Fri, Nov 09, 2012 - Page 20　

Lamigo Monkeys win Asia Series opener

By Paul Huang / Contributing reporter

The Lamigo Monkeys of Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League roughed up the Chinese Baseball League All-Stars in a 14-1 final over seven innings yesterday to win the opener in this year’s Asia Series at the Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan, South Korea.

Chen Chin-fong batted an astounding three-for-four with a home run on a five-RBI afternoon to lead an attack that teed off against five different Chinese hurlers with 15 hits. Nine went for extra bases.

The former Major Leaguer and cleanup man for the Primates proved his worth once again, despite talk of the possibility of retirement in a year or two, by saving his best efforts for Taiwan at the international competition.

Also starring were fellow sluggers Lin Chih-sheng and Shih Chih-wei, who went deep against the Chinese with a blast apiece for five combined RBIs in a contest completely dominated by the Monkeys.

Taking the mound for Taiwan was veteran righty Tseng Jau-hao, who showed some early-game jitters by allowing a runner to reach third in two of the first three innings, but managed to pitch out of trouble on both occasions to hold the Chinese scoreless through the third.

Even though the Chinese All-Stars would finally get a run off Tseng in the fourth on the strength of a single and a triple to cost the righty the shutout bid, the outcome of the game was never in doubt as the Taiwanese had already plated 10 runs by the top of the fourth to spot him an insurmountable lead. He was credited with the win for going the distance for skipper Hong Yi-chung, allowing a run on six hits, while fanning four and walking none.

Taking the loss was Chinese starter Luo Hsia, who served up five runs on six hits over just two innings of play.

Next up for the Monkeys at 6pm today are the Samsung Lions of South Korea’s Korean Baseball Organization, who won the title in Taiwan last year by edging the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball in a 5-3 final.

Other scores:

‧ Lotte Giants 6, Perth Heat 1

Heat fall to home side as Lotte grab opener win

Perth drop first Asia Series game before boisterous crowd

ABL11/09/2012 1:26 AM ET

Virgil Vasquez and the Heat were overwhelmed Thursday night. (Scott Powick / SMP Images)

BUSAN, 9 November -

The Lotte Giants sang and danced their way to a 6-1 victory against the Alcohol. Think Again Perth Heat side at Sajik Stadium on Thursday evening's game one the 2012 Asia Series.

The stadium comprised of vocal Busan fans, the Heat competed well early with Virgil Vasquez showing good form and the offense connecting but unable to hit the gaps. It was the fundamentals that eluded the Heat as the Giants put on a flawless defensive display. The Heat appeared nervous on the big stage and unnerved by the festive atmosphere. Early errors put the Heat in a 3-0 deficit and despite handling the Giants' offense well, Vasquez saw his pitch count mount against an unrelenting line-up.

Hitless through the first four innings, the Heat broke through in the fifth inning thanks to back-to-back hits from Carter Bell and Josh McGee. During a crucial at-bat that drew 10 pitches from starter Seung-Jun Song, Allan de San Miguel drew an all-important walk to load the bases with one out. In only his second at-bat in a Heat uniform, Steve Bumbry drove in Bell with a single to right. The opportunity was lost when an eager McGee attempted to secure Bumbry's second RBI but was called out at home.

By adding three more runs to an already healthy lead in the top of the sixth, the Giants continued their dominance at the plate and caused Vasquez to retire the mound to Dan Schmidt. Despite Schmidt's steady relief appearance without allowing a run through 3.2 innings, the margin proved too great for the Heat who would not see another opportunity to overtake the Giants and settle for the lopsided game one loss in the 2012 Asia Series.

"I thought we were prepared well enough coming into this series and knew what to expect." said Steve Fish at the post-game conference. "We just didn't make the plays tonight and the defense let us down which probably cost us four runs in the end. If we could match the fundamentals of Lotte it's a 2-1 ballgame and it's something we will look at improving for tomorrow."

The Alcohol. Think Again Perth Heat need to win and win big against the NPB Champions Yomiuri Giants if they are to get to the final starting at 11am WST tomorrow. Anthony Claggett will be on the mound and will go up against Yuki Koyama, a 23 year old pitcher who had a 2-2 record for the Giants this season.

Samsung Lions not taking Taiwanese opponents lightly

BUSAN (Yonhap News) --

The South Korean baseball champions competing in a continental club tournament aren‘t taking their upcoming opponents from Taiwan lightly, their manager said Thursday, especially after the Taiwanese hammered a Chinese team earlier in the day.

Ryu Joong-il, manager of the Samsung Lions, watched the Lamigo Monkeys of Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League pound the China Stars from the China Baseball League 15-1 to kick off the Asia Series in Busan.

The game ended after seven innings under the “mercy rule,” which calls off games when a team is ahead by 10 runs or more after seven.

The Lions, the 2012 champions of the Korea Baseball Organization, will face the Monkeys at 6 p.m. Friday for their first Asia Series match. And as the Monkeys belted three long balls Thursday, Ryu said his pitchers should be wary of Taiwanese hitters.

“They have some powerful hitters who can also make good contact,” observed Ryu, who visited Sajik Stadium with his scouts while Samsung coaches ran the practice at another ballpark.

Lin Chih-Sheng, Chen Chin-Feng and Shin Chih-Wei each hit a home run. Before the Asia Series began, Ryu had said Lin, a power-hitting shortstop and a fixture on the Taiwanese national team, was the Monkeys‘ most dangerous player.

November 8, 2012

Completed enrollment

With the presence of six national teams tournament starts tonight with action in three stadiums in the country

It was an intense preseason for managers in the league. There was an uphill battle to return to the six-team competition, something that had not happened since 2009.

Today, the 2012-13 season of winter ball, now dubbed the League of Professional Baseball Roberto Clemente, start with three games on the calendar and various challenges in order to give stability to the body in the future.

"I understand that it a significant season to mark the revival of the league. After so many pitfalls and economic issues, the league is back to six teams. From now on we have to present a good show to maintain a stable league with six teams, "said the coach of the Carolina Giants, Edwin Rodriguez.

The league has lacked stability in recent years. In the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons were played with five franchises, while last tournament reached its most critical time with only four, aimed into the abyss.

This year, the agency took a second break from the hand of President Hector Rivera Cruz debutante and the new COO, Frankie Higginbotham. Both achieved the seemingly impossible: revive franchises located in San Juan (now Manatee) and Santurce.

So, the tournament opens today with games in Mayaguez, Caguas and Ponce. And in Mayagüez, home of the defending champion Indians, shall be the official opening of the tournament in honor of the legendary outfielder Roberto Clemente.

In addition to honoring family-Vera Clemente, the organization will celebrate the achievement of six franchises in the present campaign.

"We had to work hard to achieve it and many doubted. Before the season we have to celebrate the triumph of having six teams. Now it all starts on Thursday to declare a champion team, "said Higginbotham, a exdirectivo of the Caguas Criollos.

The tournament will consist of a regular 40 game season for each team. The top four teams will advance to a round-robin of 12 games to determine the finalists. The championship series will be played to a seven challenges.

And the Indians will go to the field with a mission, a first 'back to back' championship since 1997 to 1999, under the direction of American Dave Miley, who will return to the command.

"All teams are well made. I see a tight and competitive tournament, "said the manager of the Indians, Ramon 'Wito' Conde. "We are only missing Randy Ruiz and Martin Maldonado to have the full team. We have several young boys and hope to repeat, "he added Conde.

With the return of Santurce and Manatee, the more dispersed native talent in the league. Mayagüez, for example, saw Jesus Feliciano and Ruben Gotay, Caguas Luis 'Wicho' Figueroa and Edwin Maysonet; Carolina Jeffrey Dominguez and Neftali Soto.

"We were affected in some way, but the return of the teams opened the doors to all players to play. The teams are balanced and I see quality reinforcements, "the rookie manager of the Creoles, the exgrandesligas Alex Cora.

Young Talent

There are two aspects will get attention forf the next tournament: rising young talent with primary roles and the reappearance of several veterans.

Carolina has already announced that rookie Carlos Correa open at shortstop; Santurce Colon reported that Joseph will be one of the starting pitchers, like Alex Claudio in Ponce. Lions also feature a mix young infield with Christian Colon and Jose Lozada, Mayagüez giving you the opportunity to see David Vidal at third base and at catcher Roberto Perez. Manatee, meanwhile, will Yazy Arbelo at DH and Caguas with Luis Mateo in the middle.

"There are many youthful figures, which could possibly be the new faces of the franchises. I dare say that we had a long span without good quality, it's good to see so many new faces, "said coach Rodriguez.

While veteran players, who were absent in past years will be back in competition as Ramon Castro (Caguas), Jonathan Albaladejo (Mayaguez), Juan Carlos Romero and Willie Collazo (Carolina), Pedro Feliciano (Ponce), Felipe Lopez and Jose 'Cheo' Morales (Santurce) and Ramon Vazquez (Manatee).

"Most of them already had their best playing days, but they can still prove their quality. I think it helps a lot in the tournament, "said Rodriguez.

Puerto Rico kicked off it's winter league season this evening. Roberto Perez playing for the Indians (the Mayaguez Indios that is), had a hit and and walk, scored once in two official trips to the plate while Giovanny Soto pitching for Carolina worked 2/3 of an inning, walked two and allowed two runs. None of those runs were earned. Final score was Mayaguez 5 and Carolina 1.

Yan Gomes, of the Bulls, when connecting homer.

Homered and singled with three RBIs in the Bulls 8-3 win against the Tigers

November 8, 2012, 10:04 AM

Gomes ruins 105 years celebration of Licey

Los Toros del Este ruined the celebration of the 105 year anniversary of the Licey Tigers with a 8-3 victory against the Blues at Quisqueya Stadium.

The Brazilian Yan Gomes got a homer and singled with three RBIs for the highlight on offense for the Orange squad.

Gomes said after the game that "we had a great game. We're hitting well and we have the best team league with Jose Diaz and Jairo Asencio, who were the best in the latter part of the game. "

Meanwhile, Jose Ramirez, who went 4-2 with two runs scored laps, said "I thank the leader (Eddy) Diaz for the opportunity given to me, just try to do the work, while in game" .

In his debut match for the blue squad Ramon Ortiz, who pitched four innings for seven hits, three runs, only one earned, and took the loss.

For the Bulls, Horacio Ramirez pitched four innings of two runs and seven strikeouts.

The victory went to reliever Jeffry Antigua.

For the Bulls also highlighted, Charlie Blackmon, who finished with three hits in the game.

Jeanmar Gomez and Salvador Perez await their debut

Jeanmar against Magallanes

After the major league pitcher Jeanmar Gomez agreed with management on a contract with La Guaira Tiburones, the right-hander will take the ball for the first time in this league on November 30 and pitch against the Magallanes Navigators at the University Stadium.

Sources close to the player say Gomez, pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, will throw 20 innings, served in four starts of five innings.

La Guaira also waiting for their franchise player, Gregor Blanco, who hopes to take his place in the team on December.

Asdrubal Cabrera debut on December 1

The Lions management has yet to announce the date of incorporation of Asdrubal Cabrera. However, the player himself told his agent, Wilfredo Polidor, he should be available on Sunday 25 November.

Good to see a nice turnout of some key players this winter. Also great to see the youngsters getting this kind of exposure and experience.

Nationals' Roark helps Bravos snap skid

Right-handed pitching prospect allows a run over seven innings for Margarita

11/09/12 1:25 AM ET
Tanner Roark fanned 130 batters in 147 2/3 innings for Syracuse in 2012. (Dan Hickling/MiLB.com)

Venezuelan Winter League

Margarita 6, Lara 1

Nationals farmhand Tanner Roark earned his first win of the winter after allowing a run on five hits over seven innings as the Bravos ended their three-game losing streak. Mets' No. 3 prospect Wilmer Flores was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs while former Major Leaguer Rene Reyes homered for Margarita. Veteran infielder Jose Lopez was 3-for-4 with a run scored for the Cardenales, who have dropped three straight.

La Guaira 13, Zulia 6

Former Major Leaguer Alex Cabrera slugged a grand slam and finished with five RBIs for the Tiburones. Dodgers prospect Alex Castellanos drove in a pair of runs and finished a double shy of the cycle while Phillies' No. 20 prospect Darin Ruf had two RBIs. Reds farmhand Felix Perez homered and scored twice for the Aguilas.

Aragua 8, Caracas 7 (10 innings)

Twins' No. 5 prospect Oswaldo Arcia was 4-for-5 with a homer for the Tigres. Former Angels prospect Carlos Colmenares homered and drove in four runs while Alex Romero collected two RBIs for Aragua. Nationals prospect Carlos Rivero homered and plated three runs in the loss for the Leones.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Santurce 7, Ponce 5

Luis Rivera, who was drafted by the Angels in 2004, doubled and drove in two runs for the Cangrejeros. Sergio Miranda, who spent 2012 in the Braves organization, had two RBIs and Reds' No. 9 prospect Neftali Soto had two hits. Twins prospect Angel Morales homered and drove in two runs in a losing effort for the Leones.

Mayaguez 5, Carolina 1

Yankees farmhand Adonis Garcia slugged a solo homer to pace the Indios. Twins' No. 4 prospect Eddie Rosario drove in a run and Royals prospect Ryan Dennick allowed four hits and struck out two over 3 1/3 innings. Enrique Hernandez (Astros) doubled home a run for the Gigantes.

Caguas 3, Manati 2

Anthony Ranaudo, Boston's No. 6 prospect struck out three over three hitless innings for the Criollos. Daniel Stange (Padres) earned the win with 1 1/3 perfect frames of relief and veteran infielder Andy Gonzalez reached base three times and drove in a run. Former Major Leaguer Ruben Gotay had an RBI in the loss for the Atenienses.

Dominican Winter League

Licey 12, Cibao 11

Rangers prospect Engel Beltre was 3-for-4 with two triples and three RBIs for the Tigres. Fellow Texas prospect Leonys Martin had three hits and scored twice out of the leadoff spot while veteran Anderson Hernandez (Pirates) plated a pair of runs. Rhyne Hughes, who spent 2012 with Double-A Bowie, drove in five runs for the Gigantes.

Mexican Pacific League

Guasave 7, Obregon 2

Orioles prospect Zelous Wheeler homered and scored twice to lead the Algodoneros to their third straight win. Twins prospect Chris Colabello slugged a two-run homer and James Avery, who won 10 games for Double-A Erie, improved to 3-0 after allowing two runs over five innings. Barbaro Canizares went yard in the loss for the Yaquis.

Mazatlan 4, Navojoa 2

Former Braves farmhand Ivan Terrazas slugged a two-run homer for the Venados. Sergio Valenzuela earned the win after striking out four and allowing a run on four hits over five innings and Jose Orozco went deep for Mazatlan. Johnny Kaplan reached base twice and scored a run for the Mayos.

Culiacan 9, Mochis 2

Yankees Minor Leaguer Ramiro Pena drove in three runs and finished a double shy of the cycle for the Tomateros. Yankees prospect Ronnier Mustelier slugged a three-run homer and former Major Leaguer Amauri Sanit earned his fourth win with six one-hit innings. Cardinals farmhand Jermaine Curtis drove in a run for the Caneros.

Hermosillo 6, Mexicali 3

Former Major Leaguer Dennys Reyes allowed two runs on four hits and struck out four over five innings, but did not figure into the decision for the Naranjeros, winners of four straight. Jose Aguilar drove in a pair of runs and Humberto Cota was 3-for-4 with a run scored. Gil Velazquez, who spent 2012 in the Marlins organization, drove in a run for the Aguilas.

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Puerto Rican Winter League

•Roberto Perez (C): 1-for-2, 1 R, 1 BB. The Puerto Rican Winter League started up last night, with Perez reaching base twice in a win. Perez is a defense-first catcher, so he will need to use this offseason to hone some of his offensive skills going forward.

•Giovanni Soto (RP): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 0 SO. Soto may not have allowed any earned runs, but his wild pitch and two walks (one to Perez) set the stage for his two runs allowed. Soto had much better control during the regular season (3.6 BB/9), so this rough outing may be a byproduct of rust.

By Jim Piascik

Winter Ball Notebook

Winter Ball Notebook: Ramirez is on fire

By Steve Orbanek

November 9, 2012

It’s been a busy week for the Cleveland Indians on a variety of fronts. While the Major League team made some movement with a trade last weekend, Tribe prospects continue to hone their craft in the various winter leagues.

The Arizona Fall League, Dominican Winter League and Venezuelan Winter League all remain in action, and the Puerto Rican Winter League officially began on Thursday. Indians players competing in the PWL include: left-handed pitcher Giovanni Soto, right-handed pitcher Joseph Colon, catcher Roberto Perez, right-handed pitcher Rob Bryson and right-handed pitcher Matt Langwell.

The addition of all these players into the winter fray helps make for an even more interesting winter season as some, particularly Soto, will be very interesting players to watch over these next few seasons.

But with that being said, let’s dive right into this week’s notebook. Some thoughts deep and shallow in regard to last week and some of the fall and winter ball participants…

— Second baseman Jose Ramirez is simply a hitting machine. So far, in eight games with Toros del Este in the DWL, Ramirez has gone 11-for-24 (.458 average) with three RBI. He has also walked six times compared to just five strikeouts. Oh, and it gets better. Aside from his first game in which he went 0-for-0 with a sacrifice, the switch-hitting Ramirez has recorded at least one hit in every other game that he has played. Keep in mind that this performance is following a 2012 season that saw Ramirez post a .354/.404/.465 line between Single-A Mahoning Valley and Single-A Lake County. Because of his size and lack of power, it’s hard to project him as a future everyday player, but if he continues to hit like this, then who knows? You would think that someone his age would slow down after the season, especially in winter ball, but Ramirez has been the model of consistency since day one.

— Like many others, I am a big fan of the Indians decision last week to trade right-handed reliever Esmil Rogers to the Toronto Blue Jays for shortstop Mike Aviles and catcher/infielder Yan Gomes. Most are excited about what Aviles can bring to the table, but I’m equally as excited about Gomes. Plain and simple, the guy is just a ball player as he can virtually play anywhere in the field.

Yan Gomes has been a participant in the DWL this winter season and has posted a .208/.271/.472 line in 15 games and 53 at-bats. The average leaves a lot to be desired, but Gomes has also hit four home runs and driven in seven runs. To put that into perspective, no other Indian in winter ball has hit more than one home run, and Gomes’ RBI total is tied for the most runs driven in by an Indian this winter. I am a realist, and I do not expect miracles from Gomes, but think about the flexibility that he does offer if he makes the Major League club. I dunno about you, but I certainly like the idea of a right-handed bat that can play anywhere and also provide some decent power.

— Catcher Alex Monsalve has really started to heat up as of late, and this was at no point more evident than in Thursday’s AFL contest. Overall, the right-handed hitter went 4-for-4 in the game with a double and two RBI. The four-hit performance also marked the fifth straight game that Monsalve has recorded a hit, and he has now gone 14-for-39 in 11 games. It’s obvious that he is really starting to settle into a groove at the plate, which is great to see, especially considering he has not been known to be a high-average hitter.

— Juan Diaz seems to be settling in nicely as the everyday shortstop for Estrellas de Oriente in the DWL. In his past three games, Diaz has gone 5-for-11 with two RBI. Overall, he has gone 9-for-36 in 14 games, which is good for a .250 average. Diaz is a player who we would all like to see perform well this winter season, especially if there is even a one percent chance that Asdrubal Cabrera gets traded this offseason. If that were to be the case, one has to believe that Diaz would spend some time at the Major League level in 2013. He’s coming off a solid 2012 campaign where he seemed to get better as the season went on, and that also seems to be the case so far in the DWL. We all know that the glove is there. Now it’s just the time for the bat to catch up.

— He has kind of flown under the radar, but outfielder Tyler Holt is arguably having the best winter season of any Indians outfielder playing in one of the winter leagues. In 15 games in the AFL, Holt has gone 16-for-54, and he has also stolen four bases along the way. The one negative for Holt so far is his lack of power — he still has yet to record an extra-base hit in any of the games he has played. But power or not, it’s nice to see him put together such a solid winter campaign, especially considering he was coming off a pretty underwhelming 2012 season between High-A Carolina and Double-A Akron.

— It’s hard not to like the progress being shown by right-handed pitcher Hector Rondon. After really struggling in his first two outings, Rondon has now pitched in six straight games without allowing an earned run. Overall, he has posted a 6.48 ERA in 10 games and 8 1/3 innings of work. The numbers are heavily inflated because of his first outing in which he allowed four earned runs in 1/3 of an inning. With his history of injuries, Rondon is an easy guy to get behind. So far, it seems as if he’s doing all the right things to put himself in line for a shot with the Major League team. I would not be surprised to see him spend some time at Triple-A Columbus next year and then possibly get a Major League call-up if he performs well.

— Outfielder Carlos Moncrief has struggled somewhat in his last few games. On the positive side of things, it’s good to see him healthy and playing, but the numbers have really started to trail off. Overall, in eight games, Moncrief has gone 6-for-33 with one double, one home run and one RBI. The troubling thing about his numbers is the fact that he has recorded just two walks against 15 strikeouts in those eight games. The lack of patience can be attributed to the fact that Moncrief is still developing as an outfielder after spending time in the organization as a pitcher. But it’s an area where Moncrief must improve. The left-handed hitter celebrated his 24th birthday this past Sunday, and time is not on his side. Since he is now a 24-year-old and has not played above the High-A level, it is imperative that the plate discipline takes more steps in the right direction. It sounds cruel, but the reality is that he’s not getting any younger.

— Left-handed pitcher Giovanni Soto made his debut in winter ball Thursday when the PWL kicked off. In his first appearance, Soto pitched 2/3 of an inning while throwing a wild pitch, walking two and allowing two unearned runs. This is obviously not the kind of way that any pitcher wants to start off the winter season, but Soto gets a pass considering it was his first outing. Following his strong 2012 season, Soto has seen his stock rise somewhat, so he will be another arm to keep an eye on during this winter season. His cutter is a plus offering, and he’s not typically an erratic thrower, so Thursday’s debut can probably be overlooked.

Monkeys earn title shot with win over South Korea’s Lions

By Paul Huang / Contributing reporter
Samsung Lions manager Ryu Joong-il gives instructions during a training session in Gimhae, South Korea, on Wednesday.

Chih-yao’s clutch single that just beat the outstretched glove of Lions shortstop Kim Sang-su scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh to lift the Lamigo Monkeys of Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League past the Samsung Lions of South Korea’s Korean Baseball Organization in a 3-0 shutout at the Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan, South Korea, last night to earn the Monkeys a trip into tomorrow’s title game in this year’s Asia Series.

With the Lions infield drawn in to stop the runner on third from scoring in a 1-0 score, the speedy Monkeys outfielder, who easily won the Most Improved Player of the Year this season, managed to slap the ball through the infield to drive in the runners from second and third and up the Primates’ lead to a comfortable 3-0.

That was more than enough for the Monkeys, with starter Mike Loree of the US holding the defending champs scoreless in a three-hit gem with 11 strikeouts and no walks over nine impeccable innings to assure the Monkeys at least a second-placed finish in this year’s battle to be Asia’s best.

Lin Hong-yu’s solo blast off Lions starter Bae Young-soo broke a scoreless the bottom of the fourth to give the Monkeys a surprising 1-0 lead against the favored hosts, after neither offense was able to produce any runs over the first three frames.

The 1-0 advantage remained through the sixth with both starters holding their ground, until Shih Chih-wei led off the bottom of the seventh with a single to left. He advanced to third on an error by the Lions defense to put runners on second and third with no outs and to set up Tsan’s game-securing two-run single.

YOMIURI GIANTS 7, PERTH HEAT 1

The Yomiuri Giants of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball scored seven unanswered runs after falling behind by a run to top the Australia Baseball League’s Perth Heats 7-1 in the early game in Busan yesterday afternoon.

NPB champ Giants eliminate Heat from Asia Series

Perth start strong, unable to hang on against Yomiuri

By Terry Whitaker / ABL11/10/2012 12:04 AM ET

Luke Hughes and Perth fell short in their Asia Series finale on Friday. (SMP Images)

BUSAN, 9 November -

An inspiring start from the Alcohol. Think Again Perth Heat wasn't enough to hold off one of the world's greatest baseball sides, as the Yomiuri Giants outlasted the Heat for a 7-1 victory at Sajik Stadium Friday.

In the top of the sixth inning, the Heat found themselves in unprecedented territory, leading the Yomiuri Giants 1-0 after a very impressive start where pitcher Anthony Claggett stifled the Giants' offense, while Tim Kennelly was able to capitalise with a two-out RBI single to score Corey Adamson.

Any fears of the Giants offense taking an early lead were unfounded, with Anthony Claggett throwing back to back 1-2-3 innings. Through the fourth inning, Claggett had still faced the minimum amount of batters thanks to a great pickoff to get Tetsuya Matsumoto at first and de San Miguel throwing out Daisuke Fujimora at second.

In the sixth inning the Heat really piled the pressure on the Giants and Tim Kennelly was able to break through with an important RBI single. The momentum was lost however as the Giants manager Tatsunori Hara was forced to play his big hand, bringing in batting title winner Shinnosuke Abe in the bottom of the seventh in what would be a three-run inning for the Giants. The Giants kept their good form in the eighth inning as the Heat made two crucial errors that allowed another three runs to score, the latter finally facing an insurmountable 7-1 deficit.

At the post game press conference Manager Steve Fish addressed the Korean and Japanese media on the team's impressive early performance in this game. "I'm very happy with how we played today, especially everything we did right up to the sixth inning. We were let down defensively by allowing four extra outs to the Japanese Champions however Anthony Claggett pitched extremely well and his performance was exactly what we needed in this game. Our relievers came in and threw strikes too but the tempo of the game was decided by one error in sixth inning."

Giants Manager Tatsunori Hara paid tribute to the Heat's performance. "The Perth Heat's starting pitcher threw very well and he was the reason we had such a hard time early in the game. It wasn't in the plan to bring out Abe, but in the seventh inning with the game tied at 1-1, we really needed his bat in that situation and he came through."

The Heat head home on Monday to prepare for their home opener against the Jet Couriers Melbourne Aces starting on Friday the 16th at 7:20pm.

2012/11/09 21:45 KST

Samsung Lions stunned by Lamigo Monkeys, crash out of Asia Series title

BUSAN, Nov. 9 (Yonhap) --

The defending champions Samsung Lions were stunned by the Lamigo Monkeys of Taiwan 3-0 to crash out of the Asia Series baseball tournament here Friday.

At Sajik Stadium in this southeastern city some 450 kilometers from Seoul, American right-hander Michael Loree threw a complete game shutout and struck out 11, while Lin Hung-yu hit a solo shot for the reigning Taiwanese league champions. The Lions, who won the last two Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) championships and last year's Asia Series, will not have a chance to win their second straight Asian title, after managing just three hits off Loree.

Rangers in the mix for South Korean left-hander

By T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com | 11/09/12 4:55 PM ET

ARLINGTON --

The Rangers are one of the teams to have submitted a bid on South Korean left-handed pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu.

Ryu has been posted by his team, the Hanwha Eagles, and is represented by agent Scott Boras. The process is similar to what the Rangers went through with Yu Darvish last winter.

The Eagles have four days to accept the highest bid. If so, the team that wins the bid has 30 days to negotiate a contract with Boras.

Ryu, 25, had a record of 9-9 with a 2.66 ERA in 27 games for the Eagles this past season while striking out 210 batters in 182 innings. Over his seven seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization, he is 98-52 with a 2.80 ERA. He twice led the league in ERA and five times in strikeouts.

He also won two games for South Korea in leading his country to a gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and was 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in five games during the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

He is 6-foot-2 with a fastball clocked at 90 mph along with a curve, slider and an above-average changeup.