Regular players of the Leones Escogido from the left, Andy Dirks, Peter Florimón, Denis Phipps, Julio Borbon, Julio Lugo, Fernando Tatis and Pablo Ozuna

Jordan Norberto will pitch the first game for Leones

Refreshed after recharging the batteries, the Lions of Escogido tomorrow will face the Cibao Eagles in the finals of the fall and winter Dominican baseball series.

The champions of the round robin tournamentall will have a rotation of four starters who will be led by the left-hander Jordan Norberto, who is in perfect condition and got the rest he needed to confront the Eagles.

While speculation runs from mouth to mouth, cell phone, twitter on twitter, the Leones held this afternoon batting and fielding practice.

AT 4:00 Leones will refine all of their goals and start the third stage in Quisqueya Stadium.

The Lions won the round robin tournament wiith a mark of 11 wins and 7 losses.

Leones was 4-5 on the road, while at home they were 7-2.

In his last ten games the Leones played 4-6.

This morning Jesus Mejia, assistant general manager of Escogido and manager Moises Alou, confirmed Norberto would be the Lions starter.

Alou clarified that this decision could change if a major situation came up, but so far the lefty will start the first game.

Norberto has more than ten days since he last pitches, but is reportedly in good health and physical conditions.

The Lions are in their final series for the 26th time and have won 14 the last being in the 2009-2010 season under the tutelage of its current manager Ken Oberkfell.

2011-12 The final series will be played under the best of nine games format. They will play four games in a row, then there will be a day of rest and will resume on Wednesday 25.

Until this morning Leones has not contracted any imported players to strengthen the team but this was not confirmed.

The Lions have been measured against the Cibao Eagles in 10 finals and this is number eleven.

The Cibao have dominated these series with a 6-4 mark since 1951 when they began recording statistics.

The first game starts tomorrow at 5:00 pm at the Quisqueya Stadium.

Cespedes: "I'm ready to play defense"

SANTIAGO .

The Cuban Yoenis Céspedes said he is already acclimated to the Dominican League and now may be the player that everyone knows.

He also says he is ready to play the outfield when the manager Felix Fermin sees fit. Up until now, Cespedes has been the Eagles designated hitter.

Céspedes doubled, singled and had an RBI in yesterday's 5-4 victory by the Eagles over the Tigers in a victory that took them to the finals.

"I was outside the stadium and had not played for 10 months, but I've regained my form and my instincts to play," he said.

The number one player I was hoping the Indians would sign this winter was Carlos Pena. That was wishful thinking. Carlos is headed to Florida. Next on my wish list is Yoenis Cespedes. If he's the impact player I think he might be, it will be money well spent. We've signed enough 4A players this winter, perhaps the front office guys should have banked some of that cash to make a substantial offer to Cespedes.

Choose to hire 2 pitchers for the Final

SANTO DOMINGO -

Escogido announced the hiring of two new recruits, with a view on the series finals of the Dominican professional baseball league, starting this Saturday, at Quisqueya Stadium.

These are pitchers are Daniel Patrick Venditte and Hector Rodriguez, who come from pitching in the Mexican Pacific League.

Venditte is unique in that he can pitch with either his left hand or his right hand. His condition is ambidextrous which is unique in professional baseball, worldwide.

This peculiar feature by the American pitcher uses a six-fingered glove that has two thumbs, which changes hands, depending on if he pitches with his right or left hand.

Venditte belongs to the organization of the New York Yankees and last year pitched in the double A-level in the Eastern League with Trenton Thunder team.

With this group he worked in 51 games, all in relief, posting 3-7 mark and 3.40 ERA.

In 90 entries he allowed 80 hits and 37 runs, 34 earned, striking out 88 and issuing 31 walks, while the opposition batted .244 against him.

Venditte pitched with the Mexicali Eagles in the Mexican Pacific League during the regular season and took a 3-1 record and a 2.34 ERA in 32 games, coming from the bullpen.

He worked in 42.1 episodes, allowed 30 hits and 11 runs, all earned, with 7 walks and 46 strikeouts. The hitters connected for an average of .204 against him.

Hector Daniel Rodriguez, left-hander, pitched for the Cualiacán Tomateros this winter and had a mark of 4-3 an effectiveness of .310 after 14 games worked in, 8 as a starter.

In 61 innings, he gave up 54 hits and 25 runs, 21 earned, striking out 72, walking 27 and rivals connected for a .240 average against him.

During the summer he starred in the Mexican Summer League with the club Saraperos of Saltillo, where in 23 starts achieved a record of 4-5 and an ERA of 4.24.

In 125.1 innings, gave up 131 hits, 77 runs, 75 walks, 118 strikeouts and the opposition batted .268 against him.

With the hiring of Vendita and Rodriguez, the Lions have 10 reinforcement players for the finals against the Eagles.

Other imports are baseball players, outfielder Andy Dirks, second baseman Ivan de Jesus, pitchers Nelson Figueroa, Josh Banks, Kris Johnson, and Alexei Gil. The catchers are Jose Yepez and Orlando Mercado.

Rodriguez sparks Aguilas to playoff victory

Reds infield prospect homers, drives in four runs, scores twice

Venezuelan Winter League

Zulia 11, La Guaira 6

Reds prospect Henry Rodriguez homered, drove in four runs and scored twice as the Aguilas cruised past the Tiburones in the round-robin playoffs. Nationals farmhand Carlos Maldonado went 2-for-2 with a homer and four RBIs and Blue Jays prospect Darin Mastroianni chipped in three hits, a pair of RBIs and two runs scored for Zulia. White Sox Minor Leaguer Jose Martinez sparked La Guaira with two hits, an RBI and two runs scored.

Aragua 6, Caribes 4

Big league veteran Hector Gimenez hit a three-run homer, former Nationals farmhand Ramon Castro added a two-run shot and ex-Met Edgardo Alfonzo slugged a solo blast as the Tigres clinched a spot in the Championship Series. Former Triple-A All-Star Victor Moreno tossed 2 2/3 shutout innings for the win, while Niuman Romero fell a triple shy of the cycle, drove in two runs and scored twice in a losing cause.
Henry Rodriguez hit .320 with 13 homers, 81 RBIs and 30 stolen bases across two Minor League levels in 2011. (Shawn E. Davis/MiLB.com)

Puerto Rican Winter League

Mayaguez 7, Caguas 4

Former Major Leaguer Jesus Feliciano homered, drove in two runs, scored twice and fell a triple shy of the cycle as the Indios grabbed a 3-2 lead in the best-of-9 Championship Series. Rangers farmhand Jose Ruiz also had three hits and scored twice for Mayaguez, which got 2 2/3 innings of hitless relief from White Sox prospect Ryan Kussmaul. Edgard Clemente smacked a pair of solo homers for Caguas.

Dominican Winter League

No games scheduled

Mexican Pacific League

No games scheduled

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Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (DH, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-5, R, 3 K. After a three week hot streak Campbell looks to have hit a wall as in his last 2 games he is now 1-for-9 at the plate with 6 strikeouts. The 19-year old left-handed hitter has still had a solid showing in the ABL hitting .286/.375/.357 in 24 games.

•Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-5, R, 2B, 2 K. Surprise, surprise. Battaglia got a hit and a couple of strikeouts in one game. That’s been his MO this entire offseason. He now had just 7 hits in 36 at bats this offseason with 5 of them going for extra bases, and he also has 12 strikeouts.

Venezuela Winter League

•Jose Lopez (3B, Caribes de Anzoategui): 1-for-4. Another okay outing for Lopez who has been really quiet in the playoffs. He is going right down to the very end this offseason playing for his Caribes team through the playoffs, and when the dust settled will have played in almost 60 games this offseason and put up about 250 at bats.

MARACAY .-

After the game, both Ronny Cedeno and Ramon Castro expressed their impressions on the Aragua Tigers reaching the finals .

Castro said that "we played a good series. I like it when they call us the favorites because you know then that you have to go out on the field and give one hundred twenty percent. "

He added that "all the boys were psyched up and played hard. Everybody put in their two cents. The bullpen did a great job. The work of Hector (Gimenez) was exceptional as always. And Edgardo (Alfonzo ) also has to be recognized for his contributions. " Ronny Cedeno, meanwhile said, "It is an honor to be in another final. Rosman Garcia has served with his soul, heart and mind, and was dedicated to playing well in this classification . We hope to be champions and go away happy and rest in peace. " "We've never lost the desire to win. Here we have plenty of chemistry. This year was difficult for us, but we found time to change the mentality of this ball club, "he said.

Navegantes' Lisson hits for the cycle

Royals farmhand caps four-RBI night with two-run homer

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 8, Aragua 5

Mario Lisson hit for the cycle and drove in four runs as the Navegantes climbed into a second-place tie in the round-robin playoffs. The Royals farmhand, who reached Triple-A in 2009, had an RBI triple and scored in the second inning, singled in another run in the third, doubled and scored again in the sixth and slugged a two-run homer in the seventh. Angels infielder Alberto Callaspo went 3-for-4 and scored twice for Magallanes, while former Cardinals Minor Leaguer Jose Martinez hit a three-run homer for Aragua.

La Guaira 11, Zulia 4

Giants newcomer Gregor Blanco had three hits, including a solo homer, and scored twice to lead the Tiburones past the last-place Aguilas. Alex Cabrera went 3-for-5 with four RBIs and a pair of runs scored, while Mariners farmhand Luis Antonio Jimenez launched a three-run homer for La Guaira. Giants Minor Leaguer Jose Flores tripled, singled, drove in a run and scored once in a losing cause.
Mario Lisson spent last year at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, hitting .293 with 15 homers and 45 RBIs. (Matt Bard/MiLB.com)

Dominican Winter League

Escogido 5, Aguilas 2

Rangers outfielder Julio Borbon collected two hits, an RBI and a run scored to lead the Leones past the Aguilas in Game 1 of the best-of-7 Championship Series. Astros right-hander Aneury Rodriguez got the win in relief after allowing a run on four hits over four innings. A's outfielder Brandon Moss slugged his league-leading sixth postseason homer and former Reds Minor Leaguer Jesse Gutierrez went 3-for-4 in a losing cause.

Mexican Pacific League

Obregon 3, Guasave 2

Royals right-hander Luis Mendoza struck out five over seven strong innings as the Yaquis won the opener of the best-of-7 Championship Series. Former Major Leaguer Karim Garcia hit a solo homer, then drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh that forced in the go-ahead run. Big league veteran Daryle Ward had two hits, including an RBI single, for Guasave.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas at Mayaguez, suspended

Game 6 of the best-of-7 Championship Series was suspended in the top of the ninth inning with the Indios leading, 8-4. Brewers prospect Sergio Miranda was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored for Mayaguez, while Edgard Clemente was 4-for-4 and drove in a run for the Criollos.

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Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (DH, Brisbane Bandits): 2-for-5, 2B, RBI. A much better game for Campbell who had struggled in his two previous games with 6 strikeouts. He is still hitting .333/.395/.359 in his last 10 games and is having a good overall showing in the ABL this offseason.

•Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 2-for-4, 2 R, 2B, HR, RBI. Battaglia pounded out his second homer in the ABL and continued his string of producing power when he squares up the ball. Incredibly, 7 of his 9 hits in the ABL have gone for extra bases. He does not hit the ball consistently as he has 12 strikeouts in 40 at bats and is hitting just .225, but when he hits it right he has made the most of it.

Bandits and Bite split doubleheader

Josh Roberts comes one hit closer to 100 in his ABL career during the day's two games

ADELAIDE, SA -

Both the Brisbane Bandits and the Adelaide Bite took their turns with stellar pitching and timely hitting as the two teams split the Saturday doubleheader at Coopers Stadium in Round 11 of Australian Baseball League action.

Game 1

The Adelaide Bite came out swinging and with some help from Darren Fidge's complete game victory, took down the Brisbane Bandits 7-1 in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader in Adelaide.

Fidge threw just the sixth complete game in the ABL this season, as the Bite took advantage of an unusual lack of command from Brisbane's ace Alex Maestri in the first inning. The Italian right-hander hit two batters and walked four in Adelaide's first at-bat, giving the Bite an early advantage.

The Bandits got on the board first, after Matthew Roxburgh singled in the opening frame, moved around on a Josh Roberts single and came in on a sacrifice fly from Brad Dutton. That was all the visitors could manage however, as the Bite starter appeared to settle in after that inning.

Fidge (4-3) went the full nine innings, giving up just one run, scattering six hits, walking one and striking out six on the day.

Maestri (4-4) got back on track after the three-run first for the Bite, but the Bandits bats couldn't get him out of the hole. The Italian Stallion went five innings, allowing four earned runs on just four hits with four walks and a strikeout, just one day after being voted as the fan favourite for Brisbane.

The Bandits ace needs even more support now as he competes against the five other candidates for the league's favourite, as voted by the fans. Maestri took a commanding lead in the Facebook race for Brisbane before eventually winning, no big surprise after the year he's had.

The righty has started nine games, including the third complete game of the ABL season. He's among league leaders with 63 2/3 innings pitched and 53 strikeouts on the season, to go with his 3.25 ERA.

John Veitch came on in relief of Maestri to finish out the game. Veitch went three innings, giving up three earned runs on five hits with three strikeouts.

Mathew Smith and James Jones led the charge for the Bite, each with a home run and two RBI on the day. Smith's home run was his third of the season and Jones notched his eighth of the year.

Game 2

Ryan Searle was dealing on the mound for the Bandits, striking out nine and mowing through Bite batters as the visitors pulled out a 4-3 victory in the second game of the doubleheader Saturday at Coopers Stadium.

Coming off of a complete game victory at home in Round 10, Searle (3-1) outdueled his opponents once again. In this matchup, he threw seven innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits with a walk, fanning nine. In five starts this season for Brisbane, the right-hander has completed 32 innings, allowing just 21 hits and nine walks, while striking out 34 total batters.

Despite Searle's dominance, the Bite jumped out to an early lead in the second as Calvin Anderson took the Cubs prospect deep. Anderson's solo shot was his 10th home run of the season.

Brisbane took the lead in the fifth. In just his fifth game of the year, starting at third base, Daniel Lamb-Hunt went yard on Reed Brown to the deepest part of the field, knotting the game at one. Ryan Battaglia and Andrew Campbell followed with back-to-back doubles to bring the go-ahead run around.

The day ended shortly thereafter for Adelaide's starter. Brown (1-3) went five complete innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts. He was replaced out of the bullpen by Rinku Singh, who Brisbane got to for two more runs.

In the sixth, Brad Dutton and David Sutherland notched one-out back-to-back singles, before Matt Roxburgh brought one around with his third double of the year. That put the Bandits ahead 3-1.

The Bite came back for one in the bottom half of the inning, once again cutting Brisbane's lead to one. With two outs, Searle issued his first walk of the night, followed by singles to both Anderson and James Jones to put another run on the board.

Coming right back in the seventh were the Bandits, as Ryan Battaglia hit his second home run of the season. The solo homer once again gave Brisbane a two-run advantage.

Singh lasted 1 2/3 frames, giving up two earned runs on four hits with a walk and a strikeout. He was taken out of the game in favour of Derek Miramontes. Miramontes lasted 2 1/3 innings, giving up just one hit and walking two batters.

Justin Erasmus came on in relief of Searle in the eighth inning for the Bandits. Erasmus lasted the final two frames, allowing one run on one hit with one walk for his first save of the season.

With one hit on the day for Josh Roberts, he is currently just one away from reaching 100 hits in the two seasons of the ABL. Jamie McOwen is close behind, with 98 hits over the two seasons, and Roberts will look to go ahead in the Sunday afternoon matchup.

Game 1

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Sunday final day of the round robin Venezuela style. Aragua is in. Three teams jockeying for that final playoff spot. Looks like another sudden death playoff game in the offing.
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La Guaira Tiburones ate the Aguilas and extended their season one more day

La Guaira will face the winner of the Caribbean / Navigator game after beating 11-4 Zulia in Maracaibo

CARACAS .-

After falling unexpectedly in Friday's game at the Luis Aparicio "El Grande" stadium to the weaker group in this round, La Guaira used their best weapon, the offense, to beat the Aguilas del Zulia in the same scenario 11-4 and forced the extra game to determine the Aragua Tigers rival in the finals.

Alex Cabrera opened the scoring with a two-RBI single in the third inning and then hit a double in the fifth which drove in two more. Brian Sweeney (3-1) got the win in 6.0 innings of work with four runs, while the Eagles Jesus Pirela picked up the loss. La Guaira will be involved in Sunday's doubleheader, which will start 2 hours, 20 minutes after the first game which is scheduled for 4 PM. The opponent is the winner of the game between the Caribes of Anzoategui and the Magallanes Navigantes.

The Magallanes led by Lisson head to the extra game

The Navigators defeated 8-5 the Aragua Tigers and enter the sudden death game on Sunday

VALENCIA .-

The ovation given by the fans to the entire staff of the Magallanes Navigators, says it all.

After being virtually out of the competition, the Navigantes won six of their last seven games of the round robin, in order to force a playoff game.

The Magallanes win Saturday night of 8-5 over the Tigres de Aragua , forced the ship to play this Sunday at the UCV, at 4 pm, against the Caribes of Anzoategui.

The loser will be eliminated eliminated, while the winner must meet La Guaira Sharks 2 hours and 20 minutes later to see who will accompany the Tigers in the finals. In a historic comeback Mario Lisson signed a new page in the annals of the Venezuelan Winter League. He managed the feat of the cycle (single, double, triple and home run), being only the second slugger who accomplished this fete in a round robin event. The first was Rob Ducey on 1/16/88 with the Aragua Tigers. Michael Ryan playing with Magallanes was the second player to accomplish the fete in the 2009-2010 season.

Mario Lisson went 4-4 with four RBIs and three runs scored.

Pedro Guerra (3-0) was the winner in relief after 3 innings striking out eight.

Rich Rundles (0-1) lost while surrendering three hits and two runs and a walk in 1.2 innings.

"The Samurai" Alex Cabrera assists in giving the Sharks new life

The initial indications are that a sudden death playoff game will be necessary on Sunday to determine who will enter the finals against the Aragua Tigers in the 2011-12 championship season.

MARACAIBO .-

Alex Cabrera was the offensive player of the game for La Guaira Sharks on Saturday night.

Cabrera drove in four runs with two of his three hits and was the one who opened the four-run rally in the third inning off of the offerings of Jesus Pirela.

"It was the deciding game, we had to give all or nothing. This second round was the most important of the night and it was not easy because the pitcher was nasty and I had four or five fouls before making adjustments and then got that hit to center wich turned the game in our favor and it was very important to us, "said Cabrera who considered that the pressure had eased up and now they were going home.

"We're going to give up our hearts tomorrow because we want to classify, we have a goal to go into the finals and we will give everything for each and inning. The entire team wants to give that joy to the fans and we are confident we will succeed, said "the" Samurai ".

Shortstop squared contract with the New York Mets

Ronny available, but dismissed by Bailey

The major leaguer said he wants to play with the Tigers in a possible finals

MARACAY .-

The status of "the horse" Ronny Cedeno has won his case with the New York Mets and wants to play in the finals with the Aragua Tigers but it does not seem to be enough for the manager Buddy Bailey to consider it a possiblility to play in an eventual finals.

The major leaguer of The New York Mets was present yesterday at the Jose Perez Colmenares after two weeks of leave to start training again with a view of a possible participation with the Aragua team and ultimately the championship.

"I want to play the finals. I came to say this to the team and I want to help in any way possible. Tomorrow (today) I can run, but I think I can be ready to play shortstop or second, or wherever I'm needed, " said Cedeno.

Buddy Bailey, however, has another idea. The manager of the Bengals said it does not seem fair to the rest of the team that Cedeno plays in the finals after spending one month out due to an injury. "If we had the time he would have to train and practice his swings in order to play in the finals. I do not think it is fair to all these guys who have led the team to this point in the season" , said the strategist, making it clear that the wishes of the star shortstop of Maracay is unlikely to be met.

Cedeno could not play with the Tigers from the December 23, the day when he strained his right leg and had to be removed from the team. "Then he had to go to the United States to meet with the medical staff for checkups with his new team (Mets) and then he came back here to try to get back into shape.

Alex Cabrera was the spark

Three-way tie for second place

Anzoantegu Navigantes, Magallanes Navigantes, and the La Guaira Tiburones will decide in the University Stadium, the Aragua Tigers opponent in the finals baseball in Venezuela that will start next Monday.

Maracaibo .-

Gone are the pacemakers in Venezuela for one day. Baseball fans bought them on Saturday when the results of the two games on the final day of round robin tournament forced a three way tie between Anzoategui, La Guaira Sharks, and Magallanes Navigators. On Sunday will be carried out a double header in the University extra to define the rivals for the Tigres de Aragua in the fight for the championship.

The draft for reinforcement for the finals will be made ​​by phone after the double header. The end of the round robin will be hard on your heart. Will you bring your pacemaker?.

Game 1: Guasave 2, Obregon 3
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 1-0

Game 2: 01/22 5:00 p.m.
Game 3: 01/24 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: 01/25 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: 01/26 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/28 6:00 p.m.
Game 7: 01/29 5:00 p.m.
CD. Obregon, Sonora. January 21, 2012 (LMP.mx / Alpha Communications) -

It is a fact that on 23 of 27 occasions, the local team to win the first game of the Finals has been crowned while in 35 of the 42 series, the team that won the first game, gets the championship.

It was a great start for the first finals game which was decided by just one run in favor of the Yaquis de Obregon. A bases loaded walk to Karim Garcia in the bottom of the 7th inning allowed the home team to experienced the victory by a score of 3-2 over the Guasave cotton farmers.

The outcome came because of a loss of control the game tied at 2 runs apiece. Adrian C. Ramirez came on in relief of Rafael Cruz. Carlos Valencia opened the inning with a leadoff single. Sergio Contreras tried to sacrifice but poped out to catcher Jose Felix in foul territory. Agustin Murillo singled and Carlos Valencia advanced to 2nd. Mauricio Lara wasreplaced by Adrian C. Ramirez. Corey Wimberly flied out but Carlos Valencia tagged and advanced to 3rd on the play. Alfredo Amezaga walked loading the bases.
Karim Garcia walked and Carlos Valencia came home with the winning run.

Luis Alonso Mendoza (2-0) was the winning pitcher with excellent work of seven complete innings giving up only 4 hits, two runs, a walk and five strikeouts.

Adrian Ramirez (1-1) was the loser. James Avery did excellent work going 5.1 innings with just two home runs against three strikeouts and three walks, making 95 pitches to the plate.
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Game 1: Aguilas 2, Escogido 5
Leones del Escogido lead series 1-0

Game 2: 01/22 5:05 p.m.
Game 3: 01/23 7:35 p.m.
Game 4: 01/24 7:35 p.m.
Game 5: 01/26 7:35 p.m.
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.

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Quisqueya Stadium

Lions take lead over the Eagles in the opening of the finals

Lions dominate 5-2 over the Cibao Eagles

Santo Domingo

Not a break of three days, nor rain, nor the inspired Eagles yesterday prevented the Lions from continuing to play good ball and achieving favorable results in the last month and a half of the season.

Julio Borbon, Fernando Tatis, Pedro Florimón each had two hits, while Aneury Rodriguez returned tothe mound and went four innings to beat the Eagles 5-2 to start the final series.

Escogido leads the final series 1-0.

A sacrifice fly by Hector Luna plated Elian Herrera with the first run of the game and gave the Eagles an early 1-0 lead at the top of the first.

At the close of the inning, Julio Borbon had a drag bunt single. Pablo Ozuna walked. Julio Borbon to 2nd.
Andy Dirks flied out while Julio Borbon advanced to 3rd. Mauro Gomez reaches on throwing error and Julio Borbon scored. Pablo Ozuna move over to 3rd. A passed ball allowed Pablo Ozuna to score and put the Lions in front 2-1.

Leones scored another pair of runs in the second to extend his lead 4-1. With one out Wilkin Castillo singled. Fernando Tatis followed with another basehit and Wilkin Castillo advanced to 2nd. Pedro Florimon also singled loading the bases with one out. Barret Browning relieved starter Juan Delgadillo. Julio Borbon greated Browning with a single driving home Wilkin Castillo. Fernando Tatis advanced to 3rd and Pedro Florimon to 2nd. Pablo Ozuna grounded into a force out but Fernando Tatis scored the second run in the inning.

Pause for rain. That's when the rains came and stopped the game for about two hours and 40 minutes.

When the game resumed Edward Paredes came in to pitch for the Eagles.

Leones score one more in the fifth against John Sandoval. Ozuna opened with a single and Andy Dirks continued with a double. Mauro Gomez was intentionally walked to load the bases. Luis Perdomo came on in relief and struck out Dennis Phipps, but Julio Lugo's sacrifice fly scored Ozuna.

Brandon Moss continued to show signs of strength with a solo homer in the sixth against Rodriguez to bring the Eagles to within three runs 5-2.

The victory went to Rodriguez (1-0). In four innings only allowed one run and an equal number of hits. Awarded two walks and struck out three.

The save went to Fernando Rodney, who easily retired all three he faced in the ninth and continues to demonstrate that he is dominant in the league.

Delgadillo lost (0-1), who in 1.1 innings gave up four runs, three earned, four hits, and gave a walk.

LEONES .- Juan Marichal, one of the two most illustrious player of all time for the Escogidos was honored yesterday and threw out the first game of the Finals ... The immortal one of Cooperstown fame used the occasion to predict that the Lions will crowned champions in seven games ...