Leones Relied On Yandy Diaz And Timely hitting of Alex Gonzalez

Lions protect Den Against powerful Eagles

The Caracas Lions showed their power at home to beat the Eagles of Zulia 9-4 after timely hitting by Henry Rodriguez, Alex Gonzalez and Diaz Yandy to start the week with victory.

The lions sprung forward from the first inning with two men on base and one out and Henry Rodriguez responded with a single the scored Yandy Diaz and Felix Perez.

Zulia reacted in the third inniing and evened the game after Jesus Flores homered with one on board and tied the game at 2-2.

Caracas went up again in the fourth inning scoring five times. Alfredo Pedrique's players began with two doubles by Danry Vásquez and another by Jesus Aguilar. Then, Alex Gonzalez contributed another run with a grounder to left and Vasquez scored.

Subsequently, Yandy Diaz dispatched a three run homer to left center to leave the game at 7-2.

Zulia cut the lead off of the pitching of Caracas to cut the deficit to three runs scoring twice in the fifth. Jesus Flores hit a double down the left field line batting in Jose Pirela and Reynaldo Rodriguez.

Caracas scored two more runs in the seventh by the hand of Alex Gonzalez, who sent a line drive single to right plating Henry Rodriguez and Jesus Aguilar to put the final 4-9.

Félix Carvallo was the winner (1-1) and Shairon Martis took the loss (0-4).
2B: Aguilar (4, Martis)
HR: Diaz, Y (2, 4th inning off Morales, 2 on, 2 out)
TB: Diaz, Y 5; Aguilar 3
RBI:
Diaz, Y 3 (13)

Manager Omar Vizquel listed his rotation for the World Baseball Classic


Omar Vizquel: "If there is something that worries me is the starting pitching"

Thursday 24 | 1:34 pm

In a press conference given by Omar Vizquel, manager of the national team, gave details for the preparation of the Creole team for the World Baseball Classic to be played next March.

Felix Hernandez, Carlos Carrasco, Eduardo Rodriguez and Martin Perez are the four pitchers who have, so far, made themselves available to start games "

Much has been said about the possible lineup that Venezuela will have for the event. However, we still have a long way to go. "One can imagine more or less the lineup of the team that can be on the field. Many names will come to mind as Miguel Cabrera , Jose Altuve , Carlos Gonzalez , etc, but that does not mean we have a lineup yet," said Vizquel. "The most important thing is to determine which players will be on the team and then see what the weaknesses and strengths are".

On December 5, we have to deliver the roster of 50 to MLB . Later, we will announce the list of 28 players who will represent the Venezuela. However, the eleven time winner of the Gold Glove, indicated that he was happy with the team that can be available.

"I do not think we have many weaknesses," Vizquel analyzed the manager and current first base coach of the Detroit Tigers. Despite that, for Vizquel, pitching is the issue that most certainly concerns him. "If there is something that worries me is the starting pitching," he said. "Felix Hernandez , Carlos Carrasco , Eduardo Rodriguez and Martin Perez are the four pitchers I have available so far to start games. What worries me about them is that they will not have the ability to throw 60 or 70 pitches and that has limitations and controls the strategy of how the pitching staff is used. The bullpen will be very good. What we have to do is score runs, if we do that the pitching is going to bear the burden and allow us to win games. "

On the same subject, the former shortstop remains optimistic about the possibility of having Carlos Carrasco , who presumably will not come to the event because of the injury he suffered in the twilight of the 2016 season with the Cleveland Indians. "Many people say that Carrasco will not be available, but I think he will recover," said Vizquel. " I talked to him and he told me he expected to be available for the Classic despite his injury. We can not rule him out at this point.

This Friday there will be a meeting between Carlos Guillen (general manager of the team), Edwin Zerpa (president of the Baseball Federation) and Vizquel, to start tuning details for the event. "At that meeting we will discuss some requirements and some rules and laws for the Classic," Vizquel said. "We will name the coaches and discuss the main roster of 28 and the 10 which will be replacements in case of injury".

Alexis Pantoja

Sharks Second Straight Win

A cluster of three runs in the eighth inning, led by back to back doubles by Alexis Pantoja and José Lozada, breaking a tie, gave the Sharks of Aguadilla their second straight victory last night, defeating the first place, Santurce Crabbers 4-1 in a game played at the stadium of the capital, Hiram Bithorn, before an enthusiastic crowd, that saw the ceremonial first pitch by Javier Baez, a member of the World Series Champions of 2016, Chicago Cubs, and the MVP of the National League Championship Series .

The sharks (3-14) took the lead in the first inning, when Lozada opened the game with a single to center, a passed ball by AJ Jimenez advanced Lozada to second, and Joiset Feliciano base hit brought home Lozada.

The Crabbers (11-5) dominated the series against Aguadilla 4-1 evened the game in the fourth with one out when Juan Silva hit his third homer of the season to right field.

It was the Aquadilla decisive eighth inning that sealed the win. Juan Centeno was hit by an Andres Santiago pitch to lead off the inning. Ricardo Bautista pinch ran for Centeno. Pinch hitter Gabriel Ayala was out on a sacrifice bunt advancing Bautista to second. Jorge Jimenez flied out to left. With two outs, Taylor Murphy walked. Alexis Pantoia doubled to left, his second of the season. Ricardo Bautista scored as Taylor Murphy advance to third. Jose Lozada followed with a double to left batting in Taylor Murphy and Alexis Pantoia with the third and fourth runs of the game.

The victor was Joshua Torres (1-0), in relief, Fernando Cabrera (S-2), got the save and Andres Santiago (1-1) took the loss.

11/24/16

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE (LVBP)

Giovanny Urshela (Aguilas del Zulia - Game 1, 3B) - 2-3, 1 R, 2 RBI - Gio's hitting streak extended to 12 games with this multi-hit, multi-RBI effort.

Giovanny Urshela (Aguilas del Zulai - Game 2, 3B) - 1-3 - Not a great nightcap for Urshela, but enough to extend his hit streak to 13 games. He is now batting .360/.371/.550 with 24 RBI in 27 games.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE (LMP)

Michael Choice (Charros de Jalisco, LF) - 1-5, 1 R, 2 K - The good news: Choice has hits in five of his last seven games. The bad news: Only one of those is a multi-hit effort.

Eagles Won The First Of Two Games Against the Sharks

Game 1

CARACAS

Reynaldo Rodriguez hit a decisive home run in the fourth inning for the Eagles of Zulia defeating 7-4 the Tiburones de La Guaira, in the first game of a doubleheader at the stadium Univeristario.

Zulia fabricated a six-run rally in the fourth inning, key to victory. Francisco Arcia lead off the inning with a double and later scored on a wild pitch. After a hit, a hit batter, and a walk that loaded the bases, Giovanny Urshela hit a two-run single and Reynaldo Rodriguez closed the onslaught with a homer good for three Zulia runs.

Silvino Bracho won the game in relief. Arcenio Leon saved his twelfth game of the season.

The opener for La Guaira, Kelvin La Cruz conceded the defeat pitching three and one-third innings in which he allowed two earned runs, walked three and struck out one.
RBI: Urshela 2 (24)
DP: (Urshela-Castillo, Al-Rodriguez, R)

Game 2

The Tiburones de La Guaira took advantage of a brilliant pitching performance by Hermis Rodriguez to overcome claim a 3 1 win against the Aguilas del Zulia in game two and reached the 20 victory total of the season.

The Rodriguez worked for 5 innings, allowing one earned run, 4 hits and only 2 walks. Rodriguez held the high powered Eagles attack in order and gave his offensive the opportunity to take the win.

Jorge Alfaro , who is beginning to show his label as a top prospectus, again became important with his offense. The receiver was 2-3 with 2 RBIs and hit his second homer of the season to lead the shark attack.

For the Eagles, the pitching of Wilfredo Boscan, despite being saddled with the loss, pitched 5 innings giving up three runs and striking out six opponents.

Gregory Infante , which relieved without incident, got a strikeout, and saved his seventh game of the season.

The zulian Attack Has Been Nearly Unstoppable This Sseason

Giovanny Urshela and Reynaldo Rodriguez have been offensive forces for the Aguilas del Zulia .

The Zulia offense has been one of the best for manager Lipso Nava throughout the season. Pitching has not disappointed, but the batting has been one of the reasons why the team remains on top of the standings.

Rodriguez and Urshela have been the main forces behind the Zulian attack which maintains the best batting average (.270) in the league.

"I am very happy with the work I have been doing for the team" responded Rodríguez.

"I think my contributions have been valuable to the team throughout the season, although in recent weeks my average has dropped, however, I am happy with the level of play I have shown," said Rodriquez who is hitting .323, with eight homers and 23 RBIs.

Meanwhile, Urshela, who won the best player award in the seventh week, said. "This second season with Zulia has been much better. My offense has been felt, especially in November, but we must continue working to reap more victories" the Columbian replied.

Shohei Ohtani was named the best pitcher *and* the best DH in NPB's Pacific League

By Ben Cosman

Ladies and gentlemen, the legend of Shohei Ohtani grows. In the span of two months this summer, the vitruvian pitcher who rakes won the Nippon Professional Baseball Home Run Derby and then threw the fastest pitch in NPB history. Two weeks ago, he mashed a baseball into the Tokyo Dome roof. And now, confirming what everyone already knew, he's been named the Pacific League's best pitcher and best designated hitter.

The Best Nine selections, like MLB's All-Star Game starting lineups, are each league's selections for its best players at each position. Ohtani is the first in either league to be named both the best pitcher and the best DH in a single season, partly because no one's ever put together a season like his and partly because they literally had to change the rules for him.

Jason Coskrey
‏@JCoskrey
Shohei Otani made the NPB Best Nine team at pitcher & DH. Rule was altered earlier in the year to allow pitchers to win at DH #NPB

Indeed, as Jason Coskrey reports for The Japanese Times, Ohtani's competition wasn't even close. In the pitcher slot, he got nearly double the number of votes as second place; for DH, he more than tripled second place. Looking at the numbers, it's not hard to see why: He batted .322/.416/.588 with 22 home runs in 382 plate appearances for the Nippon Ham Fighters and pitched to a 1.86 ERA, .957 WHIP and 174 strikeouts in 140 innings. If you want MLB comparisons, only David Ortiz had a higher OPS (1.021) in 2016 than Ohtani's 1.004, and nobody had a lower ERA (Kyle Hendricks' 2.13 won the ERA title this season).

At this point, he's running out of baseball feats to conquer. But, uh, did we mention he's only 22 years old?

A's Nunez among prospects making waves in winter leagues

By Mike Rosenbaum / MLB.com

After finishing the 2016 season in the big leagues with the Athletics, Renato Nunez is making a strong case for an extended look next spring with his impressive offseason campaign in the Venezuela Winter League. The A's' No. 5 prospect is currently tied for the league lead with eight home runs after reaching the total in his first 20 games for Tigres de Aragua. Five of those homers came in consecutive games for the 22-year-old third baseman, from Nov. 15 to Nov. 22, and have helped to fuel his ongoing 10-game hitting streak. Overall, Nunez is hitting .342/.414/.684 with 15 runs scored and 20 RBIs.

Here's a look at some of the top prospects currently making waves in the offseason winter leagues.

Venezuela

• Carlos Tocci, OF, Phillies -- A Venezuela native, Tocci received his first taste of winter ball last offseason, when he hit .333 in 11 games for Tigres de Aragua. After a full season in the Class A Advanced Florida State League (.284/.331/.362) in 2016, the Phillies' No. 22 prospect has hit .371/.476/.371 over his last 10 games to lift his overall average to .313 through 34 games.

• Yandy Diaz, 3B/OF, Indians -- The Indians' No. 10 prospect turned in another strong campaign in the high Minors as showed an advanced bat, excellent on-base skills and an uptick in power. Overall, Diaz hit .318/.408/.446 with 35 extra-base hits and a 71-86 walk-to-strikeout rate in 121 games between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. That kind of production has continued for Diaz in Venezuela, where the 25-year-old third baseman/outfielder owns a .360/.442/.547 batting line with nine extra-base hits in 20 games for Leones del Caracas.

• Raudel Lazo, LHP, Marlins -- Miami's No. 28 prospect recorded a 2.68 ERA in 42 appearances across three Minor League levels only to be designated for assignment when rosters expanded on Sept. 1. However, the Marlins clearly have liked what they've seen from the 27-year-old lefty in Venezuela, where he has yet to allow an earned run in 11 appearances for Aragua, as they added him to their 40-man roster last week to protect him from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.

Australia

• Kevin Padlo, 3B, Rays -- Padlo batted just .229 but showed plenty of promise during his 2016 full-season debut -- also his first as a member of the Rays -- at Class A Bowling Green. The 20-year-old third baseman posted a .771 OPS thanks to a Midwest League-leading 79 walks and finished tied for third with 16 home runs. Now playing in the ABL for a second straight offseason, Padlo, the Rays' No. 20 prospect, owns a .368/.429/.737 battling line, with four extra-base hits and five RBIs, in his first five games for the Brisbane Bandits.

Dominican Republic

• Manny Margot, OF, Padres -- The Padres' No. 2 prospect (No. 26 overall) has fared well so far this offseason, hitting .277/.315/.396 in 25 games for Torres del Este. Margot has swung the bat particularly well of late, collecting multiple hits -- highlighted by his second home run -- in three of his last four games. On top of that, Margot, 22, owns a share of the league lead with his 28 hits and eight stolen bases.

• Rafael Bautista, OF, Nationals -- The Nationals' No. 17 prospect has seen his battling line climb to .300/.345/.313 in 23 games for Leones del Esocgido after going 7-for-14 at the plate in his past five contests. After a strong age-23 campaign in Double-A, Bautista is tied for first in the circuit in steals (eight) with Margot, ranks second in runs scored (15) and is fifth in hits (24).
Mexico

• Joey Wendle, 2B, Athletics -- After logging 153 regular-season games between the Minors and Majors, Wendle, the A's No. 28 prospect, is getting even more work this offseason with Yaquis de Obregon in Mexico, for whom he's hit .307/.345/.511 with 18 extra-base hits -- including three home runs -- and 25 RBIs in 34 games. The 26-year-old second baseman has hit safely in six straight games and nine of his last 10.

Puerto Rico

• Jorge Lopez, RHP, Brewers -- Lopez, Milwaukee's No. 13 prospect, reached the big leagues as a 22-year-old in 2015 but took considerable step back this season as he received a midseason demotion to Double-A Biloxi after going 1-7 with a 6.81 ERA and a 66-55 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 16 starts for Triple-A Colorado Springs. But the right-hander was able to finish his year on a positive note, posting a 2.49 ERA with 24 strikeouts and five walks over his final four starts in the Southern League, and he's built on that success in Puerto Rico by allowing just three earned runs on seven hits in his four starts for Indios de Mayaguez.

MARIO LISSON / JESUS AGUILAR

Eternal Rivals Battle From Bottom Of Standings

Tonight, at Jose Bernardo Perez Stadium in Valencia receives the two teams that are currently out of the playoffs. Leones del Caracas and Navegantes del Magallanes need today, more than ever, a victory over its arch rival.

In the last ten meetings for both teams, each team were only able to get three wins.

Remember that these teams meet again on Sunday, so a split probably will not help. And if a team loses both games, the season will be seriously compromised.

In the previous five games against Magallanes, the Lions ' starting pitching has one win and one loss in 17.2 innings with an ERA of 7.13 and WHIP of 1.754.

In Valencia, the Lions have achieved two of the three wins. Their starting pitching has a 5.10 ERA in 12.1 innings worked and WHIP of 1.621.

Today the manager will start the major leaguer Jhoulys Chacin , who will be making his second start this season after having pitched three innings against the Cardinals of Lara, he allowed five hits, walked two, struck out two and allowed no runs.

The righty said: "I think that while you remain calm, things will go better. I have to put more pressure on myself because it is a Caracas-Magallanes rivalry, adrenaline will beflowing and it is normal. I have to go out and do my best job as I do in all of my starts."

Against the Lions, Magallanes starting pitching was unable to get any victories in the previous five meetings; They have thrown 19.1 innings with an ERA of 5.58 and a WHIP of 1.448.

At home against the Lions of Caracas, both starters and bullpen they have not been able to respond even if they managed to win the last game between them. The effectiveness of the bullpen is 4.50 in 18 innings pitched after allowing up to 8 earned runs.

The starters havea high ERA of 5.78 after allowing nine earned runs in fourteen innings. In addition to the 17 hits allowed, seven of them have been for extra bases.

Giovanny Urshela Flies High With The Eagles of Zulia

Maracaibo.-

The player Giovanny Urshela has become one of the fundamental pieces of team Zuliano. The Colombian, continues a streak which has allowed him to connect for 4 homers and 24 RBIs.

The 25-year-old said he felt very comfortable with Zulia "It's a team that when you enter the clubhouse, you can feel the harmony and that is reflected on the field." said the player born in Cartagena.

"The team comes out to give 100%, does not stop fighting until the last out, we always go out with the mentality to win," said third baseman.

Urshela who belongs to the organization of the Cleveland Indians, said the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League has allowed him to develop as a player "I've learned a lot from all the experience of the big leaguers here," he added.

As for his performance for Zulia, the native of Colombia commented that he always focuses on finding good pitches to hit and driving in runs. "I try to settle down when we play at home, it is important to give 100%," he added.

Finally, referring to the World Baseball Classic, where Urshela will participate for the first time, the cartagenian said "It is a high level of baseball, I will support the team in every way I can, both offensively and defensively."

11/25/16
2B: Rodriguez, Ro (9, Valdes, R)

Magallanes Blanked The Lions In Valencia

Valencia.-

Pitching has always been the cornerstone of the victories of a team. Without a pitching staff that can withstand the offensive of the rival team, there 's no way you can win a ballgame. This was proved when the Magallanes Navigators defeated the Leones del Caracas 1-0 in a great ballgame.

11,615 fans who were present at the Jose Bernardo Perez de Valencia stadium witnessed one of the best games of the season. Great pitching, timely hits and good defense were the key to a naval win that managed to even the series at three wins apiece.

"It was a good game," said manager Carlos Garcia. "Impeccable game in all aspects," said the pilot after getting his second win in a row and the second shutout of the season.

The game was defined in the first inning by a player very few players thought would be the hero. Jesus Sucre, who had not seen action in recent games, singled in the only run of the game.

the big key, however, was in the work of the pitching staff. Stolmy Pimentel and the bullpen took control of the game from the beginning. Stolmy Pimentel pitched 6.0 innings, no runs, walked one, and struck out one. Pimentel was followed in relief by, Ibarra (6), Diaz (6), Hernandez (7), Bergesen (7), Flores (7), and Pena (9) save (9), limited the Leones offense to five hits, walked two, and struckout 5.

The Leones pitching staff was equally as effective. Jhoulys Chacin (L, 0-1) pitched 6 innings, gave up 4 hits, 1 run, ealked one and struckout five. Chacin was relieved by Gutierrez (7), Morales (8), and Pirela (8) limiting the Navigators to five hits, 1 run, walked one, and struck out 7.

Jesus Sucre (2-3) and 1 RBI lead the Navigator offense while Yandy Diaz (2-4) had two of the Lion's five hits.

"We were expecting this kind of pitching. We were expecting good performances by starters. We know we have good arms in the bullpen and that was crucial, "said the manager.

11/25/16

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE (LVBP)

Giovanny Urshela (Aguilas del Zulia, starting 3B) - 0-3, 1 K - Urshela's hitting streak ends at 13 games, but he's still having a stellar season, batting .350/.361/.530 with 24 RBI in 29 games this LVBP season.

Guillermo Quiroz (Tigres de Aragua, starting C) - 2-4, 2 RBI, 1 K - This was by far the best performance of the winter campaign for Guillermo, as he doubled his hit total from two to four and drove in his first two runs of the Venezuelan season.

Yandy Diaz (Leones del Caracas, LF) - 2-4, 1 K - Another game,another solid offensive performance for Yandy, who has multiple hits in three straight games and a four game hitting streak and has reached base safely in all 21 games he has played this offseason (his on-base streak in all leagues stands at 25 games as he had at least one hit in each of his four postseason appearances for Triple-A Columbus, but went 0-for-2 in his regular season finale).

Jesus Aguilar (Leones del Caracas, 1B) - 0-4 - A four-game hit streak and two-game multi-hit streak came to an end for Jesus on Friday night.

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LIDOM)

Abraham Almonte (Toros del Este, DH) - 1-5 - Not a great evening for Almonte, but he did get his first hit of the Dominican season (currently batting .111 [1-for-9]).

Ronny Rodriguez (Aguilas Cibaenas, 2B) - 3-5, 1 R, 1 2B - Ronny-Rod ends a three game hitless stretch with a huge night at the plate. As long as he can show some consistency and not let this become a feast or famine situation, this performance should be the start of a turnaround.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE (LBPRC)

Taylor Murphy (Tiburones de Aguadilla, PH-backup DH) - 0-1 - Striking out in the eighth inning in a pinch hit appearance for starting DH Joiset Feliciano was the entirety of Taylor's appearance on Friday night.

Alexis Pantoja (Tiburones de Aguadilla, PH-backup SS) - 1-2, 1 K - Pantoja also entered the game in the eighth as a pinch hitter (for starting SS Edwin Diaz) but, unlike Murphy, got a hit in his pinch hit appearance, saw a half-inning of playing time in the field and came to the plate for a second AB (in which he struck out for the second to last out of the game).

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE (LMP)

Michael Choice (Charros de Jalisco, LF) - 1-4, 1 K - The one-hit effort continues to be the default stat line for Choice.

The Bulls Win 5-3 Over The Eagles

SANTIAGO

Veteran Ramon Santiago's pinch hit batted in Angelys Nina that made the difference for the Bulls in a 5-3 win over the Cibaeña Eagles, last night at Cibao stadium.

Santiago entered the game tied at three and a runner on third, unloading the RBI single to right to take the advantage that would not be surrendered.

Starters Raul Valdes and Roenis Elijah, both lefties and Cubans, had a nice duel in the first six innings with Eagles leading by a one run margin 3-2. The Toros scored twice in the top half of the sixth inning to take a 4-3 lead. The Toros scored an insurance run in the ninth to extend the lead to 5-3.

Valdes (3-2) was the victor while Tijei Pena (0-1) took the loss and Jose Rafael Diaz saved his first game of the season.

For the Cibaenas Aguilas Elias Roenis was relieved by Peña Tijei (5), Juan Sandoval (6), Michael Inoa (7), Juan Grullon (9), Nephi Ogando (9).

The visiting Toros used Raul Valdes followed in relief by Luis Santos (6), Preston Claiborne (7), Daniel Stump (8), Jose Rafael Diaz (9).

The best hitters for the Cibaenas Aguilas were, Alfredo Marte, double and two singles; Ronny Rodriguez, a double, two singles and a run scored; Johan Camargo, a homer; Rainel Rosario, Francisco Peña, each with a base hit.

The best for the Toros with the wood were, Cristian Adames, double and two singles, Miguel Olivo, a home run; Jefry Marte double and single; Nina Angelis, Eugenio Velez, Teoscar Hernandez, Ramon Santiago, Abraham Almonte, Deibinson Romero, all with one hit each.

Rain Wreaking Havoc with the Dominican and Puerto Rican Schedules

There were 14 games rained out in the Dominican and another 6 games in Puerto Rico. 6 games have been made up in the Dominican league with the following 8 still to be played. The Puerto Rican make up schedule has not been announced yet.

1) Juegos del jueves 8 de diciembre pasan al domingo 11 de diciembre
2) Juegos del viernes 9 de diciembre pasan al sábado 10 de diciembre
3) Juegos del jueves 1 de diciembre pasan al lunes 5 de diciembre
4) Juego TE-GC del 18 noviembre se reasigna para jueves 8 diciembre
5) Juego L-GC del 23 de noviembre se reasigna para viernes 9 diciembre
6) Juego E-EO del 22 de noviembre se reasigna para el 9 de diciembre
7) Juego AC-GC del 19 de noviembre se reasigna (Tentativo) para 22 de diciembre
8) Juego L-EO del viernes 18 de noviembre había sido reasignado previamente para el lunes 28 de noviembre.