Matsui could play for Japan at WBC: Yamamoto

TOKYO, Oct. 10 (19:16) Kyodo

Hideki Matsui could finally play for Japan at the World Baseball
Classic.

New Japan manager Koji Yamamoto said Wednesday he is considering
picking the 38-year-old Matsui, who was released by the Tampa Bay
Rays midway through the season, for the third WBC in March.

"I'm thinking about it," Yamamoto said. "But I can't say any
more than that at this point in time."

Matsui, the 2009 World Series MVP with the New York Yankees,
declined to play at the last two tournaments as Japan went on to win
both times.

Matsui passed up the opportunity in 2006 to prioritize his
commitment to the Yankees and three years later, had no choice but to
turn down Japan as he was coming off major knee surgery.

Matsui is still eager to play but with no word of signing with a
major league team any time soon, the WBC could be the perfect
opportunity to showcase whatever baseball he has left in him.

Yamamoto said that while numbers are important, so is experience.

"Experience is one thing that means something to me," he said.
"The numbers the players have put up this year are important, but you
also have to look at what they have achieved throughout their entire
careers."

Yamamoto also said he is considering calling up several other
major leaguers, such as the Yankees' Ichiro Suzuki and Yu Darvish of
the Texas Rangers.

But for his first game in charge on Nov. 18 against Cuba,
Yamamoto will rest the veterans as the exhibition comes at the tail
end of a long year.

"I'm obviously considering them," he said. "But they're still in
the postseason over there so any decision on that will have to be
made after it's over."

"The coaching staff and I will meet shortly to decide the
specific makeup of the team."

Eligible DPL players on this weeks roster; Wednesday October 10th

Posted October 8th, 2012 by DPL & filed under DPL News, Featured Post.

The Dominican Prospect League has started its 4th season with one of the most talented July 2nd groups to date. The 2013 class is loaded with power bats, size and projection. Nevertheless there are eligible players still available from last years class that are worthy to take note of. This weeks DPL game will be at the Chicago Cubs complex in Boca-Chica on Wednesday October 10th.
Neivi Pelier 3b

Neivi Pelier is a solid bat with occasional power, defensive skills and arm strength. Pelier is trained by Christian Batista in Santo Domingo and is looking forward to make an impact early this season:

At 6’3 190lb with a wiry athletic frame Ronny Carvajal has a lot of upside and intriguing tools. After a solid start during the 2012 DPL season Carvajal failed to have consistency at the plate towards the end of the season. He’s set to get enough AB’s to prove he’s worthy of a professional contract.
Angel Moreno OF

Angel Moreno had limited time at the DPL last year due to minor set backs. In 2012 Moreno’s primary position was at SS but has recently made the conversion to the outfield, a move that will surly benefit him. Moreno is a solid all around player who will make an impact this season.

Eric Marinez is one of the best SS still left on the market, the wiry middle infielder is a solid defender with offensive ability. Marinez is trained by Academia Josue Mateo who developed YanCarlos Baez and Yoel Gonzalez from this years DPL Elite.

Alberto Sanchez-3B is a hitting machine, he lead the DPL Elite during our spring training tour in 2012.

Pitchers Paterson Segura, Argenis Rodriguez and Geudy Gomez have all shown plus arm strength and ability to command their pitches.

Rondon excited to begin the season with the Leones

Venezuelan pitcher Hector Rondon was in uniform of the Caracas Lions to help early this season. "I'm happy to be here again, because I come from a difficult rehabilitation process," said Hector Rondon.

Last year he suffered a broken right elbow that had undergone Tommy John surgery. "It took longer than expected to return, but thank God everything is going well."

The righthander of 24 years had just four appearances in the regular season for the Cleveland Indians, but was with the Akron Aeros (Double A) until the end.

Rondon has permission to throw 30 innings until the first of December, but acknowledged his interest to accompany the team all the way. "The problem is that I do not think they'll let me, because I come from two injuries," said the pitcher. "I will be available from the second game, and in the first four appearances will not throw more than one inning."

Cespedes is a playoff rookie in name only

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com | 10/10/12 9:30 PM ET
Yoenis Cespedes runs down Prince Fielder's fly ball in left and makes a tremendous diving catch in the top of the seventh

OAKLAND --

Oakland reliever Ryan Cook looked toward the gap in left-center field, pointed and screamed, "Atta boy!" at the top of his lungs.

Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder grimaced, looked down at the ground and jogged back to the dugout in disbelief after being robbed of a hit for a second time on the night.

Behind them, Oakland left fielder Yoenis Cespedes picked himself off the Coliseum's outfield grass and fired the ball to second base. He jogged back to his position after the first out of the seventh inning in Game 3 of American League Division Series on Tuesday like he had just caught a routine fly ball, and not just made one of the most spectacular leaping catches in the postseason.

He didn't even crack a smile.

If Cespedes acts like he has been in the playoffs before, it's because he has.

"I played eight years in Cuba and I went to the playoffs seven times," Cespedes said on Monday. "I know how it is."


Cespedes was an international star for one of the most famous baseball teams in the world before he stepped foot on American soil, so forgive the former Cuban national team member if the number of feats on his list of "been there and done that" is large. But the reality is that the outfielder has never done that here, not on the biggest stage in baseball and not in front of almost 40,000 screaming A's fans.

When the A's beat the Tigers, 2-0, it marked another feat and arguably the most important "first" to date for the rookie and his teammates: Oakland's first playoff win of the season. The Tigers still lead the series two games to one heading into Game 4 on Wednesday at the Coliseum. Cespedes is hitting .333 with two RBIs and two stolen bases in the first three games of the series.

"He's labeled here in the big leagues as a rookie, but you know he's not," A's outfielder Jonny Gomes said. "He's a great hitter, and it's been exciting to watch him grow."

In the first inning, Cespedes drove in Coco Crisp with a single up the middle for a 1-0 lead. But he's driven in plenty of game-winning runs in his career, too, so he probably doesn't want to make that big of a deal about it, either.

Cespedes didn't speak to reporters after Tuesday's game, and he was all business during batting practice before Game 4. He didn't have to say much. His actions have been speaking volumes all season.

"Boy, our defense last night, as much as anything, ignited the crowd," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "And we've seen Yoenis make huge strides in left field. Now, suddenly, he's just a plus-left fielder. It was a struggle for him before, both mentally and physically, and he's just bought in 100 percent to it and worked his tail off. We're reaping some serious rewards with what he's doing in left right now."

Cespedes received thunderous applause during pregame introductions on Tuesday, and he worked the crowd into a frenzy every time he stepped into the batter's box.

The crowd went wild after his first-inning single and cheered just as loudly during the next two at-bats that weren't nearly as successful. Cespedes popped out to second base on the first pitch he saw from Detroit reliever Rick Porcello for the final out of the eighth inning and finished the game 1-for-4.

"He's a big-time player, and it doesn't surprise me he comes up in the first inning and gets the first hit that knocks a run in," Melvin said. "That's the type of guy he's going to be his whole career, where he's going to shine against good pitching in good moments. We've seen that all year."

Cuba Retains #1 IBAF World Ranking After Recent 2012 WBC Qualifying Matches

by Peter C. Bjarkman

October 10, 2012



Cuba retained its top ranking despite no point gains from its 2012 championship in Haarlem.
In the wake of the first two World Baseball Classic Qualifying tournaments staged last month in Regensburg, Germany (won by Canada) and Jupiter, Florida (taken by Spain), the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) has now released its latest updated men’s world baseball rankings. Cuba continues to maintain its slim first-place margin of nearly 33 points over the runner-up Americans.

Japan and Korea also continue to hold down the third and fourth spots, although the two Asian powers have now switched places from the 2011 poll (with Japan moving up to the third slot). More significantly, with a strong showing in Regensburg, Canada has now dislodged 2011 IBAF World Cup champion Netherlands from a coveted number five position.

Meanwhile Cuba was able to cling to its slim cushion at the top of the heap without picking up even a single 2012 point, since the Haarlem Baseball Week (won by Cuba in July) no longer factors into the current IBAF formula.

Canada has made the largest gains in the recent two polls, first winning Gold (Pan American Games) and Bronze (IBAF World Cup) medals in major tournaments during late 2011 and then posting the largest point totals of the most recent 2012 international season. The Canadians amassed 130 points in 2012 (80 for a second place finish in the U18 World Championship and 50 for winning its WBC Qualifier event in Germany); at the same time the Canadians also lost 50 points in the standings from the 2008 Olympic Qualifier (since all points earned four years or more in the past are deducted from a country’s current tabulation).

Other top 2012 point scorers were Team USA (narrowing its shrinking gap behind the Cubans by picking up 100 points with a U18 championship) and Chinese Taipei (scoring 90 additional points with third place finishes in both the U15 and U18 championship events). The results of all this shuffling leave the Canadians a mere 3 points behind Korea for the overall fourth slot in the world rankings.

With a pair of remaining WBC qualifiers still on tap for this coming November, likely winners Chinese Taipei (hosting one of the events) and Panama (hosting the other) may yet advance their point totals slightly before the year is out. Panama currently trails #14 Nicaragua for fourteenth (and would thus pass their Central American rival with a victory next month in Panama City); the eighth-ranked Taiwanese, however, will not overhaul Venezuela (currently number seven) even with a WBA Qualifying title.

Spain’s October victory over Israel in Jupiter bumped that country into the sixteenth slot (a climb over both China and Germany) while Israel’s second-place finish in Florida resulted in the largest overall jump in the standings (the Israelis moved from number 48 all the way into a top-25 seat).

Spruill fans three, but Desert Dogs fall in 11th

Braves' No. 6 prospect allows unearned run, two hits over 2 1/3 innings

By Robert Emrich / Special to MLB.com | 10/11/12 1:44 AM ET

No Southern League pitcher faced more batters during the regular season than Zeke Spruill. So he has no trouble adjusting to the limited workload that comes with pitching in the Arizona Fall League.

The Braves' No. 6 prospect struck out three and allowed an unearned run on two hits over 2 1/3 frames Wednesday before the Phoenix Desert Dogs fell to the Scottsdale Scorpions, 6-5, in 11 innings.

After Alex Monsalve [Indians] reached on an error by Rays shortstop Tim Beckham leading off the third, Spruill allowed a one-out single to Yankees prospect Slade Heathcott and walked Adalberto Santos [Pirates] to load the bases and end his evening.

Pirates prospect Matt Curry greeted reliever Chris Jones [Braves] with a run-scoring single, but Heathcott was thrown out at the plate.

"I was just trying to throw strikes and get ahead of batters," said Spruill, who threw 42 pitches. "After that [error], I couldn't find the strike zone very successfully."

The right-hander, who turned 23 last month, had a successful season with Double-A Mississippi, going 9-11 with a 3.67 ERA that ranked ninth in the league. Spruill is getting a chance to show his stuff in the prospect-laden Fall League, where starting pitchers typically don't work beyond the third inning -- at least not this early.

"It's not tough at all, it's actually easier," Spruill said. "I don't have to worry about getting deep into games, you know how many pitches you're going to throw, you just go out there and do your thing for 45 pitches. [There are] less things to worry about."

Spruill was long gone when the Scorpions scored twice in the ninth to force extra innings. Heathcott delivered a two-out RBI single and Alex Monsalve came home on an error by reliever Gary Daley [Athletics].

Carlos Ramirez came through two innings later, singling home fellow Angels prospect Randal Grichuk with the winning run.

Angels reliever Kevin Johnson (1-0) fanned three over the final two frames to get the win.

The Desert Dogs stole six bases, with Kevin Kiermaier (Rays) accounting for half of the total. Brewers prospect Brock Kjeldgaard went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and two runs scored in the losing effort.

Matt Packer, who pitched at four levels in the Indians system this season, struck out two and did not allow a ball out of the infield during two perfect innings for the Scorpions.

Hanshin asks All-Star closer Fujikawa to stay

NISHINOMIYA, Japan, Oct. 11 (18:53) Kyodo

The Hanshin Tigers have asked their All-Star closer Kyuji
Fujikawa to return next season and not head stateside for the major
leagues.

Tigers president Nobuo Minami met with Fujikawa on Thursday,
when he formally asked the 32-year-old who has qualified for overseas
free agency to remain with the only team he has known.

Fujikawa, who was not proposed a salary for next season on this
day, told Minami that he needed time to think things through.

"There's plenty of time and I've got a lot to think about," said
Fujikawa, who was fourth in the Central League this season with 24
saves. "It's not something I need to decide today or by tomorrow."

The Tigers finished fifth, missing the postseason for the second
straight year.

Chisenhall opts for rest over Winter League ball

By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | 09/29/12 7:10 PM ET

CLEVELAND --

Lonnie Chisenhall is choosing rest and recovery over repetitions. The Indians' third baseman has decided against playing winter ball this offseason in order to let his right forearm fully heal.

Chisenhall wants to make sure he is at full strength for Spring Training.

"I recently backpedaled on that," Chisenhall said of playing in the Dominican Republic this winter. "I feel like it's going to be more beneficial for me to get in the gym. It's a short turnaround to Spring Training next year with the World Baseball Classic, and I just want to make sure my forearm is ready to go next spring.

Chisenhall, 23, entered Saturday's game with 253 plate appearances this season between stints with Triple-A Columbus and Cleveland. The third baseman missed roughly two months after having his forearm fractured by a pitch from Baltimore's Troy Patton on June 29.

On the season, Chisenhall is hitting .275 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 38 games with the Tribe.

In 14 games since rejoining the lineup on Sept. 10, Chisenhall has hit .271 with two home runs and six RBIs for the Indians. It has been a solid finish to his injury-marred season, but Chisenhall noted that his arm has not felt 100 percent in recent weeks.

"I don't feel like I have the pop that I did," he said. "I don't feel like I can do certain things that I could do before the injury, but that should be back before next spring."

Under the circumstances, Chisenhall feels an offseason focused on recovery is more important than getting some extra at-bats in winter ball.

"I feel good with the at-bats," Chisenhall said. "I don't think I'm going to wake up in January and feel like, 'Oh, I didn't get 600 at-bats.' But I could wake up in January and say, 'You know what? I'm still tired.' I just don't want that to be the case. I want to show up to Spring Training 100 percent."

Prospects to get taste of Caribbean, competition

By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com | 10/11/12 12:41 PM ET

While the Major League playoffs are well under way, leagues of another kind are just starting up, with teams no less hungry to win a championship.

These teams are in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Mexico, and they all have one goal in mind: being the last club standing at the Caribbean Series in Hermosillo, Mexico, come February.

It all gets started now, with the Venezuelan League kicking off play on Thursday, Mexico on Saturday and the Dominican on Sunday. Puerto Rico's league doesn't start until the beginning of November.

By the time the Caribbean Series begins, the teams involved will be dotted with Major Leaguers who love representing their home countries in one of the most spirited competitions baseball has to offer. For the next few months, however, Major League teams send many Minor League prospects to experience the unique world of winter league baseball.

"It's another opportunity to compete, to play against good competition in a different type of environment," White Sox assistant director of player development Del Matthews said. "In winter leagues, development is less stressed and competition and winning is more so. It's a great opportunity for our prospects to compete in that environment."

The White Sox are sending four of their Top 20 prospects to various clubs, though two -- No. 7 Carlos Sanchez and No. 18 Andre Rienzo -- won't get to Venezuela until after the Arizona Fall League, with Rienzo being further delayed by Brazil's World Baseball Classic qualifier. Chicago isn't alone, with many teams sending top prospects to the Caribbean to get more experience.

While rosters aren't complete and are often in flux, there are at least two organizational No. 1 prospects headed to winter ball: Gary Sanchez of the Yankees and Rymer Liriano of the Padres. Both are in the Top 100 overall, with Sanchez ranking No. 36, and Liriano, who will join Sanchez in the Dominican after the AFL is over, at No. 51. They are two of 10 players confirmed to go to play winter ball who currently rank in their organization's Top 10.

"For us, there are several layers to it," said Nationals farm director Doug Harris, who has three Top 20 prospects -- Eury Perez, Zach Walters and Sandy Leon -- playing in three different leagues. "It's an opportunity to pile on repetitions offensively and defensively. They're exposed to a different kind of baseball. Lastly, the intensity is great for all our young men. It's an important part of the developmental process."

Unlike the Fall League, which is more of a laboratory setting where players can work on specific things without the glare of the spotlight or the expectation to win, winter ball is all about winning. These clubs are run independently from Major League Baseball and the 30 clubs. Decisions are made based largely on what gives them the best chance to make it to the Caribbean Series. Just because an organization wants a prospect to work on a certain pitch, or play a certain position doesn't guarantee it will happen. Having a rapport with the winter league clubs is essential to make sure that both sides come away with what they want.

"We've been very fortunate and had very good relations with the clubs our players have been with," Harris said. "It starts with the time they ask for permission. You have to try to establish those parameters and maintain the communication throughout the season. We respect what they're trying to accomplish. As long as we communicate, they understand there are certain parameters that exist."

Matthews echoed that sentiment, talking about finding a balance between development and the win-first mentality in the winter leagues. He's seen it work, pointing to reliever Hector Santiago as an example, and thinks that perhaps the independence of these leagues can actually be more of a benefit than a hindrance.

"A couple of years ago, Hector Santiago developed a screwball in Puerto Rico," Matthews said. "He came to Spring Training and everyone said, 'Wow.' Now he's got a feel for a screwball and he's a different guy for us. It catapulted him a little bit, and he pitched in the big leagues for us.

"The player has to somewhat figure it out for himself. You want them to get to that point, where they can make adjustments on the fly, where they don't always have to go to a coach. Ultimately, that is better for their development."

That being said, it's not for everybody. Especially for an American-born player, making his way through a winter ball season can be a bit treacherous. The transition for Latino players coming to the United States can be tough, but at least there are formalized support systems and time to adjust. In reverse, during winter league play, it's a cultural crash course with the expectation that contributions on the field will be made immediately.

"The important thing is sending the right type of player," Matthews said. "They are in a different country. The living conditions or travel might not be the best, but they have to want to go and know they are going to be able to work on something down there. They need to get something out of it."

top prospects in caribbean leagues

The players below are among the 30 clubs' Top 20 prospects who are slated to play in the Caribbean Leagues.

Name Team Rank League

Todd Cunningham ATL 12 MEX
Christian Villanueva CHI 7 MEX
Henry Rodrigguez CIN 16 VZ
Jesus Aguilar CLE 11 VZ
Carlos Sanchez CWS 7 VZ
Jhan Marinez CWS 13 DR
Simon Castro CWS 15 DR
Andre Rienzo CWS 18 VZ
Marcell Ozuna FLA 5 DR
Gary Sanchez NYY 1 DR
Zoilo Almonte NYY 7 DR
Jose A Ramirez NYY 13 DR
Jose Pirela NYY 15 VZ
Sebastian Valle PHI 6 MEX
Rymer Liriano SD 1 DR
Adys Portillo SD 7 VZ
Edinson Rincon SD 16 DR
Jesus Galindo SF 19 VZ
Wilmer Font TEX 6 VZ
Eury Perez WAS 7 DR
Zach Walters WAS 14 PR
Sandy Leon WAS 15 VZ

Hurdle encourages youth to play winter ball

By Tom Singer / MLB.com | 09/30/12 2:24 PM ET

PITTSBURGH --

If the players take their manager's advice, quite a few Pirates will be active in Latin America's Winter Leagues this offseason. In the customary exit interviews, Clint Hurdle has not been shy about steering several younger players in that direction, believing the experience can help them grow both as athletes and as men.

"There are six to 10 guys I've talked to point-blank about playing winter ball," Hurdle said. "I've been blunt about how that can help them.

"More at-bats, especially for some guys challenged by spin and soft stuff. You want to see changeups and breaking balls? Go to Mexico. I'm an absolute believer in the benefits."

Hurdle declined to identify the players getting the winter ball card, for sound reason: A year ago, there was open talk about wanting Pedro Alvarez to play in the Dominican League; when he chose not to, it grew into a controversy.

Yep! I've posted that bit of information more than once. If you want experience hitting curve balls and changeups, Mexico is the place to go. Fastballs, hard sliders, split finger fastballs?!?!?! Venezuela but more so...... the Dominican!

Padres coach Powell to help hitters in Venezuela

By Corey Brock / MLB.com | 09/27/12 9:34 PM ET

SAN DIEGO --

The regular season ends on Wednesday for the Padres, though that doesn't mean that the work is done for at least one member of the coaching staff.

Alonzo Powell, who has worked alongside hitting coach Phil Plantier this season, will prepare to make his way to the Venezuelan Winter League where he'll be a hitting coach for Bravos de Margarita (the Margarita Braves).

Powell was asked by friend and current Giants hitting coach Hensley Meulens back in Spring Training if he would have interest in working with the Braves hitters this winter.

"We have a history," Powell said. "We played against each other in Japan and I knew him from back in 1986 when we played in Venezuela. I thought this would be a nice opportunity."

Powell isn't sure who will be on the roster yet, though he's certain there will be some Major Leaguers on it, though none from the Padres.

"The more you work with guys, the more you learn," Powell said. "The more situations that you see ... the more you're able to incorporate things into your style of coaching."

The Braves' first game is Oct. 11, though Meulens could still be busy with the Giants, who have won the National League West and will likely begin the National League Division Series on Oct. 6.

Gorkys to put in extra offseason work

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com | 09/19/12 7:05 PM ET

MIAMI --

There will be very little rest for Gorkys Hernandez in the offseason.

Nine days after the Marlins finish the season on Oct. 3, Hernandez plans on being ready for the Winter League opener in Venezuela.

The 25-year-old outfielder plans on starting his preparation early for 2013.

"I'm going to play winter ball," the Venezuela native said. "I'm going to try to be ready for next year, that's what I want. When I come in next year, I want to make the team. I don't want to go to another team, or the Minor Leagues.

"Next year is a big year for me. I will go to Venezuela to prepare for next year."

The Venezuelan season starts on Oct. 11, and Hernandez will once again play for Caribes.

It's common for players, especially those from Latin America, to play winter ball. But a number of them will take a month or two to rest before joining their clubs.

Hernandez hasn't been playing regularly in the big leagues, so he wants the extra work. The Marlins acquired him from the Pirates on July 31 for Gaby Sanchez.

Defensively, Hernandez is big league ready. He still needs to work on his offense. He's had a good series against the Braves, driving in a run with an single in Tuesday's 4-3 win in 10 innings.

On Monday, he had a single, double and triple. The Marlins have never had a player hit for the cycle, and Hernandez also hasn't had a cycle at any level.

"Very nice surprise," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I like when those kids go out and perform that way. It's a good thing to see those kids doing that."

Spring Training will be crucial for Hernandez, because he will no longer have Minor League options. If he doesn't make the team, the Marlins risk losing him.

"If you want to be here, you have to keep working for next year to make the team," Hernandez said.

Boggs brings in three for Magallanes

Pirates farmhand goes deep, adds three RBIs in win over Lara

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 6, Lara 4
Brandon Boggs homered and drove in a game-high three runs to lead the Navegantes past the Cardenales on Thursday in the Venezuelan opener. The 29-year-old outfielder appeared in 127 games for Pirates' Triple-A affliate Indianapolis, batting .259 with nine longballs and 57 RBIs. Brewers first baseman Sean Halton also went deep for Magallanes while catcher Carlos Maldonado (Nationals) added two RBIs. Phillies farmhand Tyson Gillies went 3-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored out of the top spot in the Cardenales order.

Anzoategui 1, Caracas 0

Former Major Leaguer Ramon A. Ramirez surrendered only three hits and struck out two in 5 1/3 frames during the Caribes' blanking of the Leones. A foursome of relievers -- Jose Alvarez (Marlins), Jean Toledo (unaffiliated), Jon Meloan (Yankees) and Robert Wooten (Brewers) -- nailed down the remaining 3 2/3 shutout frames. Former Pirate, Giant and Astro Jose Castillo drove in the game's only run in the first inning and finished 3-for-4. International League All-Star Carlos Rivero (Nationals) doubled for the Leones' only extra-base hit of the night.

Margarita 7, La Guaira 4

Aaron Hicks (Twins), Wilmer Flores (Mets) and Sean Burroughs (free agent) put together back-to-back-to-back RBI singles in the top of the ninth inning to gives the Bravos the opening win over the Tiburones. After Jan Granado gave up four runs on five hits in just 2 2/3 innings, reliever Luis Chirinos struck out six in 2 2/3 scoreless innings to keep Margarita in the contest, but the right-hander did not factor in the decision. For the Tiburones, Cesar Suarez provided some pop with a two-run homer while Phillies' No. 20 prospect Darin Ruf finished 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Zulia 10, Aragua 3

Giants prospect Jose Flores drove in four runs and finished a triple shy of the cycle as part of a 4-for-4 showing in the Aguilas' trouncing of the Tigres. Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis also contributed four hits, going 4-for-5 with a homer, two RBIs and two runs scored. Former Major Leaguers Edgardo Alfonzo and Alex Romero both went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in the losing effort for the Tigres.

Jesus Aguilar was 0-3 with a strikeout for Caracas.