Cleveland Sports Forum

1/23/23

COLUMBIA



Vaqueros, a machine that produced home runs that led him to the title

by Manuel Ortega Ponce

Jan 22, 2023

Dayan Frias (SS - Hitting Second - Cartegena)
AB 4, R 0, H 1, RBI 0, BB 0, SO 0, AVG .318, OPS .929

It's official, Dayan is in a mini-slump during this playoff round saw his average drop nearly .70 points but still ended up with a respective average (.318) and OPS (.929).

Dayan flied out to left field F7 in the first inning, flied out to right center F8 in the third, grounded out second to first 4-3 in the fourth, and singled to right field in the seventh,

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Meibrys Viloria (C - Batting Third - Cartegena)
AB 3, R 1, H 1, RBI 0, BB 1, SO 0, AVG .262, OPS 1.036

Meibrys Viloria continues to get on base, an on base machine walked and was stranded at third in the first, grounded out second to first 4-3 in the third, grounded out second to first 4-3 in the sixth, and singled to right advanced to second on a fielding error (bases loaded) and scored on a base hit,

Vaqueros de Montería, with a devastating artillery and another notable performance on the mound by Dominican Porfirio López, beat Tigres de Cartagena 7-4, this Sunday in a packed June 18 stadium in the Cordoba capital and was crowned League champion Colombian Baseball Professional season 2022-2023.

The team from Montería took the series 4-1, winning the last three games of the final playoff at home. It is the second title that this franchise has achieved after the one obtained in the 2019-2020 season when it beat Gigantes de Barranquilla.

Vaqueros, who has been in the last four finals, will represent Colombia in the Caribbean Series that will take place in Caracas (Venezuela) from February 2 to 10, with the intention of revalidating for our country the title won the previous year by Caimanes .

In this Sunday's game, the strong Vaqueros offense was decisive in leading the team to victory and the title. Home runs by Carlos Herrera, Reinaldo Rodríguez, Andrés Angulo, Jordan Díaz and Pabel Manzanero made the difference in the game, added to a dominant pitching performance by Porfirio López during his seven innings, in which he allowed four hits and one run. The Dominican won two games in this series.

In total, in this final playoff, Vaqueros dispatched 11 homers, four of them from 'Chencho' Rodríguez, who was chosen as the Most Valuable Player of the Series. The strong slugger from Cartagena drove in eight runs in the five games against Tigres.

Rodríguez led the way to victory for the Vaqueros with a solo shot in the first inning off Joel Inoa. In the third, it was the turn of Carlos Herrera, also against Inoa, to increase the lead to 2-0.

Tigres closed the difference in the fourth after a sacrifice fly by Jesús Marriaga that drove in Ronaldo Hernández, who reached base after being hit by a pitch.

At the bottom of that inning, the Vaqueros scored three more runs to make the score 5-1. Two of them were the product of a home run by Andrés Angulo, who found Daniel Vellojín on base. The other by Francisco Acuña who came in after an error by shortstop Adrián Sánchez.

Tigres returned to show signs of life after the departure of the Vaqueros starter, Porfirio López. His relief, Jhon Peluffo, got complicated by walking Jonathan Lozada and allowing singles by Meibrys Viloria and Jesús Marriaga. Their third baseman, Francisco Acuña, also contributed by committing an error on Ronaldo Hernández's ground ball. Marriaga's single drove in Lozada and Viloria to make it 5-3.

With two outs, Peluffo gave way to Francisco Carrillo, whom Óscar Mercado greeted with a single that brought Hernández to the plate with Tigres' fourth run to make it a 5-4 ball game, but then retired Víctor Nova with a flyout to left field to end the anguish.

In the bottom of the eighth, Vaqueros sealed the game with solo home runs by Jordan Díaz and Pabel Manzanero against Guillermo Zúñiga for the final 7-4.

In the ninth, Carrillo took out the pinch-hitting Roberto Cario, Jonathan Lozada and Harold Ramírez in one, two, three fashion to unleash the excitement in June 18 stadium.

Vaqueros, who finished second in the regular season, eliminated Caimanes in five games and in the final playoff they won a game in Cartagena and three at home, where they won their last 13 games.




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1/23/23

COLUMBIA



Heading to Caracas!

Harold Ramírez will play the Caribbean Series with Vaqueros

lucho anaya

January 23, 2023

After coming out as champions of the 2022-2023 professional league, Vaqueros de Montería confirmed their first reinforcement to play the 2023 Caribbean Series that will be played in Greater Caracas, in Venezuela: the big leaguer Harold Ramírez from Cartagena.

El Pittbull” had an outstanding campaign this season with the Tampa Bay Rays in the big leagues, hitting over .300 this season, and was champion of the Caribbean Series with the Caimanes de Barranquilla. He played the league regular season with the Alligators, hitting .272 with 22 hits.

In the final series, Ramírez reinforced the Cartagena Tigers, being their best hitter, with an offensive average of .238, with five hits, two runs scored, two RBIs and a home run, playing defense in left field and in first base.

In Montería there is talk that Meybris Viloria and Dilson Herrera, also from Cartagena, could also join the Vaqueros roster for the Serie Del Caribe in Venezuela


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1/25/23

MEXICO


Matt Pobereyko

ALGODONEROS IN THE WIN COLUMN (1-2) IN THE FINAL SERIES WITH A 10-0 BEATING OVER CAÑEROS

01/24/2023

Guasave, Sinaloa (Prensa Algodoneros).-

With a great offensive of 14 hits, which included a triple and a home run by Jesse Castillo, as well as three RBIs by Alejandro Ortiz and a superb pitching work by the strike out king, Matt Pobereyko, helped the Algodoneros de Guasave pick up a win with authority by whitewashing Cañeros de Los Mochis 10-0, to get closer to 1-2 in the Final Series of the ARCO Mexican Pacific League.

With the result, Algodoneros ended a streak of five consecutive losses in the finals. Their last victory would have been on January 28, 2011, when they beat Yaquis in the sixth game of the playoff series.

The winner Pobereyko (2-1) threw a pitching jewel in seven innings, in which he only allowed one hit, one walk, struck out nine, without giving up a run; the rest was taken by Carlos Morales and Iván Izaguirre, who kept the shutout.

The defeated Luis Miranda (1-1) worked briefly, as he only threw two innings and two thirds with seven hits, two walks, four strikeouts and five runs; he was followed by Miguel Vázquez, Manuel Urías, Andrés Ávila and Freddy Quintero.

Algodoneros did not wait long, since, in the first inning, they went up on the board with a run, which Sebastián Elizalde produced with a single to central field. Julián Ornelas scored, who had walked.

In the second, the home team increased the advantage with another run on Julián Ornelas's rbi single bringing home Álex Ortiz, on base with a single.

The third inning produced three more runs for the Algodoneros; two of them came with a triple by Álex Ortiz, who then scored with a hit by José Félix.

In the fourth, the Algodoneros attack continued with a couple of scores. Jesse Castillo hit a triple that brought home Esteban Quiroz. Juan Carlos Gamboa responded with a single to bring the run total to seven when Jesse Castillo scored.

Castillo continued with the strong offense, hitting a solo home run in the sixth.

The seventh was benevolent for Algodoneros scoring two runs with which they closed the scoring. Esteban Quiroz produced the ninth with a sacrifice fly to left. Sebastián Elizalde put the bolt on by driving in his second run and the last run of the game.

Tomorrow, the fourth game of the series will be at 7:30 p.m. Pacific, 8:30 p.m. Central, at Kuroda Park. The announced pitchers are Geno Encina (1-2, 3.60), for Algodoneros, against Darel Torres (0-1, 1.86), who goes for Cañeros.

The clash can be seen in 4K definition exclusively on Sky on channel 4591.

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[ Seven league champions down - One to go - Mexico ]

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1/26/23

MEXICO



DAREL TORRES COMMANDS THE CANEROS IN GAME 4 OF THE FINAL SERIES AND TAKES A 3-1 LEAD

01/25/2023

Guasave, Sinaloa (Prensa Cañeros).-

With an excellent start by Darel Torres and an effective relief by Fabián Cota, the Cañeros from Los Mochis defeated the Algodoneros de Guasave 4-1 in game 4 of the Final Series.

The man from Pochotal pitched five innings allowing only one run and they could only connect for three hits while the Fabián Cota only allowed a couple of hits in 3.1 innings of relief and Juan Gámez had no problem retiring the last two men.

This time the Cañeros struck first; after one out Justin Dean hit a triple and then Roberto Valenzuela followed with a single to drive in the run. Later Juan Uriarte brought in Valenzuela with a hit to right to put things 2-0.

In the fourth the Algodoneros broke zero; Jesse Castillo doubled and then Joey Terdoslavich singled to center driving in Castillo.

Caneros lead increased in the fifth inning; Justin Dean was hit by a pitched ball, then he advanced to second on Valenzuela's ground ball and after the second out came Rodolfo Amador with a well-connected hit to right scored Dean for the third run of the game.

In the sixth came the fourth green run; with two outs Edgar “El Conejo” Robles homered off the right field fence to make it 4-1.

Geno Encina started for Algodoneros and was defeated with 5 and two-thirds innings in which he allowed 4 runs, 6 hits, walked 2 and struck out 1. He was followed by Carlos Morales, Jeff Ibarra, Felipe Arredondo, Ariel Grace and Brandon Koch.

Darel Torres started and won for Cañeros with 5 innings in which he allowed 1 run, 3 hits, walked 2 and struck out 2. Fabián Cota and Juan Gámez relieved.

Tomorrow Manny Barreda (0-0, 7.71) and Nico Tellache (1-3, 3.47) will face each other, the playball will be sung at 7:30 p.m. Pacific, 8:30 p.m. Central and can be seen at 591/ 1591 HD/4591 4K from Sky and Sky Prepaid and also streaming on extrabase.tv .

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1/25/23

PUERTO RICO


Jeremy Rivera was a hero for the Mayagüez hitting the winning shot in the ninth inning

Dramatic final at the Cholo García Stadium provokes the seventh and decisive game between Gigantes and Indios in the winter league

Indios 2 Gigantes 1

by LBPRC Press

January 25, 2023

Richie Palacios (2B - Leading Off - Mayaguez)
AB 3 0, R 0, H 0, RBI 0, BB 0, K 3, AVG .265

Palacios flied out to center F8 in the first inning, flied out to center F8 in the third, out on a sacrifice bunt 2-3, and lined into a double play 6-3 in the seventh

Mayagüez , Puerto Rico (Tuesday, January 24, 2023) –

There will be a seventh and decisive game in the winter league!

Jeremy Rivera and the Indios de Mayagüez walked off against the Carolina Giants 2-1 to provoke a last game between the two teams so that one of them will be crowned champion of Puerto Rico in the 2022-2023 season.

The last time both teams met in a championship game was in 2004-2005 where the tribe took the crown led by Mako Oliveras.

The reliever Endrys Briceño secured the third victory of the Final Series for the tribe, throwing an inning and two thirds of one hit and two strikeouts, while the defeat went to Miguel Romero's account, allowing the winning run in two-thirds work.

Mayagüez produced their first run in the bottom of the fourth when Emmanuel Rivera led off with a double to left field followed by Josh Palacios' RBI single.

It wasn't until the top of the eighth inning that the Giants erased the zeros on the board, tying the hostilities at one run apiece with a sacrifice fly by Rubén Castro.

In the ninth inning and with one retired, as if it had been written, Jeremy Rivera singled to bring pinch runner Brett Rodríguez to the plate and thus take the walk off victory in their last home game.

Tomorrow Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 7:10 p.m. will be the seventh and decisive game between Indios de Mayagüez and Gigantes de Carolina at the Roberto Clemente Walker stadium for one of the teams to be crowned champion of the winter league and thus represent the Island in the 2023 Caribbean Series.

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[ My Bad! I lost track of this series - thought this one was over ]

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1/26/23

PUERTO RICO



Indios de Mayagüez are the champions of Puerto Rico winter baseball

Indios 2 Gigantes 1

by LBPRC Press Elvin Feliciano

January 26, 2023

Richie Palacios (2B - Leading Off - Mayaguez)
AB 5, R 0, H 1, LOB 1, BB 0, K 1, LOB 2, AVG .259

Palacios grounded out to first unassisted 3U in the first, struck out swinging in the second, doubled in a run on a base hit to right field in the fourth, flied out to right field F8 in the seventh, and grounded out second to first 4-3 in the ninth. Palacios is credited with batting in the game winning run in the fourth

Mayaguez.

Before a full house at the Roberto Clemente stadium, the Mayagüez Indians became the new champions of winter baseball, defeating the Carolina Giants 2-1 on the road.

This result occurred in a seventh game, an event that had not occurred in the winter league since the 2010-2011 season when the Criollos defeated the Leones.

With this trophy and at 76 years old, Mako Oliveras adds another national championship to his tally with 8 after taking charge of the team at the end of the regular season.

The Indians scratched the first run on the board in the figure of Blaine Crim who scored on a groundout by Jeremy Rivera, the most valuable player of the Final Series.

At the top of the fourth and with two retired, Richie Palacios doubled to right field bringing Anthony Garcia to the plate for a 2-0 advantage.

The Giants threatened in the ninth inning when they scored their last run of the tournament on a ground ball to second by Delvin Pérez.

The victory went to Rob Whalen with a work of six innings and a third allowing four hits, one walk and seven strikeouts, while Braden Webb got the save with the last three outs of the game, two of them via strikeout. Eduardo Rivera loaded the setback allowing the tribe's two runs in six innings.

Now, the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League is preparing to represent the Island in the Gran Caracas 2023 Caribbean Series to be held from February 2 to 10 in Venezuela.

The management of the Indios de Mayagüez reported that they will celebrate their 19th championship with their fans this Friday, January 27, in a caravan that will leave the Isidoro García de la Sultana del Oeste stadium starting at 5:00 in the afternoon.

The players and coaching staff of the team will tour different streets and sectors of the coastal town and will end with a town party in the parking lot of the Palace of Recreation and Sports on the first night of the Mayagüez patron saint festivities.

The event will feature the musical participation of Charlie Aponte, Manny Manuel and Alexis and Fido.

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1/26/23

PUERTO RICO



Indians in the Caribbean Series:

Roberto "Bebo" Pérez and the Palacios brothers would be available to go to Venezuela

Thursday, January 26, 2023

By Jorge Figueroa Loza

In the midst of the party to finally win the championship of the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (Lbprc), the Indios de Mayagüez and the organization planned to begin today, Thursday, to outline the preparation of the team that will play in the Caribbean Series in Venezuela from next week.

The Caribbean World Series will be played from February 2 to 10 at the Rinconada Stadium in Caracas and at the Jorge Luis García Carneiro Stadium in La Guaira with the participation of eight clubs.

Minutes after winning the nineteenth championship in franchise history in a dramatic seventh game 2-1 against the Carolina Giants, after failing in four straight finals, the general manager of the tribe, Héctor Otero, did not rule out the presence of the big league catcher Roberto “Bebo” Pérez nor the brothers Richie and Josh Palacios, for the commitment in the South American country.

“Preliminarily, I understand that yes (they will be able to go). We have to talk to everyone. I am going to have a meeting with Carlos Berroa (tournament director) tomorrow afternoon (Thursday). Let's talk about everything. We are going to take it step by step, ” Otero said.

“We have to see who is available, who is not. Depending on who is available to go, we will make decisions with the league,” he added.

The league president, Juan Flores Galarza, announced that first baseman Blaine Crim and center fielder Chavez Young will not be available because they reinforced the Indians in the winter tournament after December 15.

According to the regulations of the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation, imported players who reported to the winter leagues after said date cannot be used in the contest.

Otero added that the leader Mako Olivera, 76, will make the trip to Venezuela to continue in charge of the team. Oliveras won his eighth title on the island to continue as the manager with the most titles in the history of the Lbprc.

Pérez, a two-time Gold Glove winner, is looking for a new contract in the big leagues. Last year, he signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but missed most of the season with left hamstring surgery.

Richie Palacios belongs to the Cleveland Guardians, while his brother Josh is with the Pirates. During the season, outfielder Henry Ramos reached a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds, while third baseman Emmanuel Rivera plays with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Indians, for the first time in the Caribbean Series since 2014, will open the contest on February 2 against the representation of Colombia, defending champion, in La Guaira. Puerto Rico has not won the tournament since the Criollos lifted the trophy in 2018.

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1/27/23

MEXICO


ulián Ornelas

HOME RUNS BY JESSE CASTILLO AND JULIÁN ORNELAS RETURN THE FINAL SERIES TO LOS MOCHIS

LOS MOCHIS LEAD THE SERIES 3-2 OVER GUASAVE

( Prensa Algodoneros)

01/27/2023

Guasave, Sinaloa

Despite the 2-1 loss, Cañeros de Los Mochis still leads in the series over the Algodoneros to put the Finals of the ARCO Mexican Pacific League at 3-2.

Now, Saturday the sixth game of the series will be played, at 6:00 p.m. Pacific time, 7:00 p.m. Central, at Chevron Park, in Los Mochis.

Special mention deserves Brandon Koch, who faced four hitters closing out the ninth inning, dominating the dangerous Yasmany Tomás with a fly to center, when there was a runner on second.

Nico Tellache left without a decision, after a tremendous game of six innings with nine hits, four strikeouts, two bases and one run; followed by winner Rafael Córdova (1-0) and Koch, who saved his third of the postseason.

Between the three of them, they made Cañeros to strand 12 runners on the bases.

Manny Barreda, who had no verdict, worked six and two-thirds innings with five hits, three walks, struck out four and allowed only one run; the rest were taken by Tomás Solís and the defeated Daniel Duarte (2-1).

Cañeros went ahead in the fifth inning with a run, produced by Rodolfo Amador, with a single to center, when there were already two outs on the board. Roberto Valenzuela scored on the play, who doubled the previous at bat.

The Algodoneros tied the score in sensational fashion in the sixth inning, thanks to Jesse Castillo's solo home run to right.

Rafael Córdova escaped the seventh inning, when with men in the corners and one out, he dominated the dangerous Yasmany Tomás and Rodolfo Amador, to maintain the tie.

In the eighth, Julián Ornelas settled the game by hitting a solo home run to put Algodoneros ahead, when there were already two outs on the board, to send the series to a sixth game.

The inning began with a strikeout to Jesse Castillo and a groundout to third by Joey Terdoslavich, and immediately, Ornelas homered off Major League Baseball pitcher Daniel Duarte.

The sixth game of the series will be this Saturday, at 6:00 p.m. Pacific, 7:00 p.m. Central, at Chevron Park, in Los Mochis. The pitching duel will be between Jeff Kinley (3-0, 1.50) against Nick Struck (2-1, 3.20), for Cañeros.

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1/23/23

VENEZUELA GAME 1 FINALS



Leones struggled but took the first

With timely hitting the Leones took advantage in the series 1-0 to beat the Sharks 8-6

LEONARDO PICON

JANUARY 23, 2023

Jhoulys Chacín displayed his experience by pitching until the sixth inning, had timely offense and Leones del Caracas withstood the rival's 3-run rally in the ninth inning to win the first game of the finals 8-6 ​​over Tiburones de La Guaira in the university stadium.

Chacín (1-0) did not have the brilliance of other nights, but his big league composure brought it out in pressing moments, when he dodged the constant attacks of the sharks.

He allowed three runs (two earned) in 5.2 innings when he gave surrendered the mound to Miguel Socolovich, who ended up retiring Ehire Adrianza with a strikeout with three runners on. After Socolovich, Ricardo Rodríguez took charge of seventh and José Mujica of eighth and Silvino Bracho of ninth.

Bracho was surprisingly hit hard before getting the 27th out.

Along the way, Leones made the caraquistas rave among the 15,298 attendees who paid for tickets, thanks to their offense throughout the game.

With the game at 5-3, they made their sixth run in the sixth on a double by Nico Vásquez that brought in Orlando Arcia.

José Rondón one inning later brought in two with another double, this time scoring Ali Castillo and Wilfredo Tovar.

On defense, Harold Castro stole a home run from Balbino Fuenmayor to make the game complete.

Sharks scored first with two runs. In the second inning, a single by Francisco Arcia drove in Ángel Reyes and another by Adrianza brought Arcia in from second base.

But Leones quickly figured out Ramón García (0-1), who allowed four runs with several extra-base hits, including a triple by Tovar and doubles by Oswaldo Arcia and Isaías Tejeda. From there Leones took command.

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1/24/23

VENEZUELA GAME 2 FINALS



Leones won the second on the hands of Isaias Tejeda

The Dominican punished the Sharks relief team and drove in five runs as Leones takes a 2-0 series lead winning 8-5

YELIMAR REQUENA

JANUARY 24, 2023

In the middle of a game marked by controversy, Isaias Tejeda put on his own show and marked the way for the Leones del Caracas to beat Tiburones de La Guaira 8-5 on Tuesday to take the lead 2-0 in the season finale. 2022-2023.

game under protest

In the fourth inning, the Sharks put the game under protest after the Leones used David Gutiérrez to relieve starter Mario Sánchez, who could not pitch more than two innings.

The general manager of the sharks César Collins explained, in the Televen broadcast, that the Mexican was on the restrictive list and therefore could not be used this Tuesday. If the protest proceeds, the game must be repeated.

Isaias Tejeda at full speed

Regardless of the protest, Leones appealed to timely hitting and won supported by Isaias Tejeda, who drove in five of the eight runs for the lions.

Leones went ahead with three runs in the second inning on a single by Niko Vásquez and a double by Wifredo Giménez. But Sharks was able to respond quickly.

In the fourth inning, Maikel García scored the first on a deflected pitch by Mario Sanchez and Balbino Fuenmayor turned the scoreboard around with a home run and put La Guaira up 4-3.

An inning later "the abuser" Ronald Acuña Jr. brought out his strength to add one more run for the Sharks making it a 5-3 ball game.

In the fifth inning, Isaias Tejeda's party began. The Dominican cleaned the bases with a double and returned control of the game to Leones, then 6-5. The next inning he added two more runs with a single to right field. Both hits off of Nate Antone.

In addition to Isaias Tejeda, who improved his average to .343, Wilfredo Giménez also stood out, going 3-4 with two RBIs.

Miguel Socolovich, Ricardo Rodríguez, José Mujica and Silvino Bracho combined to safely retire the Tiburones over the last four innings of work, who barely gave up a couple of hits in that span.

Finally, the victory went to Norwith Gudino (2-0), who completed a relief of 2.0 innings on a run, and the save to Silvino Bracho (5). Nelson Hernandez (1-2) took the loss, allowing three runs in two innings.

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1/26/23

VENEZUELA GAME 3 FINALS


Erick Leal

Erick Leal responded and Tiburones won their first game of the series 7-1

The right-hander shut out the Lions for 6.0 innings, while Balbino commanded the offense

BT YELIMAR REQUENA

JANUARY 26, 2023
There will be no sweep. Given the massive support of their fans, who packed the Parque de la Ciudad Universitaria, Tiburones de La Guaira defeated Leones del Caracas 7-1 on Thursday to add their first victory in the grand final of the LVBP.

The series is 2-1 in favor of the Caracas. But the sharks are still waiting for the league's decision regarding the game they have under protest.

Erick Leal shone

Before 20,764 fans, Tiburones imposed its law supported by the experience of Erick Leal. The right-hander, who was taken as a reinforcement from Magallanes, shut out the powerful Leones sluggers shutting them out for 6.0 innings.

Erick Leal barely gave up three hits, two walks and struck out four. 57 of his 95 pitches were in the strike zone and his ERA improved to 2.03.

"I came to do my best... Being down 2-0 in the series did not put pressure on the team, they are great ballplayers and today they showed it," said the pitcher in an interview with IVC at the end of the game.

“I planned two days to plan for this game. They had their idea of ​​how to work them and I had mine, that knowledge came together and clicked. We were on the same page and that defined today's success,” he added.

the collective woke up

The Shark's offense backed up its starter, scoring in six of their eight innings at bat.

Balbino Fuenmayor was the offensive leader for Tiburones, finishing 3-4 with two RBIs. For their part, Danry Vásquez, Franklin Barreto, Ehire Adrianza and Wilson García (HR) doubled and scored a run each.

Leones avoided the shutout in the seventh inning on a double by Niko Vásquez against reliever Arnaldo Hernández. But the Lions never found the formula to overcome the game. Nate Antone (1.0) and Edubray Ramos (1.0) combined to relieve the last two innings and seal the victory for La Guaira.

Erick Leal was left with the victory and improved his postseason record to 3-1. For his part, Nicaraguan JC Ramirez (1-4) charged with the setback by allowing two runs in two and a third innings.

The fourth and fifth games of the series will be played this Friday and Saturday, again with the Sharks at home.

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1/27/23

VENEZUELA GAME 4 FINALS



Alcides took out Leones 8-2 and Tiburones tied the series 2-2

To the sound of the samba, and in front of 20,712 people, the sharks made it clear that their success is not accidental

BY YELIMAR REQUENA

JANUARY 27, 2023

Erase and add a new account. With timely hitting and solid pitching, the Tiburones de La Guaira equalized the final series 2-2, this Friday by winning 8-2 over Leones del Caracas at Parque de la UCV.

To the sound of the samba, and in front of 20,712 people, the sharks made it clear that their success is not accidental. They had 12 hits, including a homer and five doubles, to put the Lions to their knees.

Maikel García, with a solo home run in the first inning, and Ehire Adrianza, with a sacrifice fly in the second, put the Sharks ahead and took starter Mario Sánchez out of the game, who was looking for revenge and only managed to get five outs.

In the third inning, already before facing the Lions relief corps, Alcides Escobar with a double extended the advantage of Tiburones to 4-0.

The Mexican Aldo Montes managed to keep the Lions scoreless during the first third of the game. But the Lions figured it out in the fourth inning, Ali Castillo with a historic single drove in the first for Leones, who after two outs had the bases loaded.

However, Ricardo Pinto came to the rescue and managed to strike out Harold Castro to end the threat from Leones.

Balbino Fuenmayor drove in one more for Tiburones in the sixth and the icing on the cake came two innings later. Singles by Franklin Barreto and Danry Vásquez plus a double by Ángel Reyes put the game in the freezer by making the score 8-1.

Leones scored one more in the ninth

Alcides Escobar showed his Major League experience and was decisive with a pair of doubles and two RBIs that set the tone. For his part, Danry Vásquez stood out at 3-4 with an rbi and two runs scored.

Maikel García, Balbino Fuenmayor and Ángel Reyes had only one hit, but that was enough for them to provide an RBI each.

In the end the victory went to Ricardo Pinto (1-2), who completed a relay of one and a third blank innings. And the reverse went to the account of Mario Sánchez (2-2).

This Saturday the final starts from scratch, this time with local Sharks.

[ Guardians that played in the regular season for La Guaira and Caracas but did not show up for the playoffs:

Brayan Rocchio (La Guaira)
AAron Bracho (La Guaira)
Micael Ramirez (La Guaira)
Yaiket Mijares (La Guaira)
Alexfri Planaz (Caracas)

I will post the complete list of players with "hopefully" some stats when the season closes ]

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1/28/23

COLUMBIA



Colombia reveals its reinforcements for the Caribbean Series

By Frederlin Castro

01/27/202

The Vaqueros de Montería reached their second title in four finals by defeating the Tigres de Cartagena in the Final Series of the Colombian Professional Baseball League 4 games to 1.

According to reports, there are seven reinforcements that began training on Thursday, January 26 at the June 18 Stadium in Montería.

Gustavo Campero, veteran Dilson Herrera, young Chicago Cubs prospect Fabian Pertuz Jr., as well as relievers Yelmison Peralta and Francisco Jiménez, were selected from the Caimanes de Barranquilla team.

While for Tigres de Cartagena two were chosen, the relievers, Oscar Marcelino and Francisco Jiménez

( I'm kinda disappointed. I was hoping the Meibrys Viloria would be selected from the Cartegena team for the Caribbean series. Viloria had a very good series against the Vaqueros. I wonder if the three weeks he missed just prior to the championship series effected his chances. Meibrys Viloria was on the roster of the Colombian national team for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He was on the Columbian roster for the 2021-2022 Caribbean Series

From what I'm able to see now that Johnathan Rodriguez was requested to honor his contract and suspend playing for Carolina - Puerto Rico -, Richie Palacios is the only other member of the Guardians that will be heading to Caracas for the Series )

[ Forgot to mention of course, Dayan Frias will also be heading to the series since he is a member of the Monteria Vaqueros team ]

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1/28/23

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC



Guardians’ top prospect George Valera recovering from hand surgery

MLB Trade Rumors | By Steve Adams

Last updated 1/27/23

Top Guardians outfield prospect George Valera will likely be behind schedule this spring after recently undergoing surgery on the hamate bone in his right hand, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The 22-year-old Valera has ranked among Cleveland’s top prospects for several years and has landed among the game’s top 100 prospects on rankings at Baseball America, MLB.com and Baseball Prospectus in each of the past two offseasons. Valera appeared in the 2022 Futures Game and climbed as high as Triple-A last season, making him a relatively near-term option for the Guardians — though this surgery will slow that trajectory a bit.

Valera split the 2022 season between Double-A and Triple-A, slashing .264/.367/.470 (129 wRC+) in 387 plate appearances at the former and batting .221/.324/.448 (103 wRC+) in 179 trips to the plate with the latter. He was playing in the Dominican Winter League this summer, but the hand has been problematic — evidenced by a tepid .171/.244/.220 output in 11 games there.

The Guardians haven’t formally announced Valera’s surgery, nor has the team provided an update on his expected recovery period. Hamate fractures and the subsequent surgeries typically sideline hitters for at least six to eight weeks but can require an absence upwards of two months in length.

There’s no immediate spot in the Cleveland outfield for Valera, though, with a full, healthy and productive spring, he’d have had a chance to force his way into the mix. Third-place Rookie of the Year finisher Steven Kwan has left field locked down, and while Myles Straw’s bat left plenty to be desired in 2022, his elite defense and the contract extension he inked last spring both make him the clear option in center field. In right field, 25-year-old Oscar Gonzalez figures to get the nod after surprising with a .296/.321/.461 batting line and 11 home runs in 382 trips to the plate as a rookie in 2022.

Valera secured a spot on the Cleveland 40-man roster over the 2021-22 offseason once he’d become eligible for the Rule 5 draft. He’ll be going into his second minor league option year and seems likely to start next season in Triple-A if he’s ready for Opening Day.

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1/28/23

PUERTO RICO



The Mayaguez Indios champions of the winter Final Series will be in charge in the 2023 Caribbean Series

by LBPRC Press

January 28, 2023

San Juan , Puerto Rico

After making history with a close Final Series in the winter tournament, helmsmen Mako Oliveras and Edwards Guzmán will travel together to Caracas, Venezuela to lead the Indios de Puerto Rico in the 2023 Caribbean Series.

This was announced by the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC), its president Juan A. Flores Galarza and its tournament director, now general manager of the team, Carlos Berroa Puertas.

"This is a historical fact since we have for the first time in a Caribbean Series the two managers who fought for the national championship, now they will be united as the whole country should be with a single mission: to win the Caribbean Series," he said. Galarza flowers.

At 76 years old, Mako Oliveras will travel to Greater Caracas as leader of the Indios and will take as "reinforcement" the leader of the year and runner-up in the local campaign who will have the function of bench coach within the delegation. This movement in the coaching staff is due to the fact that several members of the Mayagüez coaches will not be able to attend the Caribbean fair due to commitments with their franchises in organized baseball.

In this context, the LBPRC announced tonight its official squad for the Caribbean Classic on national television, for the first time in the organization's history.

"The backbone is made up of our Mayagüez Indian champions and the reinforcements were chosen based on availability and other requirements evaluated yesterday (Thursday) by our general manager (Carlos Berroa) and the manager of the Indians (Héctor Otero )”, expressed the league president who was present at the meeting together with the CPA champion president José Julio Feliciano and Mako Oliveras.

The team has three receivers, seven position players, four outfielders and 14 pitchers, with 14 from the Indians and 14 reinforcements, as if it were a perfect balance.

The list is led by the players of the champion team Alan Marrero (C), the most valuable player of the final Jeremy Rivera (INF), the major leaguer and third baseman all stars Emmanuel Rivera (INF), Brett Rodríguez (INF), Danny Ortiz (OF), Anthony Garcia (OF), Roberto Enriquez (OF) and pitchers Daryl Thompson, Ronnie Williams, Rob Whalen, Braden Webb, Dan Wirchansky, Carlos Francisco and Nelvin Fuentes.

[ NOTE WORTHY - Richie Palacios is not on the list for the series in Venezuela ]

From the runners-up of the Gigantes de Carolina tournament, all-star receiver Brian Navarreto (C), Gabriel Cancel (INF), Bryan Torres (OF) and José Espada (RHP) reinforce. They are joined by the batting champion of the campaign Rubén Castro (C) and Ricardo Vélez (RHP) from RA12; From the Criollos de Caguas comes the all-star first baseman Vimael Machín (INF), the most valuable player of the season Edwin Díaz (INF) and Ricardo Gómez (RHP).

Santurce will be represented by Luis Leroy Cruz (LHP), Alex Sanabia (RHP) and Héctor Hernández (RHP), while Ponce will also go to Caracas represented by the comeback of the year and all-star second baseman Jesmuel Valentín and veteran Fernando Cabrera (RHP).

The ninth will practice this Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29 at 5:00 p.m. at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium prior to its departure for Venezuela, which was brought forward to Monday, January 30, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. .

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