I'll see what I can find UD.

Game 1: Aguilas 2, Escogido 5
Game 2: Escogido 4, Aguilas 1
Game 3: Aguilas 1, Escogido 3
Game 4: Escogido 0, Aguilas 1
Game 5: Aguilas 8, Escogido 5
Leones del Escogido lead series 3-2

Game 6: 01/27 7:35 p.m.
Game 7: 01/28 5:05 p.m.
Game 8: 01/29 5:05 p.m.
Game 9: 01/30 7:35 p.m.
Eagles rise up and win the second time in the series

Each time Leones took the lead, the Aguilas would tie and final took the lead in the ninth and won 8-5 to make the series 3 games to 2 games in favor of the Leones

It was the perfect setting for series leading Leones. They had the lead 5-4, the best closer during the finals, Fernando Rodney was on the mound. All this was great, but not against the Cibao Eagles, who outscored the Lions 8-5.

The fifth game of this series was an irresistible match of emotions at the highest level. When everything was defined and the dust was cleared, the Eagles came back and narrowed the series lead to one game. For the most part, fortune was on the side of the Lions as three of their five runs came after two outs.
The scoring:

Bottom of the second inning with Leones batting and drawing first blood. Denis Phipps lead off the inning with a walk. With one out Wilkin Castillo singled. Denis Phipps advanced to third. Fernando Tatis followed with a basehit driving in Denis Phipps. Leones 1 Aguilas 0.

The Aguilas came back to tie in the top of third. With two out in the inning, Jesse Gutierrez doubled and Elian Herrera followed with a basehit driving in Jesse Gutierrez. Leones 1 Aguilas 1.

Leones would regain the lead in the bottom of the fourth. With two down, Julio Lugo doubled. With Castillo batting, a wild pitch moved Lugo to third. Wilkin Castillo doubled home Julio Lugo. Leones 2 Aguilas 1.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Leones would add to their lead. Pedro Florimon started the inning off with a single. Pedro Florimon to second on a fielding error. Jose Constanza sacrificed Pedro Ciriaco to third. Ivan De Jesus batted in Florimon. Leones 3 Aguilas 1.

The Aguilas would come right back to tie the game in the top of the sixth. With one out, Carlos Gomez walked. With Brandon Moss batting, Carlos Gomez stole second base. Brandon Moss homered for a pair of runs to tie the game. Leones 3 Aguilas 3.

Leones regained the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Julio Borbon singled to lead off the innings.
Ivan De Jesus sacrificed Borbon to second. Andy Dirks grounds out but Borbon advanced to third.
Intentional walk to Mauro Gomez. Denis Phipps singled and Julio Borbon scored. Leones 4 Aguilas 3.

In the top of the eighth, the Aguilas bounced right back to tie the game once more. Juan Perez lead off with a single. Elian Herrera also singled. Perez advanced to third and Elian Herrera to 2nd on Gomez's sacrifice bunt. Joaquin Arias singled and Juan Perez scored. Leones 4 Aguilas 4.

In their half of the inning, Leones bounced right back to take the lead once more. With two down, Pedro Florimon singled. With Julio Borbon batting, Florimon stole second. Julio Borbon singled driving home Pedro Florimon. Leones 5 Aguilas 4.

With closer Fernando Rodney on the mound in the ninth trying to protect a one run lead for the save, Rodney experienced all kinds of problems most of them control issues. Miguel Tejada lead off the inning against Rodney and singeld. Jesse Gutierrez struck out and then the problems started. Victor Mendez pinch hit and singled with Miguel Tejada advancing to second. Jonathan Villar pinch rand for Victor Mendez. Juan Perez walked. Miguel Tejada to 3rd. Jonathan Villar to 2nd. Elian Herrera walked. Miguel Tejada scored. Jonathan Villar to 3rd. Juan Perez to 2nd. Carlos Gomez walked. Jonathan Villar scored. Juan Perez to 3rd. Elian Herrera to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Pat Venditte replaces Fernando Rodney. Joaquin Arias doubled. Juan Perez scored. Elian Herrera scored. Carlos Gomez to 3rd. Pat Venditte intentionally walked Brandon Moss. Pedro Ciriaco struckout out swinging and Miguel Tejada grounded out to end the inning. Leones 5 Aguilas 8.

Aguilas closer, Miguel Batista came on in relief in the bottom of the ninth to secure the game. Final score Leones 5 Aguilas 8. Miguel Tejada had to leave the game with a leg injury trying to field a drag bunt attempt.

The series continues tonight in Santiago, home of the Eagles.

Game 1: Aguilas 2, Escogido 5
Game 2: Escogido 4, Aguilas 1
Game 3: Aguilas 1, Escogido 3
Game 4: Escogido 0, Aguilas 1
Game 5: Aguilas 8, Escogido 5
Leones del Escogido lead series 3-2

Game 6: 01/27 7:35 p.m.
Game 7: 01/28 5:05 p.m.
Game 8: 01/29 5:05 p.m.
Game 9: 01/30 7:35 p.m.
Valdés Figueroa vs. historic duel

SANTO DOMINGO .-

Cibao Stadium tonight will host an historic duel between two of the top pitchers in recent years imported into the Dominican Winter League. The Puerto Rican Nelson Figueroa (Leones) and Cuba's Raul Valdes (Eagles) will duel in the sixth game of the Final Series, which favors Leones 3-2.

This game is everything it was cracked up to be. This is a fantastic pitching duel between Valdez and Figueroa. The game is in the top of the ninth with the Aguilas clinging on to a precarious 1-0 lead trying to even this best of nine series up at three games each after losing the first three games of the series.

Leones has runners on first and second and no outs in the ninth.

Game is tied with runners on first and third and no outs.

First and Third and One out game tied at 1. They say the last three outs are the toughest to get in a game. Nothnig holds more true that this game tonight.

The Aguilas miraculously escaped the inning with no further damage being done. Aguilas will be batting in the bottom of the ninth, standing room only crowd, in a game tied at one run apiece and i have to be leaving for awhile. Work calls.

Raul Valdez is AWESOME, AMAZING, SUPERNATURAL ???
Raul Valdez pitched on three days rest and four days later, Valdez is back in the saddle again. Valdez pitched a week ago Friday, Then he came back three days later to pitch this past Monday. Tonight, he toed the rubber once again.

Last Friday, Valdez pitched 3.1 innings in relief. Monday night he came back as a starter and pitched 7.1 innings of shutout ball. He left the game with two on and one out and was leading 1-0. The reliefers couldn't hold the lead and Leones scored 3 runs in the inning. Valdez was charged with two runs and the loss.

These were Valdez's three day totals, 1 loss, 10.2 innings pitched, 2 runs, 10 hits, 1 walk, 1 hit batter, 11 strikeouts, and a final pitch count of 176.

Tonight Valdez pitches 8.0 innings, no decision, 8.0 innings pitched, 0 runs, 3 hits, 2 walk, and 11 strikeouts. They don't give pitch counts in the boxscores. The only place those are available are in the graphics when watching the games. I could only watch three innings tonight. I was kicked out and couldn't get back on line because the servers were overloaded. If I had to guess, I'd say Valdez's pitch count would have been very close to 100 pitches. If this is the case, Raul Valdez's totals for the 7 days would be:

1 loss, 1 no decision, 18.2 innings pitched, 2 runs, 13 hits, 3 walks, 1 hit batter, 22 strikeouts, and a guess.....a pitch count of 276 pitches.

Not a bad 7 days piece of work........for winterball that is.

I can't find enough superlatives to heep upon this guy.

The Aguilas were in a must win situation in all three games that Valdez pitched in. The Aguilas had fallen behind in the series 3 games to none. This is the best of nine series. The Aguilas have won three straight now and have tied the series up at 3 games each.

Hector Luna and Raul Valdes, heroes of the Eagles victory

Hector Luna's basehit batted in the winning run with bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead the Cibao Eagles to an important 2-1 win over the Leones Escogido and evened the Final Series at 3-3. Read more a bit later.

Raul Valdes and Hector Luna heroes of the Eagles Win

SANTIAGO .-

Hector Luna had the winning basehit with bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead the Cibao Eagles to an important 2-1 win over the Leones Escogido and even the Final Series 3-3.

Luna, who did not start the game because of inflammation in his right wrist, was brought into the game by manager Felix Fermin as a pinch hitter and Luna made the strategy payoff connecting for the critical hit of the game.

The meeting was characterized by the recital of the pitching duel earlier in the week fromCuban lefty Raul Valdes and Puerto Rican Nelson Figueroa where Valdez dominated this time around although he was not the winning pitcher of the game.

Valdes pitched eight scoreless innings, a pitching a gem of 11 strikeouts. Valdes was replaced by Miguel Batista, who could not preserve the victory, yet manage escape a big jam in the ninth inning by inducing Julio Lugo to ground into an inning ending double play. Batista, eventually, was the winning pitcher for the Eagles.

The Scoring!

The Aguilas scored in the third to take the early lead.

Aguilas Bottom of the 3rd

Juan Perez got things started with a double left. Francisco Pena was out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Nelson Figueroa to second baseman Ivan De Jesus. Juan Perez to 3rd. Pedro Ciriaco was out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Denis Phipps. Juan Perez scored. Aguilas 1 Leones 0.

[That would be all the scoring until the ninth inning. To this point, Raul Valdez would throw a shutout at the Lions. Nelson Figueroa would match Valdez pitch for pitch only surrending the one run in the third inning. Aguilas closer, Miguel Batista would run into immediate danger to start the ninth inning but would recover miraculously escape a huge jam. Raul Valdez would get a no-decision as Batista would blow the save but ended up getting the victory.]

Escogido Top of the 9th

Pitcher Change: Miguel Batista replaces Raul Valdes and would surrender three consecutive basehits before recording his first out. Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Julio Borbon replaces Ivan De Jesus. Julio Borbon singled on a ground ball to right fielder Brandon Moss. Andy Dirks singled on a fly ball to left fielder Juan Perez. Julio Borbon to 2nd. Mauro Gomez singled on a ground ball to right fielder Brandon Moss. Julio Borbon scored. Andy Dirks advanced to 3rd, on a fielding error by right fielder Brandon Moss. Batista would record his first out of the inning but runners would be stationed on the corners with no outs. Denis Phipps struck out swinging. Julio Lugo grounded into a double play, shortstop Joaquin Arias to second baseman Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Jesse Gutierrez. Mauro Gomez out at 2nd. Aguilas 1 Leones 1.

[The Aguilas have been resilient this entire series. The ninth would be no exception. Both managers, Aguilas' Felix Fermin and Leones Ken Oberkfell have been excellent strategists all year long and tonight was no exception for them either. It's been a chess game to see which manager would prevail.]

Aguilas Bottom of the 9th

Pitcher Change: Hector Rodriguez replaced Nelson Figueroa. Julio Borbon remained in the game as the left fielder. Defensive Substitution: Pedro Lopez replaced left fielder Denis Phipps, batting 5th, playing second base. Brandon Moss singled on a line drive to center fielder Melky Mesa. Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Bernie Castro replaced Jesse Gutierrez. Pitcher Change: Jose Cabrera replaced Hector Rodriguez. Bernie Castro hits a sacrifice bunt. Fielding error by pitcher Jose Cabrera. Brandon Moss to 2nd. Bernie Castro to 1st. Miguel Tejada out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Fernando Tatis to second baseman Pedro Lopez. Brandon Moss to 3rd. Bernie Castro to 2nd. Jose Cabrera intentionally walked Juan Perez. Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Victor Mendez replaced Francisco Pena.
Pitcher Change: Nelson Payano replaced Jose Cabrera. Victor Mendez popped out to first baseman Mauro Gomez in foul territory. Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Hector Luna replaced Pedro Ciriaco.
Hector Luna singled on a line drive to center fielder Melky Mesa. Brandon Moss scored. Bernie Castro to 3rd. Juan Perez to 2nd. Final Aguilas 2 Leones 1.

[The managing in this series has been as entertaining as the games.]

What a series! Sold out stadiums! The fans literally reacting with each and every pitch! Heart pounding action! Thrills galore! This is baseball!

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Sanchez, Tiburones even Finals, 2-2

Giants catching prospect hits three-run homer in 9-1 romp

Venezuelan Winter League

La Guaira 9, Aragua 1

Giants prospect Hector Sanchez smacked a three-run homer and scored twice as the Tiburones squared the best-of-7 Championship Series at two wins apiece. Phillies farmhand Tyson Brummett produced his second straight stellar start for La Guaira, allowing five hits and striking out six over seven shutout innings. Reds prospect Miguel Rojas went 3-for-4 and scored twice for the Tiburones, while former Astros Minor Leaguer Jorge Cortes accounted for the Tigres' offense with his fourth postseason homer.
Hector Sanchez is hitting .302 with two homers, 10 RBIs and 11 runs scored in 17 postseason games. (Jeff Chiu/AP)


Dominican Winter League

Aguilas 2, Escogido 1

Phillies newcomer Hector Luna delivered a pinch walk-off single as the Aguilas edged the Leones to tie the best-of-9 Finals at 3-3. Former Major Leaguer Raul Valdes struck out 11 over eight scoreless innings but did not figure in the decision for Cibaeñas. Escogido, which won the first three games of the series, trailed until Minor League veteran Mauro Gomez singled home Rangers outfielder Julio Borbon in the top of the ninth.

La Guaira evens the series against Aragua with an offensive power display

Brummett, hitters attacked the Tigers

The right-hander made 96 pitches (65 for strikes) to control the Aragua Tigers.

CARACAS .-

The right-hander Tyson Brummett from the U.S. was under control dominating the game during his seven innings of work at the University Stadium mound.

The Sharks starter threw 96 pitches, 65 of which fell for strike. Brummett Just walked one and struck out six opponents.

"My plan was to throw strikes. Attack the hitters. That's What I always try to do, because if you start giving away free passes, you'll get in trouble, "said the pitcher at the press conference after the game.
"The entire pitching plan worked as planned, I had control of my breaking pitches, I kept the ball low, the speed was good and most importantly, we had a great defense," said Brummett after the Sharks materialized their second victory of the series and left the field ready for game five of the finals.

Brummet added he was aware of the importance that the game meant for the team, fans and that he fetl very happy to have achieved victory.

Meanwhile, his battery mate, catcher Hector Sanchez, who could not play yesterday because of health problems also expressed what it meant for him to return to the lineup. "Unfortunately I could not play yesterday, thank God today I was ready, mentally I was prepared to help my team and for the opportunity that presented itself. I was trying to make good contact and most importantly for us is that today everything worked out as a team, timely hitting, good defense, we should try to go on to win tomorrow and then travel to Aragua to try to get the championship, "said Sanchez.
Tyson Brummett started for La Guaira Sharks / Photo: Andres Jimenez
Yenel Pinto did the same for the Tigers / Photo: Andres Jimenez
Sharks take the lead over cats / Photo: Andres Jimenez
Gregor Blanco during his time at bat / Photo: Andres Jimenez
La Guaira Sharks fans very excited / Photo: Andres Jimenez
Tyson Brumment receives a great ovation from the audience / Photo: Andres Jimenez

YOENIS CESPEDES

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JORGE SOLER
GERALDO CONCEPCION

Williams coy on topic of Cuban phenoms

01/27/12 11:41 PM EST

CHICAGO --

The phrase "under the radar" frequently describes Ken Williams' mode of operation in trying to acquire personnel upgrades for the White Sox.

Where free-agent Cuban hurler Geraldo Concepcion and fellow free-agent Cuban outfielders Yoenis Cespedes and Jorge Soler are concerned, the White Sox general manager has changed his game to poker. And on Friday night during SoxFest at the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago, Williams unsuccessfully tried to bluff in order to keep his stronghold in the game.

Williams was asked about all three players when he met with a group of Chicago reporters in the early evening, with Concepcion and Cespedes already in the free-agent stage. After first saying he didn't know the players being talked about, Williams joked about not knowing where the players were from and then asked if the reporters thought it was wise for him to check them out.

"Those are all just rumors," Williams said with a wry smile. "I don't know what you guys are talking about."

Cespedes, the five-tool, 26-year-old, might price himself out of the White Sox market with the Marlins and Cubs known as prime fellow pursuers. Williams stated on Friday that the White Sox had no money to spend, but also didn't need to shed payroll.

As for Concepcion, the 18-year-old left-handed hurler is represented by Jaime Torres, who also represented Alexei Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo when they joined the White Sox. Williams has reportedly watched Concepcion throw in person, but once again, the South Siders are not the only team interested in the hurler's services.

Even during the Town Hall Meeting Friday, Williams basically took the fifth when the young Cuban players were mentioned by a fan.