis Avila was asked how far would the patience of the Leones put up with Josh Satin. "In the coming days will come Lindsey (John), Weber (Thad) and Chambers (Adron)," the president replied diplomatically. A few hours later, after once again failing to produce offensively and defensively, one of the causes of a 6-5 defeat against the archrivals from Magallanes, the manager fired Satin through his Twitter account. "Satin will return to USA on Tuesday." Tim Teufel, manager, was adamant. "Satin has not been the same player I had in Triple A. He was never comfortable in the field and the best for him and the team was what happened," he said yesterday before the game in Valencia.

Another similar case was that of Matt LaPorta, who arrived in Caracas in 2008 as one of the leading figures emerging from the Cleveland Indians. But in 17 games, LaPorta might be linked to one of average .164 with 22 strikeouts in 67 innings...................................................

Guess what ? You still are crazy. Just because Tony Lastoria thinks that LaPorta needs to play in winter ball does not make it right.

No one should have to put themselves in the middle of that garbage.

Another similar case was that of Matt LaPorta, who arrived in Caracas in 2008 as one of the leading figures emerging from the Cleveland Indians. But in 17 games, LaPorta might be linked to one of average .164 with 22 strikeouts in 67 innings...................................................

So that really helped that year ? Really.

If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. This is not only LaPorta's future, its the Indians future.

Not when you are playing in the wild wild west of drug corruption and skanks. Most normal people do not want to risk their life if they do not have to.

Leones Caracas came back with 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th to take victory from the hands of defeat 5-4 against Tigres Aragua. This was the only game scheduled from Venezuela. Asdrubal Cabrera was 2-5 with a run scored, and rbi, and two strikeouts. Jesus Aguilar was 1-4 with his third homer, two rbi and a run scored. Raul Padron had a pinch hit single in the 8th. Agular's home came in the sixth with two out, a solo blast to put Leones on top at the time 2-1. Aragua scored single runs in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings to take a 4-2 lead. In the bottom of the 9th, Caracas Bottom of the 9th, Jesus Guzman homered, Asdrubal Cabrera singled, Stephen Vogt had a ground-rule double Asdrubal Cabrera to 3rd, Marwin Gonzalez was intentionally walked to load the bases, Jesus Aguilar had a sacrifice fly, Asdrubal Cabrera scored, Stephen Vogt to 3rd, Wilfredo Romero singled, Stephen Vogt scored. Final Caracas 5 Aragua 4. Leones doing what they have to do, WIN, with time running out.
CARACAS .-

Caracas Lions are used to coming back in recent days and this time the victim was Aragua Tigers who coming back in the ninth inning and delivered a narrow 5-4 ballgame.

Wilfredo Romero emerged in the bottom of the ninth to connect for an RBI single that allowed Stephen Vogt to score the winning run in front of a joyous Caracas crowd at University Stadium. Jesus Guzman contributed to the cause when he dispatched his second homer of the year while rookie Jesus Aguilar continues to respond and also unloaded a homer his third of the year. Asdrubal Cabrera added an RBI and hit two singles in five trips to the plate. Josh Wilkie (2-1) earned the victory during an inning in relief while Francisco Butto (2-2) picked up the loss allowing four hits and trio of runs. For Maracay, the Edgardo Alfonzo homered and batted in three runs.

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Friars' Guzman keys late rally with homer
Third baseman goes yard, sparks three-run ninth inning comeback

Venezuelan Winter League

Caracas 5, Aragua 4

Padres third baseman Jesus Guzman started an eventual game-winning rally with his second homer of the season as Caracas compiled a three-run ninth inning to edge Aragua on Monday.

Jesus Aguilar (Indians) smacked his third homer of the year and tied the game with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly, Douglas Landaeta (A's) was 2-for-3 out of the No. 9 spot and catcher Yorvit Torrealba (Rangers) reached base three times in the triumph.


Jesus Guzman hit .312 with five homers and 44 RBIs over 76 Major League games this season. (Kevin Pataky/MLB.com)Tigers prospect Thad Weber surrendered a run on four hits over five frames for the Leones and did not factor in the decision. Right-hander Josh Wilkie (Nationals) picked up the victory after allowing a run on two hits in an inning of relief.

Astros right-hander Sergio Perez gave up two runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out three batters over six innings in the losing cause, while former All-Star Edgardo Alfonzo homered, doubled and plated three runs for the Tigres. Gameday box score

Dominican Winter League

Cibao 4, Licey 2

The Tigres missed out on a chance to close the gap on the league-leading Aguilas to just 1.5 games after falling to the Gigantes.

Cibao starter Aquilino Lopez scattered four hits over five shutout innings to improve to 3-2 and Alexi Casilla (Twins), Robinzon Diaz and Brad Nelson each plated a run in the victory.

Southpaw Juan Perez (Phillies) pitched a perfect inning of relief, Major Leaguer Enerio Del Rosario (Astros) retired the only batter he faced to maintain his perfect 0.00 ERA and Jhonny Nunez (Rays) set down the side in order in the ninth to record his second save.

Licey's Arismendy Alcantara (Cubs) was 2-for-4 in his second appearance of the season and former big leaguer Elijah Dukes went 2-for-3 in the loss. Making his second start of the winter, Edgar Garcia (Royals) allowed one hit over three scoreless innings while striking out two batters. He did not factor in the decision.

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Colombia Winter League

•Giovanny Urshela (3B, Cartagena Tigres): 2-for-5, R, 2B, K. It is hard to see the day to day progress in Colombia due to the limited statistical information they have available, but Urshela has been better at the plate the last week.

Venezuela Winter League

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K, SB. Cabrera got a hit, but he is still in a 4-for-33 funk in his last 10 games and has struck out 9 times in his last 8 games.

•Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-4, R, HR, RBI, K. Aguilar is going to be sad to see 2011 come to a close after the year he has had. He’s had a breakout year as a prospect showing power in every league he has played in and the future is bright for the big Venezuelan power hitter.

JESUS AGUILAR

CARACAS .-

Carlos Rivero and Jesus Aguilar have become two of the more timely hitters on the Leones del Caracas baseball team . In Sunday's game Rivero singled to keep the inning alive and Aguilar struck a double to tie the game. That was merely a reflection of the role played by the pair of Caracas sluggers. "I try to go out each game, each at bat and of course in each circumstance to try to win ball games. Fortunately I have had the opportunities in those situations and I responded, " said Rivero. The barquisimetano, prospect of Philadelphia Phillies has 53 at bats after the seventh inning in which he has connected 15 hits for a .283 average and eight RBI .

And Aguilar? The Maracay has had just 13 innings under those circumstances and has averaged .384 with six runs batted in.

Luis Avila, president of the Lions of Caracas evaluates as positive the fact that players like Rivera and Aguilar have a significant role on the team this season. "I think it is something that is very good for us that these kind of players are doing what they are doing, especially because we think that maybe in another year, things will be different. Right now, they might have not had many chances to start," said the executive of the metropolitans.

Just in time that Aguilar and Rivero proved to be "clutch hitters" and has earned the confidence of Caracas manager Rick Sweet. "I always say that I have a 10-man lineup that a player like Aguilar will getting opportunities to play, the problem is that sometimes I have nowhere to place him, but I know I can count on him, "the pilot has highlighted his feelings on several occasions about the Caracas recruit.

SHARKS CLASSIFY

The decline of the Regular Season Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional, as amended 2011-2012, is coming to a conclusion and the picture is somewhat surprising, if we take as a comparison the start of the campaign. The Sharks of La Guaira, characterized as a seasoned team, happy and competitive, but rarely were labeled as favorites are now more than ever they have become the favorites. The Sharks become the first team to qualify for the round robin tournament. The shark club, the most consistent throughout the tournament, classified on Sunday.

Ubaldo Jimenez and Fausto Carmona

Major League duel Tonight

Carmona Jimenez and dueling in the Quisqueya stadium

SANTO DOMINGO. -

Tonight there will be a clash of major league pitchers. Ubaldo Jimenez and Fausto Carmona, both pitchers all from the Cleveland Indians in Major League debut tonight at the Estadio Quisqueya, the meeting where the Licey Tigers will host the Cibao Eagles.

Both teams have already qualified to Round Robin.

Note that in the last season both teams did not qualify.

Licey Los Tigres and del Cibao Eagles will host the tenth and final challenge between the two teams in this year. The visitors rested yesterday for tonight's debut show Fausto Carmona who will face Ubaldo Jimenez, making both their debut for the stretch run.

The series favors in particularly the Tigers this year who went 6-3 against the Eagles.

Ubaldo Jimenez last pitched in the Dominican League during the 2009-10 season and has a lifetime record in the Dominican League of 1-2, with an average ERA of 6.12, has started 7 games, 32.1 innings pitched, 31 hits allowed, 22 earned runs, 17 tickets issued and 29 strikeouts.

Carmona, meanwhile, pitched in the 2010-11 season, where he was hit freely, allowing 4 earned runs in just 1.1 innings pitched. Lifetime, exhibits mark of 4-4 with an ERA of 4.04, has started 20 games, 82.1

(and the article ends here...)

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Australian ASG to be aired on MLB Network

By Mark Newman / MLB.com | 12/20/11 12:33 PM EST

The growth of baseball Down Under takes another big step as Twins infielder Luke Hughes and free-agent infielder Chin-lung Hu are among those playing in the inaugural Australian Baseball League All-Star Game, broadcast from Perth at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday on MLB Network. The game can also be followed live via Gameday on the ABL website early Wednesday morning at 3 a.m. ET and 4 p.m. local time.

Team Australia, featuring the nation's best homegrown talent, takes on the best international players in the ABL, Team World. The potential audience for this event, backed by Major League Baseball, was expected to be one of the largest for a baseball game held in Australia.

"It's an incredible opportunity for Australian baseball to showcase the league both domestically and internationally," Hughes said. "We've been going pretty hard at promoting this league ever since it was put out there last year, and to be a part of it as a player is a fantastic opportunity to watch the league grow.

"It shows the public that there is another sport out there. It's a fun sport to play and a fun sport to watch, and that's our goal. Hopefully, we can get some kids back involved with this sport. We've got to put it back out there, and this is a great opportunity to put it on TV. A lot of kids are going to be able to watch this game and hopefully come out to support the Perth Heat the rest of the year."

The game features one Major Leaguer, one who played in the Majors in 2011, four former Major Leaguers and 16 active Minor League prospects.

Hughes, representing the Perth Heat, is the ABL's most high-profile player. The Twins benefit from his offseason preparation back home, too. He appeared in 96 games for them as a rookie in 2011, batting just .223 but showing streaky offense with seven homers, including four in a five-game span at the end of August. He brings versatility as well, playing 36 games at first, 37 at second and 13 at third.

"It's great to get some good playing time in before next season," Hughes said. "I'll go into Spring Training with 120 at-bats already under my belt. It does nothing but help me moving forward into next season."

Hu, a 27-year-old from Taiwan who represents the Adelaide Bite, leads Team World as he works toward a hopeful signing by the Mets or another Major League organization for 2012. He appeared in parts of four consecutive seasons from 2007-10 with the Dodgers, and then saw 22 games with the Mets in '11 after being signed to back up Jose Reyes. Hu had only one hit in 20 at-bats for them and was outrighted after the season.

"I've started working more on my bat and getting in the mindset of 'keep playing,'" Hu said. "I was hurt this year and didn't have a great year. I was up and down, but this is a great opportunity for them to watch me get better and make my push to get back to the big leagues."

Team Australia is reunited after its successful run at the recent IBAF World Cup, where it finished as the fifth-best baseball team in the world after upsets of host Panama and Canada. This will mark the only opportunity for Australian baseball fans to see their National Team in action on home soil this year. Some of their squad's top talent in addition to Hughes includes:

• Tom Brice (Adelaide Bite): Only Australian player named to the IBAF World Cup All-Star team.

• Chris Oxspring (Sydney Blue Sox): Former Tigers pitcher is the only dual player/coach in the ABL; has 22 strikeouts this year.

• Justin Huber (Melbourne Aces): Former Major Leaguer is tied for the ABL lead in hits with 24 and second in the ABL with 14 runs scored.

• Tim Kennelly (Perth Heat): Leads the ABL in several key offensive categories, including a .444 batting average, 24 hits, 17 RBIs and a .492 on-base percentage.

• Mitch Graham (Perth Heat): Tied for first in the ABL with 17 RBIs and has the second-best batting average at .382.

Team World features the ABL's best import talent from the U.S., Japan, Canada, Taiwan, Korea, India and Italy and includes three former Major Leaguers as well as players from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball League and the Korean Baseball Organization. In addition to Hu:

• Dae-Sung Koo (Sydney Blue Sox): The legendary Korean reliever was last season's ABL Reliever of the Year. He leads the ABL with three saves.

• Mike McGuire (Canberra Cavalry): American pitcher has been untouchable this season -- he leads the league with 35 strikeouts and an 0.36 ERA.

• Alex Burg (Perth Heat): ABL's home run leader from the Giants' organization.

• Rinku Singh (Adelaide Bite): First Indian-born pitcher to win a pro game in the U.S. was discovered on the reality TV show "Million Dollar Arm."

• Denny Almonte (Adelaide Bite): The Mariners' prospect set an ABL record with eight RBIs in one game recently.

• Yohei Yanagawa (Brisbane Bandits): The Japanese pitcher is a former first-round Draft pick with Nippon Professional Baseball.

The box scores will look ugly but pretty deceiving to say the least.

Fausto and Ubaldo were looking great the first two innings. Fausto gave up a leadoff double in the first but got out of it. The second inning was an uneventful 1-2-3 inning.

In the meantime, Ubaldo was matching Fausto pitch for pitch. At the end of 2 innings, Fausto only gave up the leadoff double. Ubaldo gave up a basehit but struck out the side in the second. Both pitchers were using all their pitches.

Fausto was Fausto with the sinker working well. He was consistently in the low 90's (90-92) and topped out at 93.

Ubaldo's breaking and off speed stuff was effective. He was consistently hitting between 92 and 94 and topped out several times at 96. Good to see.

Both pitchers gave up runs in the third.

Ubaldo was the victim of some shoddy defensive work by his team. The first batter in the third hit a high chopper to short. The shortstop let the ball play him and the throw to first was not in time. Ubaldo picked the runner off first but the firstbaseman's throw to second was late. The following batter walked. The next guy sacrificed on the first pitch. Ubaldo fielded the ball well and went to third but the fielder could not get back to the base in time and the runner was safe and the based filled with no outs. Ubaldo fanned the next batter but the follow hitter hit ducksnorter to center on a 2-2 pitch and two runs came home. Ubaldo's pitch count was at 50 so he was removed from the game with runners on the corners. Relief was on the mound. Sac fly and the third run was charged to Jimenez. He came off the field with a big smile on his face. The box score might not look like it but I think Ubaldo will be back. He'll be here for the round robin tournament so we'll get a better idea from his next few start.

Fausto surrendered a run in the bottom of the third after cruising past the first two hitters. Brad Coon had the leadoff double and tagged Carmona for another basehit. Coon stole second and came home on the second basehit of the inning. The throw to home was wild but Fausto backing up caught the runner at third for the final out of the innings. Fausto came out for his fourth inning of work and it was an effective 1-2-3 inning. I lost track of Carmona's pitch count but I think it was 51. As Fausto came off the field, he glanced over to the Licey dugout and had a big smile for Ubaldo.

I don't know if Manny or Carlos was at the game, but Acta has to be pleased with the way both these worked tonight. For a debut, they really did look very good. I would expect them to get better their next time out.

Caracas is at the Caribes. The ballgame is in the third. the Caribes lead 3-2. Asdrubal is 1-2 with a two run homer in the first. Jesus Aguilar is also 1-2. With an out in the fourth, Jesus single followed by a pair of walks. A double play ball killed the rally. Middle of 4, Caribes 3 Caracas 2. The Leones continue to play in "must win" mode.

Well, the Aguilas won that ballgame. Ubaldo suffers the loss while Fausto gets the win.

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Kroenke pitches Tiburones to victory

Diamondbacks prospect surrenders one run over 5 2/3 innings

Venezuelan Winter League

La Guaira 2, Margarita 1

D-backs farmhand Zach Kroenke allowed a run on three hits while fanning three over 5 2/3 innings for the Tiburones. Major League All-Star Francisco Rodriguez (Brewers) notched his first save of the winter with a perfect ninth inning and Stuart Pomeranz, who spent 2011 with the Dodgers Double-A affiliate in Chattanooga, earned the win with 1 1/3 no-hit innings of relief. Mets prospect Wilmer Flores drew three walks in a losing effort for the Bravos, losers of five straight.

Magallanes 10, Zulia 3

Pacific Coast League MVP Bryan LaHair (Cubs) slugged a two-run homer, his 12th of the season for the Navegantes. Andres Blanco (Nationals) was 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs while Cubs prospect Rebel Ridling scored three times. Yankees prospect Colin Curtis reached base three times and scored a run for the Aguilas.
Zach Kroenke was 10-3 with a 5.89 ERA in 23 starts for Triple-A Reno in 2011. (Barry Gossage/Getty Images)

Lara 5, Aragua 4

Blue Jays infielder Luis Valbuena doubled twice and drove in a pair of runs for the Cardenales. Former Major Leaguer Tomas Perez drew four walks and scored twice while veteran hurler Brian Sweeney improved to 3-0 after allowing two runs over six innings. Edgardo Alfonzo, an All-Star with the Mets in 2000, extended his hitting streak to four games with a double for the Tigres.

Caracas 5, Anzoategui 3

Indians All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera slugged a two-run homer to pace the Leones. Rays prospect Stephen Vogt had two hits including a homer and scored twice while Red Sox hurler Franklin Morales struck out two over 1 1/3 perfect innings of relief for his sixth save. Angels farmhand Alexi Amarista went deep for the eighth time this season for the Caribes.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 4, Ponce 2

Jorge Padilla, who spent the 2011 season in the Marlins system, was 2-for-2 with a walk and a run scored for the Criollos. Former Major Leaguer Edgard Clemente, the nephew of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, drove in a run and scored another while former Washington Nationals reliever Saul Rivera notched his seventh save with a perfect ninth inning. Veteran catcher Robinson Cancel slugged a solo homer for the Leones.

Mayaguez 8, Carolina 2

Former big leaguer Randy Ruiz was 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs to lead the Indios to their fourth straight win. Veteran infielder Ruben Gotay hit a two-run triple and Twins prospect Daniel Ortiz scored a pair of runs. Major League veteran Brendan Harris homered and drove in two runs for the Gigantes.

Dominican Winter League

Cibaenas 6, Licey 1

Tigers farmhand Audy Ciriaco was 2-for-4 with two RBIs to pace the first-place Aguilas. Juan Silverio (White Sox) plated a pair of runs and Indians starter Fausto Carmona allowed a run on three hits while fanning three over four innings. Ubaldo Jimenez took the loss for the Tigres after surrendering three runs on three hits and striking out four over 2 1/3 innings.

Escogido 3, Este 1, 10 innings

Brayan Pena (Royals) smacked a two-run double in the 10th inning to rally the Leones to their fourth consecutive win. Pena finished with three RBIs and Rangers farmhand Julio Borbon reached base three times while scoring twice. Astros farmhand Diory Hernandez extended his hitting streak to seven games with a single for the Toros, who are riding a five-game losing streak.

Cibao 8, Oriente 5

Former Major Leaguer John Halama allowed four hits and struck out two over five shutout innings to improve to 4-3 for the Gigantes. Marlins farmhand Luke Montz slugged a two-run homer and veteran catcher Robinson Diaz went yard and scored twice. Alex Valdez slugged a grand slam in a losing effort for the Estrellas.

Mexican Pacific League

Guasave 4, Obregon 1

Big league veteran Daryle Ward reached base three times and singled home a run for the Algondoneros. Former Expos draft pick Henry Mateo was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and Mexican League veteran Jorge Castillo struck out seven while allowing a run on seven hits over seven innings. Former Braves farmhand Barbaro Canizares hit his 17th homer of the winter in a losing effort for the Yaquis.

Hermosillo 2, Los Mochis 0

Cardinals prospect Mark Hamilton drove in his ninth run over his last nine games with a sacrifice fly for the Naranjeros. Dodgers farmhand Trent Oeltjen was 1-for-4 with a run scored and former Major Leaguer Humberto Cota singled twice. Cardinals prospect Jermaine Curtis reached base four times and stole his 11th base for the Caneros.

Navojoa 6, Mexicali 0

Former White Sox farmhand Javier Colina slugged a two-run homer to pace the Mayos. Mexican League veteran Adan Munoz went yard and Matt Esquivel was 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Matt Clark, who spent the 2011 season with the Padres organization, smacked a double in a losing effort for the Aguilas.

Mazatlan 5, Culiacan 4, 10 innings

Former Major Leaguer Ruben Rivera slugged a solo homer with two outs in the 10th inning to lift the Venados. Adam Heether, a member of the Athletics organization in 2011, was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored while Oswaldo Morejon homered and drove in three runs. Tigers prospect Ben Guez was 3-for-4 with a runs scored for the Tomateros.

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Dominican Republic Winter League

•Fausto Carmona (SP, Aguilas Cibaenas): 4.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 2 K. A much better offseason outing for Carmona this year than last year as in his lone appearance last year on December 21, 2010 he went just 1.1 innings and allowed 5 runs (4 earned), 5 hits, 0 walks, and had 1 strikeout. Maybe his good performance on Tuesday night is a good omen for 2012? (I know I am reaching)

•Ubaldo Jimenez (SP, Tigres del Licey): 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R/ER, 2 BB, 4 K. It was a typical Jimenez outing as he struggled through 2.1 innings where he faced a total of 13 batters and allowed 6 baserunners. Manager Manny Acta said he was the recipient of some bad defense around him, but it is still hard to ignore the walks and his inability to limit damage in an outing. That said, it doesn’t matter if he is Justin Verlander or Kane “BP” Davis this offseason, it is all about getting him back into a routine and ironing out some of his mechanical issues.

Puerto Rico Winter League

•Giovanni Soto (RP, Gigantes de Carolina): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 4 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 0 K. After dominating in his first 11 appearances this fall/winter out in Puerto Rico, Soto has struggled in his last two outings and looks to have hit a wall. In his last two games he has now pitched a total of 1.1 innings but has allowed 6 runs (4 earned) on 1 hit and 5 walks. He has also allowed 7 walks in his last 3 outings covering 2.1 innings, when in his first 10 outings he just 2 runs and 5 walks in 11.1 innings. Hopefully he is not hurt as when performance declines this sharply and this quickly it can be an indicator that there is an arm issue.

Venezuela Winter League

•Jose Lopez (3B, Cardenales de Lara): 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K. Lopez is having a nice showing this fall/winter where in 35 games he is hitting .311 with 5 HR, 21 RBI and .862 OPS. Granted, winter ball stats don’t mean a whole lot, but it is nice to see him performing well rather than not performing at all.

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-4, R, HR, 2 RBI. Cabrera jacked his second homer of the offseason last night, but still has a poor slash line of .214/.313/.381 in 12 games.

•Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-4. Nothing much exciting for Aguilar in this game, but no strikeouts and another hit is good to see. He also has a modest 9-game hitting streak going and is hitting .313 with a .937 OPS in his last 10 games.

•Eric Berger (RP, Bravos de Margarita): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. Berger faced just 2 batters but was saddled with a blown save because the first batter he faced knocked in both the tying run and also the game winning run