Cleveland Sports Forum

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Aguilas Moss Homers to outweigh Licey Lions
Hector Luna watches his homer

Aguilas ends the run of four defeats and are reluctant to be disqualified

SANTIAGO.

Brandon Moss drove in three runs with a homer and double and Hector Luna homered and had two singles to earn a victory over the Lions, 8-4, in the continuation of the round robin winter baseball tournament, which is dedicated Reynaldo, Papy-Bison.

The Cibao, who had failed to beat the Lions in the semifinals, now kept alive their desire to continue to the final round of this event, adding 5 wins with 8 losses that maintains their mathematical possibilities.

The victory was the reliever Angel Castro credited with no runs or hits to the Lions in 4.0 innings while yielding a walk and striking out one. Barrett Browning opened, pitched the first 4.0 innings of 4 runs and 4 hits and 2 strikeouts. Miguel Batista threw without incident.

The defeat went to Edward Valdez, used as the second pitcher for the Lions. They also pitched the starter Josh Banks, Valdez (3), Ramon Garcia (6) Jonatha Ortega (6), Jose Cabrera (6) and Nelson Payano (8).

The Aguilas scored early against starter Barry Brownning with two runs in the first after two outs. Andy Dirks was hit by a pitch, Mauro Gomez followed with single to center, Denis Phipps reached base on an error by second baseman, scoring Dirks, Julio Lugo drove in the other with single to right.

Victor Mendez with a single and two RBIs, Miguel Tejada and Joaquin Arias singled each contributed to the triumph of the Eagles.

The Lions, who were limited to four hits divided them between Mauro Gomez, Julio Lugo, Fernando Tatis and Julio Borbon.

Sharks pull teeth

Caribbeans beaten after battling 13 innings at Alfonso Chico Carrasquel Stadium

PUERTO LA CRUZ .-

La Guaira Sharks were able to defeat for the second time in the round robin the Caribbeans, champions from Anzoategui and managed to recover a game that almost was going out of hand. A double by Rafael Alvarez in the thirteenth inning against Caribe's closer Jon Hunton gave them a victory 7-6 in a crowded Alfonso Chico Carrasquel stadium.

The Sharks offense sparked by Richard Salazar got up early in the first inning of the game and scored six runs scored and had the advantage 6-1 after 2 innings In the seventh inning the Caribbeans produced five runs. From that moment began the war of strategy from both sides and Marco Davalillo prevailed with the same script he did during the regular round: Rafael Alvarez pinch hitting, doubled home the winning run in the 13th.

For Alvarez it was special because in the previous battle against Hunton he struck out. "The important thing is to go out swinging and hitting the ball, I was struckout once and was psyched by his pitches. This victory made us grow much more because it was a match that seemed easy at first and then we made it complicated, "Alvarez said after the game.

Davalillo, manager, bet on his heavy artillery in the bullpen to put down Caribe threats on two occasions. Enrique Gonzalez pitched two innings, Francisco Rodriguez and Junior Guerra also pitched two game, because we could not maintain the advantage we had in the first with the six runs, but then managed string the zeros " said Rodriguez, who added: "Undoubtedly these are the kind of victories that inspire a team." La Guaira left Puerto La Cruz with a win hoping they can stay in the race for the finals.

Magallanes refuses to die

Comfortably beat the Zulia Eagles 11-2 , totaling 14 game losing streak and 0-9 in the semifinal

VALENCIA .-

In Valencia understand that the Aguilas del Zulia is not a thermometer to calculate the strength of a team, but still the Magallanes Navigators can celebrate the victory of 11 runs to 2, which keeps the Navigators afloat.

It was the third victory for the Navigator over the dysfunctional Eagles in the semifinals. Zulia now owns an 0-9 record and 14 consecutive losses since the regular round.

Endy Chavez returned to the top of the lineup, after several games without playing due to an injury on the right foot. Chavez went 3-4 with three runs scored. Luis Landaeta continues to build ownership in round robin crashed last night for 3-4, with two doubles, two RBIs and a run scored.

Luna homers, leads Aguilas past Leones

Philadelphia infielder plates a pair, scores three times in upset

Dominican Winter League

Cibaenas 8, Escogido 4

Phillies infielder Hector Luna went 3-for-4 with a solo homer, two RBIs and three runs scored and outfielder Brandon Moss (A's) added his fourth homer of the postseason as the last-placed Aguilas (5-9) topped the league-leading Leones in the round-robin playoffs. Mexican Leaguer Angel Castro (2-0) tossed four hitless innings in relief of starter Barret Browning (Cardinals) in the victory, while Miguel Batista (Mets) worked around a pair of walks in the ninth inning to seal the win. Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes finished 0-for-4 after finishing 0-for-3 in his debut the night before. Rangers outfielder Julio Borbon reached base safely three times in the losing cause. Edward Valdez (0-1) took the loss, yielding two runs on two hits while fanning a pair over 2 1/3 innings of relief.

Cibao 3, Licey 2

Major League veteran Pedro Feliz homered and plated two runs out of the No. 7 spot and Royals farmhand Kevin Pucetas surrendered two runs on four hits while walking three and striking out two batters over 5 2/3 innings as the Gigantes improved to 7-7 and closed the gap on the Leones to two games. Right-hander Rhiner Crus (Astros) retired the only batter he faced to earn the win -- Cibao's second in a row -- while southpaw Juan Perez (Brewers) struck out the side in order to record his fourth save. Angels shortstop Erick Aybar tripled, doubled and drove in two runs for the Tigres, while Anderson Hernandez (Pirates) doubled, walked twice and scored a run in the loss.
Hector Luna hit .283 with 14 homers and 58 RBIs in 113 games with Triple-A Pawtucket last year. (Carl Kline/MiLB.com)

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 11, Zulia 2

Former Mexican Leaguer Luis Landaeta and Orioles outfielder Endy Chavez both collected three hits, combining for three doubles, two RBIs and four runs scored. Jesus Flores (Nationals) and Mario Lisson (Royals) also knocked in two apiece for the Navegantes. Ernesto Mejia (Braves) and Darin Mastroianni (Blue Jays) led the effort for the Aguilas, as both recorded two hits and an RBI. Blue Jays prospect Matt Wright (1-2) earned the win after yielding one run on three hits in five innings. Magallanes improves to 4-6 in the playoffs, while Zulia remains winless.

La Guaira 7, Anzoategui 6

Former Mexican Leaguer Rafael Alvarez drove in what proved to be the game-winning run on a two-out double in the 10th as the Tiburones improved to 6-4 in the postseason. Former Major Leaguer Oscar Salazar was one of three players on La Guaira to homer -- his fifth long ball of the playoffs -- and also knocked in three runs. Angels prospect Alexi Amarista collected three hits for the Caribes, driving in two and scoring once. Former Mets farmhand Junior Guerra was credited with the win after tossing two scoreless innings in relief.

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Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 3-for-4, 2 R, RBI. Fresh off his first bad game on Thursday in over two weeks and an end to his 11-game hitting streak, Campbell came right back last night and stay hot with his third three-hit night in the ABL this year. He is now hitting a very good .299/.390/.388 in 20 games for Brisbane.

•Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 2-for-3, 2 R, 2B, K. Battaglia’s first multi-hit effort in the ABL this season and his best game by far out there. He is only 4-for-20 at the plate, but 3 of those hits have now gone for doubles.

Venezuela Winter League

•Jose Lopez (1B, Caribes de Anzoategui): 2-for-6, R. Lopez had a good regular season in Venezuela where in 43 games he hit .310 with 5 HR, 24 RBI and a .820 OPS. He has slowed down some in the playoffs, though some of that is because he has been hobbled a little with a minor injury that sidelined him a few days and he is still working his way back from. In 8 postseason games he is hitting .258 with 1 HR, 6 RBI and .678 OPS.

Cuba seeks to curb dropouts

From Havana authorities are willing to open talks with Major League Baseball concerning defections

A | Reuters .-

Cuba seeks to stop the defections that have bled the country in recent years and seeks to accept local baseball talks with interested parties , including the Major League Baseball , said Friday the president of the International Federation.

The Italian Ricardo Fraccari told a press conference that the issue of dropouts was a "dialogue on the deaf" between the parties and urged a change of mentality from the sports authorities of the island, where an estimated 300 players have left the country in recent times.

"Cuba has to change its mindset. I have to say with great joy that I began to talk about it (dropouts) and found a whole new availability, and this encouraged me in a positive way, " said Fraccari on meetings held in Havana with local sports authorities.

"How long? How to achieve a result I do not know, but I can say it is the new availability in Cuba, " he said.

The temptation has led to dozens of Cuban players to defect during tournaments abroad or emigrate illegally to the United States. This has hurt Cuba in its results, losing the Beijing 2008 Olympic crown and World Cups 2009 and 2011, respectively.

The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and the U.S. Major League (MLB) started since 2009 and approaching the end of last year to reach some sort of an agreement to bring out a sport that needs funding in an attempt to return to the Olympic program.

Baseball officially entered the Olympic program in Barcelona 1992. Now it is excluded from London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

"Cuba has to think of new ways of relating to international baseball. I think only that taking these issues to the table (...) can we achieve any results," said Fraccari.

Nearly two decades of economic crisis and the deteriorating quality of life in the country led to the defections and the "theft of talent." will increase if the government doesn't settle these issues.

The left-hander Aroldis Chapmam left the Cuban team in a tournament in Holland in 2009 and shortly thereafter signed a six-year, $ 30 million with the Cincinnati Reds.

Famed former players have launched proposals for the players of Cuba to have contracts in foreign leagues, not necessarily in the U.S., are doing so with no green light by the Cuban authorities.

"The new vision of the IBAF is to provide professional relationships with the world and not just the big leagues," said Antonio Castro for his part, Vice President of the IBAF and one of the sons of former President Fidel Castro.

Santana not allowed to pitch in winter ball

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com | 01/13/12 8:15 PM EST

ANAHEIM --

Starter Ervin Santana recently asked the Angels for permission to pitch for the Licey Tigers of the Dominican Winter League, but they declined, general manager Jerry Dipoto confirmed.

The reason is simple: The Angels don't think it's a good idea for a starter they're going to rely on for 200-plus innings to crank it up for a one-month stretch in January, then shut it down and start back up again in Spring Training shortly thereafter.

Shortstop Erick Aybar, who's arbitration-eligible and also an contract-extension candidate, was allowed to play for Licey when he asked at about the same time. But in this case, a starting pitcher and a position player are "a different animal," Dipoto said, adding that the decision to keep Santana from winter ball was in no way health related.

"From Ervin's perspective, and quite frankly if Dan Haren or Jered Weaver or C.J. Wilson want to play winter ball, that would be an easy no-brainer [to say no]," Dipoto explained. "But in Erick's case, this is him tuning up. He's going to play maybe three times a week, and get himself in game shape and get himself ready. It's not as taxing on him and doesn't put us in a bad situation."

The Dominican Winter League is currently in its 18-game round-robin playoff stage, which includes the top four out of six teams and lasts until the end of January. The top two clubs in those standings will then play a best-of-nine series for a national title, with the league's champion advancing to the Caribbean Series to play against representatives from Mexico, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. That lasts from Feb. 2-8.

Infielder Alberto Callaspo and right-hander Jerome Williams previously suited up for the Navegantes del Magallanes of the Venezuelan Winter League. Callaspo batted .308, with 10 RBIs in 13 games, and hasn't played since the New Year. Williams, a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation, went 5-0 with a 1.00 ERA in six starts (a span of 36 innings) and didn't pitch past Nov. 13.

"As a general rule," Dipoto said, "I'm a big advocate of winter ball and believe it's a good thing for players. ... But sometimes you have to be smart enough to understand that cranking a pitcher up in early-to-mid January and then shutting him down and then cranking him up again is probably not the best way to make sure that pitcher stays healthy."

Mitch Nilsson broke up Ung's no-hit bid in the sixth (Chris Tippelt / SMP Images)

Nic Ungs shut down the Bandits offense for the second time this season as the 'Jet Courier' Melbourne Aces beat Brisbane 8-3 at the RNA Showgrounds in Round 10 of Australian Baseball League action on Thursday night.

Ungs (3-2) nearly no-hit the Bandits the last time he faced them in Melbourne. The Aces starter went 6 2/3 innings without allowing a hit in the seven-inning game, before giving up a single to Brad Dutton. He did his best to continue the trend in the second game of this five-game set, not giving up a hit until Mitch Nilsson doubled to lead off the sixth.

AUSTRALIAN WINTER LEAGUES

Aldridge's blasts keep Tomateros in series

Former Angels farmhand goes yard three times, plates seven

Mexican Pacific League

Culiacan 17, Guasave 5

Former Angels farmhand Cory Aldridge, who spent the 2011 season in the Korean Baseball Organization, homered three times and drove in seven runs for the Tomateros, cutting the deficit in their best-of-7 semifinal series to 2-1. Yankees farmhand Ramiro Pena went yard and Ali Solis (Padres) was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Big league veteran Daryle Ward (Reds) slugged a three-run homer in the loss.

Obregon 3, Mexicali 2

Mexican League veteran Iker Franco hit an eighth-inning solo homer to break a tie game and stake the Yaquis to a 2-1 series lead in their semifinal series. Big league veteran Alfredo Amezaga was 2-for-4 with an RBI and former Major Leaguer Karim Garcia played a run. Angels farmhand Gil Velazquez was 3-for-4 and fell a triple shy of the cycle for the Aguilas.
Cory Aldridge batted .318 with 13 homers in 83 games with Triple-A Salt Lake in 2010. (Dave Nelson/MiLB.com)

Dominican Winter League

Cibaenas 3, Licey 0

Mexican Leaguer Lorenzo Barcelo allowed just three hits over seven shutout innings, striking out five. Giants farmhand Joaquin Arias went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes got his first hit since debuting in the Dominican, legging out an infield single in the fifth. The Aguilas improved to 6-9 in the playoffs and the Tigres fell to 7-8.

Escogido 10, Cibao 6

Mauro Gomez, who played in the at Triple-A Gwinnett for the Braves last year, homered and drove in three on Saturday as the Leones improved to a league-leading 10-5 in the postseason. Denis Phipps (Reds) and former Major Leaguer Fernando Tatis also went deep for Escogido, while Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks joined Gomez in plating three. John Matulia, who played in the Rays' system last year, led the Gigantes' efforts on offense by going 2-for-5 with a triple and two RBIs. Former Red Sox farmhand Kris Johnson earned the win with 4 1/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen. He allowed just one hit and three walks, striking out seven.

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 11, Zulia 10

The Aguilas scored nine runs in the top of the ninth, but the Navegantes came back with five in the bottom of the frame to notch the win. Former Mexican Leaguer Luis Landaeta led Magallanes' offense by homering and driving in five, while Braves farmhand Ernesto Mejia paced Zulia with two long balls and four RBIs. The Navegantes' Andres Blanco (Nationals) and the Aguilas' Jose Pirela (Yankees) also went deep, driving in five combined.

Aragua 5, Anzoategui 2

Hector Gimenez, who played in the Pirates' system last year, doubled twice, drove in two runs and scored once as the Tigres ran their playoff record to 7-3 and pulled with half a game of the Caribes. Former Major Leaguer Edgardo Alfonso also enjoyed a solid performance, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Jose Lopez (Indians) and Jose Castillo (Athletics) both singled and drove in one run for Anzoategui.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Mayaguez 10, Caguas 1

Twins farmhand Daniel Ortiz was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs as the Indios took Game 1 of the Puerto Rican Winter League Finals. Major League veteran Ruben Gotay slugged a three-run homer and Bobby Livingston fanned seven over five shutout innings. Luis Figueroa, who spent most of the 2011 season with Triple-A Buffalo, plated the Criollos' lone run.

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Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 2-for-4, 2 R, BB. Campbell has now hit in 13 of his last 14 games with 2 straight multi-hit games and 4 multi-hit games in his last 7 games. He is now hitting .307/.395/.387 in 22 games in the ABL.

•Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 0-for-4, 2 K. After going 3-for-7 in his last 2 games, Battaglia went hitless in 4 at bats. He has now struck out 10 times in 24 at bats this offseason in the ABL.

Dominican Republic Winter League

•Eric Berger (RP, Gigantes del Cibao): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K. Berger has yet to allow a run in 4 outings in the DR, but he was shaky for the first time. Coming into the game he had walked 2 batters in 11 games this offseason, so he doubled that output in one night.

Venezuela Winter League

•Jose Lopez (3B, Caribes de Anzoategui): 1-for-4, RBI. After a very good regular season in the Venezuelan Winter League, Lopez has cooled considerably in the playoffs going 9-for-36 (.250) with 1 extra base hit and 6 RBI in 11 games.

Jarrett threw six innings of one-hit baseball (Charles Knight / SMP Images)

Bandits starting pitching stuns again

Brisbane takes second game in a row against Melbourne

The Brisbane Bandits had another stellar starting pitching performance backed by offensive outbursts in the first and seventh to take down the 'Jet Courier' Melbourne Aces on Saturday night by a score of 9-3 at the RNA Showgrounds in Round 10 of Australian Baseball League action.

Sean Jarrett made his first start of the season for the Bandits, after spending the entire beginning of the year in the bullpen. The American right-hander may have found his niche however, as he baffled the Melbourne lineup for six shutout innings, before allowing a runner beyond first base.

Jarrett and the Bandits were helped by a five-run first and a grand slam from Brad Dutton in the seventh inning. Dutton has notched seven total runs driven in over the last two nights. The grand slam was the second baseman's first of the season and his fourth home run on the year.

Brisbane (16-23) got out to an early lead in the first inning. Andrew Campbell singled to open the frame and Josh Roberts and Dutton followed with back-to-back one-out singles to load the bases. David Sutherland scored the first run with an RBI-single, and Wade Dutton drove in another with a single of his own. Matt Roxburgh broke the game open with his second home run of the year, a two-out, three-run shot to give the Bandits a five-run advantage.

Aces starting pitcher Jason Hirsh (2-2) made an early exit from the game with an apparent injury. He was taken out after just 2 1/3 innings, having given up five earned runs on six hits with two strikeouts. Andrew Mann came out of the bullpen for the Aces (18-21) in relief. Mann went 3 2/3 frames plus two batters, allowing two earned runs on three hits, walking three and fanning three batters.

Melbourne got to Jarrett (2-2) in the seventh. Justin Huber struck out to open the inning, but made it to first base on a wild pitch. Elliot Biddle followed with his ninth home run of the year to cut the Bandits lead to three. Josh Davies doubled immediately thereafter, taking Jarrett out of the game.

The Bandits starter threw six complete innings plus three batters, allowing three earned runs on three hits, walking one and striking out five on the night. Rhys Niit came on in relief of Jarrett.

Brad Dutton's homer in the bottom of the seventh came off of left-hander Travis Blackley, with two of Mann's runners on base. Blackley got through 1/3 of an inning, giving up two runs on two hits. Andrew Russell and Sam Gibbons finished out the game for the Aces out of the 'pen.

Niit closed out the victory for the Bandits, earning the three-inning save, his first save of the season. In his three frames, he gave up just four hits and one walk.

With the win, the Bandits remain in sixth place, needing to do further damage in the remaining seven games in order to move beyond the regular season. Elsewhere in the playoff race, Melbourne moved into a tie for the second position in the standings with Adelaide (18-21) and the Blue Sox (18-21). Canberra (17-22) dropped to fifth with a loss to the Heat (30-9).

Alex Maestri was lights out for Brisbane. (Charles Knight)

Bandits take series from Aces

Maestri earns first save as Bandits edge closer to playoffs

It was a game of home runs on Sunday afternoon as the Brisbane Bandits took down the 'Jet Courier' Melbourne Aces by a score of 5-2 at the RNA Showgrounds in the fifth game of the five-game set in Round 10 of Australian Baseball League action.

Three different Bandits homered as the home team saw a new player take the team lead in long balls for the year and two more launch their first homers of the season. Josh Roberts added his first multi-home run game in the tale of the long ball.

Roberts opened the scoring in the first inning with his fifth home run of the season, a solo shot giving him more than any of his teammates. He added another in the sixth when he led off to start the frame, increasing his team lead.

Melbourne (18-22) came back in the top of the second with two runs, courtesy of Elliot Biddle's 10th long ball, a two-run home run to put the Aces up 2-1. But another home run for the Bandits tied up the game in the bottom of the second frame, as Steven Greer went yard for the first time.

Ryan Battaglia got in on the home run fun in the fifth inning, also sending his first ball over the fence this season. Battaglia's long ball scored two and brought Brisbane up 4-2 before Roberts hit his second of the afternoon.

Josh Warner made the start on the mound for the Bandits (17-23). The 19-year-old right-hander went four innings, giving up two earned runs on just two hits, walking one and striking out five. He was taken out of the game in favour of Simon Morriss to start the fifth. Morris went one frame, giving up just one hit.

Brisbane's Italian ace, Alex Maestri, came out of the bullpen in relief to finish out the game. After an uncharacteristically short outing in his start on Wednesday, the right-hander had plenty left in the tank for the afternoon matchup. The Italian Stallion completed four innings, allowing three hits and striking out five. He also earned his first save of the season.

Jeff Jamnik got the start for Melbourne. Jamnik went 4 1/3 innings, giving up four earned runs on six hits with a walk and a strikeout. Adam Blackley came out of the bullpen first for the Aces, and he threw 1 1/3 frames, giving up an earned run on two hits. Andrew Russell and Travis Blackley rounded out the Aces relief corps on Sunday.

With the final regular-season win at home, the Bandits remain in sixth place, needing to do further damage in the remaining five games in order to move beyond the regular season. Elsewhere in the playoff race, Sydney (19-21) took sole possession of the second position in the standings. Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra are all tied for third.
BATTING
2B: Dutton, B (6, Jamnik).
HR: Roberts 2 (6, 1st inning off Jamnik, 0 on, 2 out; 6th inning off Blackley, A, 0 on, 0 out), Greer (1, 2nd inning off Jamnik, 0 on, 2 out), Battaglia (1, 5th inning off Jamnik, 1 on, 1 out).
TB: Campbell, A; Roberts 8; Dutton, B 2; Dutton, W; Roxburgh; Greer 4; Battaglia 4.
RBI: Roberts 2 (29), Greer (3), Battaglia 2 (5).

Magallanes won an incredible game

Erold Andrus hit the defining blow to keep the ship afloat

VALENCIA .-

It was a quite a night for the Navigators with heart rhythm problems. It was crazy what was experienced yesterday at the Estadio Jose Bernardo Perez , the electrifying duel between Aguilas del Zulia and the Magallanes Navigators. The team from Valencia scored nine times in the top of the ninth to take a 10-6 advantage but the Navigators of Magallanes were not to be outdone and scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth for a heart stopping 11-10 win. Closer Jean Machi could not hold the big lead for the Navigators, but then his companions escaped with a spectacular magic act in the home half of the ninth. Erold Andrus had the big blow of the game, a two run base hit that tied the game and came home the winner. The Eagles were eliminated mathematically from the race and remain winless as the ship stayed afloat.

The Tiger stalks the leader Caribbeans

Aragua defeated the Anzoátegui Caribes and pulled to within a half-game of the top

PUERTO LA CRUZ .-

The Aragua Tigers came out with the mission, at least one victory on the tour to Puerto La Cruz. This was repeated before the game by manager Buddy Bailey, who soon took to accomplish this goal and beat the Caribes of Anzoategui, 5 2, at Alfonso "Chico" Carrasquel.

The Tigers needed a little over three hours to score their seventh win in the round robin tournament and just put themselves within a half-game of the Orientals. "We needed this win. To beat the Caribbeans at home is difficult, but we had the confidence to take at least one of the two games that we came here to play, "said Hector Gimenez, who hit two doubles and drove in two runs.

The Tiger attack started in the first inning when Gimenez connected for a double, which drove home Ramon Castro. Edgardo Alfonzo hit drove in the other run.

In the next inning, Andrew Baldwin again suffered from the inclemency of Aragua when with two outs a walk and a hit batter followed by a Hector Gimenez plated two more runs.

"We have been able to overcome injuries and have a bullpen that supports us. Although we are making few runs, the bats have kept us up. The fight is not over with the Caribbeans, so it is not over with the sharks, so the game on Sunday is very important, " said Gimenez.

After the second inning the Tigers stopped with the offensive production, but the arms jumped out of the bullpen to defend the Tiger lead. Eduardo Sanchez relieved Ryan Glynn in the third when he got into trouble and pitched two perfect innings and a third and scored his second win of the round robin. "We must seize the moment. We won and must keep winning. In a small series one can not give up an advantage. The atmosphere in the dugout is unique. We are inspired, "said the right handed major leaguer.

For his part, Victor Moreno, who pitched two innings one scoreless, recognized the importance of the fourth win in a row of cats: "Nobody gives up, we've been through this situation in several seasons . They should not wonder. If we do well, we will repeat in the final, " said the right-handed.

The U.S. Baldwin took the loss who gave up four runs to the Tigers, only the second time a team has been able to score four runs against Baldwin in a game.

Today the standings may be complicated further. Tigers seek to claim first place, while the Caribbeans will bid farewell to their fans, with a four-game tour and will return home for the the finals if necessary.

GIANTS .-

Edinson Volquez just got one out and allowed three hits, including two homers, and four runs, three earned, increase in his effectiveness saw the average in the round robin climb to 9.31 and has been a failure as a lottery pick from the Toros del Este ... Jose De Paula (8.10) and Julian Tavarez were also "treated" badly by the Leones in combination for 2.2 innings, gave up seven hits and six earned runs ... Eric Berger has done a good job as a situational reliever and has not allowed an earned run.

TIGERS .-

Licey had to abandon their aspirations for major league pitcher Ervin Santana, as the Angels' organization denied approval to pitch here ... However, it has allowed Erick Aybar to play and he did at shortstop Friday's game in which he hit triple and double and drove in two runs of the team ... The team included in their roster yesterday two new imported players. From Puerto Rican Pedro Valdez, a starting player and Luis Matos, outfielder...... Also on the roster last night, Robinson Cancel, receiver, also from Puerto Rico....... It is said that in the coming days left-handed pitcher with major league experience Ryan Rowland-Smith will also join the team. Many people think that is necessary for management to give contracts to have a stable team, with players who have been producing to win games.

EAGLES .-

Yoenis Céspedes began activity last night 1 of 7 with four strikeouts before receiving his first basehit ...

Celebration-- Outfielder Andy Dirks is bathed in beer during the festivities at the club house of the Lions of the Escogido, after the 10-6 victory over the Giants.

Dirks and Gomez of Escogido lead team to finals

Lions defeated the Giants 10-6 to reach 10 wins in round robin

Lions of the Escogido not only are the first team to reach ten wins in the round robin, but is also is the first to secure a spot in the finals to play for the league championship series.

Yesterday, the Lions fired offensive eleven hits to produce ten runs and beat the Giants 10-6 in the Cibao, in a match held at the Quisqueya Park and was delayed just over an hour because of rain.

The victory of the Lions (10-5) over the Giants (7-8) combined with the success of the Eagles (6-9) over Licey (7-8), ensures the classification of the Lions to the end and leave the other three teams in a battle for the other finals opening with their remaining three games.

The pitching of the Lions gave up six runs, struck out 14 batters, the highest total in a this season.

Francisco Liriano started the game, but was attacked early with three runs, leading to Kristopher Johnson. He was followed by Ramon Garcia, who also was punished with three runs, but Nelson Payano, Jose Ceda and Fernando Rodney shutout the Giants. Winner was Johnson (1-0).

The Giants opened with Edison Volquez (0-1), but he was severely punished with four runs, two homers and a double. Volquez gave way to Jose De Paula, Julian Tavarez, Aguasvivas Geison, Pedro Viola, Eric Berger, Enerio del Rosario and Darwin Cubillan. Volquez lost. The Giants opened the ballgame collecting hits good for three runs in the first inning against starter Francisco Liriano of the Lions.

Robinson Diaz RBI single shot over and indisputable Brad Nelson hit two others, for Nordestana to leave ahead 3-0.

The Lions (10-5) came back against the Giants (6-9) and attacked at the end of the first inning against Edison Volquez starter with a cluster of four runs in the first inning. The onslaught was led be Mauro Gomez, who sent a two-run homer and Dennis Phipps, who dispatched a solo homer.

The Lions attack had been initiated by Pablo Ozuna who twice, once in the first and once in the second.

Escogido who won their tenth game of the playoffs guarantees a spot in the finals continued to attack into the second inning this time against Jose De Paula, was led by Andy Dirks who had an RBI and Mauro Gomez, who also had a basehit to produce another three runs and put the game 7-3.

Again in the third scored three runs against other veteran Julian Tavarez. Fernando Tatis hit his second round robin homer and Dirks also had a two-run RBI double for Escogido.

The Giants reacted in the sixth with three more runs when Leury Garcia singled and batted in Rafael Fernandez. John Matulia tripled home Wilson Valdez who walked and Leury Garcia.