Cleveland Sports Forum

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Raul Valdez, left handed pitcher, Aguilas Cibaenas

Don't tell Raul Valdez that these game don't mean a thing

Last Friday night, Raul Valdez came on in relief against Licey. It was a sudden death game to see which team would qualify for the league championship series. With the Aguilas in front 5-3 after 4 full innings of play, Valdez entered the game went 3.1 innings, gave up 3 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, and 2 strikeouts. His pitch count was sitting on 41. The Aguilas still led 5-4 with 2 inning to go. A long conversation on the mound. It appeared that Valdez did not want to leave the game but Fermin prevailed and Valdez's night was over.

Fast forward. Three days later. Monday night. It's the third game of the championship series. The Aguilas trail in the series 2 games to none. To this point, Raul Valdez had been the Aguilas most effective pitcher in the playoffs. With three days rest, Raul Valdez is back on the mound. After 7 complete innings the Aguilas had a 1-0 lead. Raul Valdez in 7 innings had only given up 6 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 9 strikeouts, and his pitch count had already reached 115.

Valdez was back on the mound to start the 8th inning. Valdez hit the lead off batter Ivan De Jesus. Pablo Ozuna's bunt attempt was caught in foul territory for the first out of the inning. Andy Dirks got on base. Infied hit. That brought Felix Fermin to the mound. Long discussion. It appeared once again, as on Friday night, that Valdez did not wish to leave the game. Fermin had already made his mind up. There was going to be a pitching change. Unfortunately, the bullpen could not hold the lead and the Leones went on to score three in the inning which proved to be enough as the final score ended at 3-1. Two of the runs were charged to Valdez. To make matters worse, his name pops up in the loss column.

Raul Valdez's final numbers for the game was 1 loss, 7.1 innings pitched, 7 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 1 hit batter, 9 strikeouts and a pitch count that reached 135.

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

I have to believe that this game meant a little to Raul Valdez.
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Aguilas win 1-0! Now trail in games 3-1

Another fun ballgame to watch. Another Thrilla

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

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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Aguilas Bottom of the 1st

Elian Herrera lines out to shortstop Pedro Florimon.
Juan Perez strikes out swinging.
Joaquin Arias walks.
Brandon Moss singles to right.
Joaquin Arias advances to 3rd, on fielding error by right fielder Andy Dirks.
Hector Luna singles to left.
Joaquin Arias scores.
Brandon Moss to 2nd.
Miguel Tejada strikes out swinging.

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...... LORENZO BARCELO

Eagles win their first game of the finals

The story was different this time, Lorenzo Barcelo pitched eight scoreless innings and Miguel Batista, who allowed three hits last night in the ninth and could not hold the 1-0 lead Eagles, today was a perfect closer, a combination that gave the first win of the Final Series to the Eagles 1-0, against the Lions.

The win puts the series at 3-1 in favor of the Escogido. The next game will be Thursday with Wednes being an off day beginning at 7:30 pm at Quisqueya Stadium.

Despite the disadvantage of the Eagles in the Series, a large audience attended Cibao Stadium tonight, by once again demonstrating its strong support of the team. The only time a team has survived a 0-3 deficit in a 5-9 format of the Dominican Final Series was the LiceyTigers in the 1964 season who, at that time, defeated the Eagles.

Lorenzo Barcelo, pitched eight shutout innings, gave up four hits, did not provide any walks and struck out five to get the win. The losing pitcher was lefty starter Major League Baseballer, Francisco Liriano, who worked for four innings, two hits, one run, five strikeouts and two bases.

For the Lions, they had excellent relief work from righyt Aneury Rodriguez, who for four innings only allowed one man to get on base. Miguel Batista worked in the ninth inning was credited with the save.

The game's only run came in the first inning on a hit by Hector Luna. For the Cibao Eagles, only Brandon Moss and Hector Luna had hits, both singles, while for the Lions, Julio Lugo, had two singles while Mauro Gomez and Pedro Florimón each had one hit.

Game 1: Mayaguez 10, Caguas 1
Indios de Mayaguez lead series 1-0
Game 2: Caguas 4, Mayaguez 0
Series tied 1-1
Game 3: Mayaguez 2, Caguas 0
Indios de Mayaguez lead series 2-1
Game 4: Caguas 4, Mayaguez 1
Series tied 2-2
Game 5: Mayaguez 7, Caguas 4
Indios de Mayaguez lead series 3-2
Game 6: Caguas 5, Mayaguez 8
Indios de Mayaguez lead series 4-2
Game 7: Mayaguez 6, Caguas 5
Indios de Mayaguez lead series 4-3

Game 8: 01/25 7:30 p.m.
Game 9: 01/26 3:00 p.m.
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the Caguas Creoles Keep Their Hopes Alive

The Caguas Creoles had a spectacular comeback and defeated, 6-5, the Mayaguez Indians in 11 innings to stay alive in the Final Round of Winter League championship.

The Indians still dominate the best of nine series, 4-3.

Andy Gonzalez singled in the winning run bringing home Rey Navarro forcing a game 8 of the series on Wednesday .

The Indians were down, 4-0 after three innings, but the Creoles were not dead yet and tied the game in the bottom of the fourth with four runs.

However, at the top of the fifth, Mayagüez scored their fifth run which gave them the lead at 5-4.

But the Creole scored the equalizer in the bottom of the ninth to set the stage for the dramatic end in the eleventh inning.

The eighth game of the Finals will be Wednesday in the stadium Isidoro "Cholo" Garcia de Mayaguez at 7:30 pm

Game 1: La Guaira 0, Aragua 2
Tigres de Aragua lead series 1-0
Game 2: La Guaira 4, Aragua 2
series tied 1-1

Game 3: 01/26 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: 01/27 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: 01/28 5:00 p.m.
Game 6: 01/29 5:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/30 7:30 p.m.



THE SECOND GAME TO THE SHARKS

CARACAS .-

After 25 years, La Guaira Sharks savored their first victory in a finals stage by getting the win over the Aragua Tigers 4-2 in the second game of the tournament's top stage 2011-2012.

Thus, the finals is tied 1-1 after the first two games at the Estadio Jose Perez Colmenares in Maracay.

La Guaira stung early in the first inning when Hector Sanchez singled driving home Gregor Blanco and Cesar Suarez.

In the fifth inning, La Guaira scored another run on Luis Jimenez rbi single driving in Hector Suarez.

Hector Gimenez homered for Aragua in the sixth inning pulling Aragua to within two runs 3-1.

Cesar Suarez homered in the seventh to make it a 4-1 ballgame in favor of La Guaira.

In the bottom of the ninth, Jorge Cortes homered for Aragua making it a 4-2 game. Final score 4-2 as Aragua wins game two.

Jon Hunton (1-0) won and Francisco Rodriguez (1) saved. Bazard Yorman lost (0-1).

The third game of the finals moves to Caracas where Brian Sweeney (La Guaira) gets the start against Seth Etherton (Aragua).


Hector Sanchez drove in the first two runs for La Guaira
Matt Klinker was the starting pitcher for La Guaira
Yorman Bazardo started for the Tigres de Aragua
Cesar Suarez homers for La Guaira
Hector Gimenez scores the first run for Aragua
Luis Jimenez drives in a run for La Guaira

Criollos stay alive in Puerto Rican Finals

Royals farmhand Navarro gets two hits, scores winning run

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 6, Mayaguez 5, 11 innings

Royals farmhand Rey Navarro had two hits and scored on a single by Brewers Minor League Andy Gonzalez in the 11th inning as the Criollos stunned the Indios in Game 7 of the best-of-9 Finals. Mayaguez was one out away from the championship when Orioles newcomer Edgardo Baez delivered an RBI double in the ninth. Former Major Leaguer Luis Figueroa drove in three runs for Caguas, which still trails the series, 4-3. Marlins prospect Jeff Dominguez doubled twice and drove in a run for the Indios.
Rey Navarro was named MVP of last year's Puerto Rican Winter League Championship Series. (Joy R. Absalon/MiLB.com)

Venezuelan Winter League

La Guaira 4, Aragua 2

Giants prospect Hector Sanchez had two hits and drove in two runs to help the Tiburones even the best-of-7 Finals at 1-1. Former Rays farmhand Cesar Suarez was 3-for-3 with a solo homer and three runs scored, while Reds left-hander Matt Klinker pitched four scoreless innings for La Guaira. Jorge Cortes and Hector Gimenez provided the Tigres' offense with solo shots.

Dominican Winter League

Aguilas 1, Escogido 0

Former Major Leaguer Lorenzo Barcelo allowed four baserunners and struck out six over eight innings, helping the Aguilas climb within 3-1 in the best-of-9 Championship Series. Mets right-hander Miguel Batista finished off the shutout with his league-leading sixth postseason save and Phillies newcomer Hector Luna drove in the lone run for Cibaeñas. Astros right-hander Aneury Rodriguez tossed four hitless frames after Twins southpaw Francisco Liriano was charged with an unearned run on two hits over the first four innings for Escogido.

Mexican Pacific League

Obregon 6, Guasave 4

Cubs newcomer Alfredo Amezaga went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and three runs scored as the Yaquis took a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-7 Championship Series. Former Braves farmhand homered and drove in four runs and former Padres Minor Leaguer Rolando Valdez pitched five solid innings for the win. Jesus Lopez slugged a two-run homer for Guasave.

Game 1: Guasave 2, Obregon 3
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 1-0
Game 2: Guasave 5, Obregon 6
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 2-0
Game 3: Obregon 6, Guasave 4
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 3-0

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.
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GUASAVE, SIN. January 24, 2012 (LMP.mx / Alpha Communication) -

It was the night that between Alfredo Amezaga and Barbaro Cañizarez took charge in taking care of the Guasave Algodoneros beating them 6-4.

The current kings of the league placed Guasaveagainst the wall down 3 games to zero in the championship series.

In the history of the Finals of the Mexican Pacific League, only one team has rebounded from a 3-0 deficit, and that was the Mazatlan Deer in season 1997-1998.

Today the Yaquis seek to complete their work with Marco Carrillo on the mound while Francisco Cordova will try to keep the season alive for Guasave.

Amezaga was the offensive star for the Yaquis with three hits, two doubles and two runs scored while Cañizarez scored a run on his fifth homer of the playoff round.

With the support of his colleagues on the offensive, Rolando Valdez (2-0) picked up the win and did not have any problems winning with hurried work of five innings for five hits, one run, a walk and five strikeouts. His greatest merit was to fight the threats that put him at risk dominating the key hitters at the right time.

The game began with Walter Silva (1-1) retiring the first batter he faced but then Amezaga and Karim Garcia had back to back singles. With runners on the corners Cañizarez ground into a force out while Amezega scored on the play.

With the game tied and a run apiece, the Yaquis took the lead in the top of the third inning to score two valuable runs.

Corey Wimberly reached on fielding error. Alfredo Amezaga doubled. Corey Wimberly scored. Barbaro Canizares singled and Alfredo Amezaga scored.

Sergio Contreras homered in the top of the sixth as the Yaquis took a 5-1 lead.

Silva completed his work after five innings giving up seven hits, five runs, three strikeouts and a walk.

Already in the sixth, with Sergio Mora in relief, Sergio Contreras homered to make it a 6-1 Yaquis lead.

Guasave had scored in the second. Japhet Amador doubled and came home on a basehit by Mario Valenzuela.

Guasave scored three more times in the seventh. Pitcher Change: Mario Valenzuela lead off the inning with a walk. Jesus Lopez homered. Mario Valenzuela scored. Eduardo Arredondo was hit by a pitched ball. Tony Thomas singled. Eduardo Arredondo to 3rd. Jose Rodriguez grounded out and Eduardo Arredondo scored on the play.

Luis Ignacio Ayala relieved in the ninth inning to achieve the rescue, number seven in the postseason

The Brisbane batters having a pre-game team meeting (Kylie Cox / SMP Images)

Who stepped up to the plate?

A breakdown of this season's Brisbane Bandits batters

Though the game officially starts when the umpire says "play ball", it doesn't really get underway until he calls the batter to the plate.

Pitchers can't win without run support and even the strongest offense can have trouble overcoming a deficit. Success in baseball dictates that a batter will fail almost 70 per cent of the time.

"During my 18 years I came to bat almost 10,000 times," Mickey Mantle said. "I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. You figure a ballplayer will average about 500 at-bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball."

The Brisbane Bandits had 19 different hitters in their various lineups this season. Just three players took part in every game this year, with those staples being Josh Roberts, David Sutherland and Brad Dutton. They were three of just seven players in the entire league to play in all of their 45 regular-season games. Wade Dutton missed only three games, and beyond Brisbane's core four, no other Bandit made it into more than two-thirds of the year's batting orders.

Roberts followed up his Bandits MVP season last year with another solid showing that should notch him some votes in the same category for this year. The right fielder hit .308/.343/.516, leading the team in average, and also with seven home runs and 15 doubles. The ABL All-Star ended up just one hit shy of having 100 for his career in the two years of the league, though a shortened inaugural season for Brisbane might be to blame. Roberts was tied for the team lead in runs driven in, with 31.

The man he tied with for the Bandits RBI title is Sutherland, who had a fantastic last series of the season against the Bite, moving him up near the top of the list in numerous offensive categories among the team. In his final five games in Adelaide, the first baseman earned runner-up honours for the Player of the Week award for Round 11 hitting .450 (9-for-20) with two home runs, a double and five RBI. He finished the season batting .305/.365/.461 with six home runs and eight doubles, an upgrade on already impressive numbers from last year.

Brad Dutton had to battle through numerous injuries to ensure his appearance in every game this season. The second baseman appeared to win the fight, as he hit .300/.340/.400 with four homers, six doubles and 24 runs driven in. His season stats are a vast improvement over last year, an indication that the adjustment period to the league is over and his contributions will only continue. The older Dutton brother also led the team in runs scored with 31.

The younger half of 'The Bash Brothers' made his way around the field for Brisbane this year, taking on any position that required him. Though his offensive numbers took a little dip from where they were last year, the third baseman excelled not only at the hot corner, but also in centre field and at shortstop as well. Wade Dutton hit three home runs on the season, drove in nine and led the team with six stolen bases.

One part of the reason the Bandits saw so many fresh faces in the lineup is because of the Japanese imports coming to play in Brisbane for just seven weeks of the season. Four Fukuoka Softbank Hawks hitters were a part of the Bandits batting orders, having varied success at the plate.

Keiji Nakahara started the season off a little slowly but the centre fielder made progress in his last days on the team. Nakahara went 7-for-20 in his final six games with the team, including three home runs, nine RBI and four runs scored over that span. He finished his ABL season batting .207/.258/.402 in 24 games with four total homers, a double, two triples, nine runs, three stolen bases and 15 RBI.

Finding even more success this season in Brisbane was catcher Ayatsugu Yamashita. He batted .340/.391/.472 in 16 games behind the plate for the Bandits. While he didn't notch enough plate appearances to qualify among the league's batting leaders, Yamashita did get an All-Star nod, traveling to Perth to play for Team World just before heading back to Japan.

Kenta Imamiya joined the Bandits in Sydney for Round 5 of ABL play, replacing Taisei Makihara at shortstop. Makihara batted .194/.219/.194 through 14 games with four runs scored and three stolen bases before heading back home. Imamiya saw action in 11 games for the Bandits, batting .238/.304/.310 with a double, a triple, three RBI, five runs scored and five stolen bases over that span.

Left fielder Matt Roxburgh, designated hitter Rory Rhodes and utility man Andrew Campbell spent the most time on the Brisbane roster beyond the core four. Roxburgh's first season of professional baseball suited him well as he hit .283/.333/.396 with three home runs, three doubles and 16 RBI in 28 games.

After garnering runner-up honours for the ABL Rookie of the Year Award last season, Rhodes had an off-year. The Minnesota Twins prospect was plagued with injuries to start the season and likely just didn't have enough time to adjust and get back into the game. He did launch four long balls on the year to go with four doubles and 13 RBI over his 28 games.

Campbell fared well out of the leadoff spot in the order, batting an impressive .301/.387/.376 in 26 games. The 19-year-old led the team in on-base percentage and notched five doubles and a triple during the season. The Cleveland Indians prospect also managed to drive in eight runs from the top of the order and he stole three bases this year.

Six players got into the lineup for more than 10 games but not more than 15, spending parts of the season with the team or platooning at their position with others. Alan Schoenberger took over at shortstop when the Japanese players left, and launched one home run, drove in four and swiped two bags in his 15 games.

Ryan Battaglia and Mitch Nilsson split the catching duties at the end of the year, with Joel Naughton taking his turn behind the dish at the beginning of the season. Battaglia batted .273/.319/.523 over 14 games, leading the team in slugging percentage over that time. The 19-year-old had two homers, five doubles and six RBI. Nilsson added one long ball of his own to go with three doubles and five runs driven in, through 14 games. Naughton appeared in just 12 games, going yard one time and driving in four.

Steven Greer took over in centre field at the tail end of the season and was a huge defensive asset to the club. The outfielder had one home run, two doubles and five RBI through 14 games to go with his glove. Third baseman Kevin Hoef suited up for 13 games with the Bandits this year. Hoef also had one homer and two doubles to go with his four runs driven in, and also notched a .360 on-base percentage.

Daniel Lamb-Hunt appeared in six games and Jay Nilsson got into five for Brisbane. Lamb-Hunt launched a home run on the very last day of the season but neither had much opportunity at the plate, making their numbers an inaccurate representation of what their capabilities might be.

With a number of young players gaining more experience and getting increased time in the ABL this year, Brisbane has a lot to look forward to. Also deserving acknowledgement is the way the Bandits appeared to come together as a team more near the end of the season, likely resulting in their increased number of victories in the back end of the year.

"The way a team plays as a whole determines its success," Babe Ruth said. "You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime."

Mexico League Championship Series

Game 1: Guasave 2, Obregon 3
Game 2: Guasave 5, Obregon 6
Game 3: Obregon 6, Guasave 4
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 3-0

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.

Venezuela League Championship Series

Game 1: La Guaira 0, Aragua 2
Game 2: La Guaira 4, Aragua 2
Series tied 1-1

Game 3: 01/26 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: 01/27 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: 01/28 5:00 p.m.
Game 6: 01/29 5:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/30 7:30 p.m.

Dominican Republic League Championship Series

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

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.

Puerto Rico League Championship Series

Game 1: Mayaguez 10, Caguas 1
Game 2: Caguas 4, Mayaguez 0
Game 3: Mayaguez 2, Caguas 0
Game 4: Caguas 4, Mayaguez 1
Game 5: Mayaguez 7, Caguas 4
Game 6: Caguas 5, Mayaguez 8
Game 7: Mayaguez 5, Caguas 6
Indios de Mayaguez lead series 4-3

Game 8: 01/25 7:30 p.m.
Game 9: 01/26 3:00 p.m.

Caribbean Series

Begins 02/02/2012
Ends 02/08/2012

Only two games scheduled for this evening. Obregon will be at Guasave later this evening while there is a good one going in Puerto Rico. With Mayaguez leading their best of nine series against Caguas 4-3 and Caguas facing elimination, Mayaguez is holding on to a 3-2 lead in the seventh inning. Caguas just scored 1 run in the 6th and is batting in the top half of the 7th.

Mayaguez was a 5-2 winner tonight and will be the first team to qualify for the Caribbean Series.

Indios Campeones
With this victory, the Indians represent Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Series. (First Time / Juan Luis Martinez)

Mayaguez Indians were crowned tonight as the new kings of Puerto Rican Winter League Baseball by defeating 5-2 the Caguas Creoles in the eighth game of the Final Series, held at the stadium Isidoro "Cholo" Garcia in the Sultana West.

Mayagüez, won the best of nine series, 5-3, scored their seventeenth championship in the history of the Winter League.

With their victory, the Indians represent Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Series to be held from 2 to 8 February in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Creoles were the first to score in the top of the third inning, but the Indians retaliated with three in the bottom of the inning. Lou Montanez leadoff the third inning for Caguas with a double. With one out and a runner on third, Rey Navarro doubled and Montanez scored. Caguas 1 Mayaguez 0.

In the bottom half of the inning, Daniel Ortiz and Eddie Rosario lead off the inning with back to back singles. Irving Falu walked to load the bases. After a pitching change, Sergio Miranda doubled home Daniel Ortiz and Eddie Rosario while Irving Falu advanced to 3rd. With one out and runners still on second and third, Jeff Dominguez was intentionally walked loaded the bases once again. Martin Maldonado singled and Irving Falu scored. On the play, Sergio Miranda was tagged out at home on the throw from center fielder Edgardo Baez. Jesus Feliciano grounds out to end the inning. Caguas 1 Mayaguez 3.

In the top of the sixth, Caguas pulled to within a run. Andy Gonzalez lead the innings off with a double. With two out, Johnny Monell singled driving home Andy Gonzalez. Caguas 2 Mayaquez 3.

In the home half of the eighth, Mayaguez would get all the insurance they would need putting two more runs on the board. With one out reached base on an error. After a pitching change, Jose De La Torre would be greeted by a Martin Maldonado two run homer. Final Caguas 2 Mayaguez 5.

Mayaguez starter Bobby Livingston would get the win pitching 5.2 innings of baseball. Livingston gave up 5 hits, 2 runs, walked 1 and struckout 2. Justin Thomas pitched 1 perfect inning in relief and was credited with the save.

Caguas starter Matt DeSalvo would only go 2 innings giving up 3 runs on 3 hits, walked 2 batters, and struckout 1 in a losing effort.

Rey Navarro, last year's series MVP had a pair of hits, 1 double and 1 rbi. Navarro is hitting .375 in the series and is in the running for his second straight MVP. Andy Gozalez also had a pair of hits, 1 double, 1 run scored, and 1 run batted in.

Martin Maldonado led the Indios attack with a pair of hits. One a big two run homer that iced the game for the Indios. Madonado was 2-4 with 1 homer, 1 run scored, and 3 rbi's. Five players had 1 hit each.

The Obregon Yaquis have their series well in hand leading the best of seven 3 games to none. The Yaquis lead their game this evening on the road by a score of 5-0 in the 4th over the Guasave Cotton Growers. Barring a miracle comeback by Guasave, The Yaquis will become the second team to head for the Dominican.

Obregon is pouring it on Guasave. That 5-0 lead has now blossomed into a 13-0 ballgame in the seventh inning and the Yaquis are still batting. I think its safe to say that Obregon with be the second team to qualify for the Caribbean series.

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CLAXTON SHIELD
Big bats on each side lead Aces, Heat

League's top scoring offences battle in Perth

PERTH, 26 January -

The matchup between the ABL's top two seeds will be a showdown between the league's most high-powered scoring attacks. The 'Alcohol Think Again' Perth Heat led the league with 289 runs scored while the Jet Couriers Melbourne Aces were second with 259 of their own. In addition, the Aces hit more home runs than any other team, narrowly edging Perth's total 68-67.

The Heat were ahead of the pack throughout the season, starting off the year 11-0 en route to the top seed in their Claxton Shield title defence. They feature the deepest and most talented pitching staff in the ABL, with a team ERA a full two runs lower than that of the Aces. The Perth arms were particularly dominant against Melbourne's mighty offence, surrendering an average of just 3.3 runs over nine head-to-head games.

While Perth has the best top-to-bottom batting order, Melbourne has a "Murderers' Row" that no team can match. Brad Harman and Elliot Biddle each ranked among the league's top five in home runs while veteran outfielder and Team Australia member Justin Huber ranked second in runs scored and on-base percentage.

Finding ways to score other than by the longball will be Melbourne's biggest challenge in this series as their opponent has allowed the fewest homers in the league. Geoff Brown and Cameron Lamb have been the stingiest Heat hurlers in this regard with neither surrendering a jack in a combined 67 innings.

The Heat have dominated in head-to-head meetings between these two clubs, winning seven of nine contests this year and 13 of 17 overall. They have outscored the Aces 72-39 over the last two seasons. Perth's group of right-handed pitchers made live impossible for the Aces this year, limiting Melbourne to 14 earned runs in 62.2 innings (a 2.01 ERA). The chief culprit was Warwick Saupold who went 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in his two starts against the Melbourne side.

A primary key to this series for the Aces will be finding reliable pitching behind number one starter Nic Ungs. An injury to Jason Hirsh has left Melbourne thin in the rotation, and the bullpen is sure to play a major role early in this series. Andrew Russell (2-1, 4.08 ERA) and Cameron Forbes (3 SV, 1.72 ERA) have been solid for their team all year and will need to continue in that manner to give their club a chance for the series victory.

The victor of this series will advance directly to become host of the ConocoPhillips ABL Championship Series. Game 1 between the Aces and Heat gets started at 2.00pm local time on Australia Day.

The second bracket with have Sydney playing Adelaide at Adelaide.