The Gigantes picked up two more runs and now lead the Toros 5-2 in the sixth. Winner qualifies for the last remaining playoff spot and the loser goes home.

It's the top of the 9th inning and the Gigantes have a 7-3 advantage. Looks like the Toros will be going home.

Close one from Caracas. The Leones still lead but the Caribes have just scored to cut the lion's lead to 5-3 with runners on second and third and one out. Asdrubal picked up a walk to go with his two hits. Aguilar has a pair of outs since his two run double in the first.

Grounder from Asdrubal to Jesus nets the second out but also narrowed the lead to a single run. Two outs now with a runner on third. Eliezer Alfonso flied out to end the half inning. Heading into the bottom of the seventh, Caracas maintains its lead at 5-4.

Cabrera has had some good looks at Aguilar. I wonder what kind of scouting report he'll bring back to Manny Acta!?

It's a final from the Dominican.......The Gigantes will be the final team to qualify for the playoffs. Gigantes 7 Toros 3.

Baseball

Francisco Liriano is still a possibility

Left-hander Francisco Liriano remains a possibility for the Lions of Escogido in the current season of winter ball, said Moises Alou, general manager.

Liriano was the primary starter for the Lions when they were crowned champions during the 2009-10 season.

"It's possible that Liriano will be with us. I can not say more but it is still a possibility, "Alou said in an interview on Thursday.

Liriano had a record of 9-10 with an ERA of 5.09 in the majors last season with the Minnesota Twins.

Several weeks ago the media speculated about a possible integration of Liriano to the Leones, but Alou himself has previously said he had no contact.

The Leones threatened but could not score in their half of the seventh. Guzman and Cabrera walked (Cabrera has been on base on all four at bats, two hits, two walks) with one out but Vogt lined out to third and Marwin Gonzalez lined out to left. Leones are wasting a lot of good scoring opportunities. End of 7. 5-4 Leones still in front.

Caribes hit back and defeated the Lions

Gorkys Hernandez hit his second homer of the year and it was the big hit of the evening

CARACAS .-

The Caribes of Anzoategui defeated the Caracas Lions 7-5 and avoided a third straight loss to the lions in a match at the stadium Universitario de Caracas. Gorky Hernandez was the hero for the natives with his game winning homer and his four runs batted in to key Caribes comeback. The victory went to Lester Oliveros (1-1) with an inning and a third of shutout ball. For his part Edgmer Escalona (2-4) allowed three runs to take the loss. Jon Hunton picked up his first save against the Leones and number 15 on the year leading the league in that department. The lions had a great run of six wins in a row while the Caribes ended their string of six losses in a row.

CLASSIFICATION

Gigantes advance to the round robin after beating the Toros

Feast

The Gigantes del Cibao players and fans had a thunderous celebration after the team advanced to the Round Robin last night in a game played in San Francisco de Macoris. Pedro Feliz, Carlos Peguero Robinzon Diaz all homered leading Los Gigantes del Cibao to an easy 7-3 victory over Los Toros del Este to quality for the round robin tournament of Dominican professional baseball. The winning pitcher was reliever Erick Abreu, who threw 2.1 innings allowing one hit and a strikeout. Giants starter, Aquilino Lopez allowed two runs in two thirds of an inning, but was relieved by left-hander Jose de Paula, who threw 2.1 innings of scoreless relief and struck out one batter. The left-hander Juan Perez won his fourth save of the season going into the eighth inning after two outs, facing five batters, one hit, no runs and one strikeout. For his part, the loser was the starter for the Toros, Miguel De los Santos who was scored upon three times in 2.2 innings.

FELIX PIE

The two teams can now import reinforcements

Felix Pie is one of the most desirable players for the teams who will be participating in the Round Robin.

Santo Domingo

The League of Professional Baseball in the Dominican Republic on Friday will have their lottery of native players with the aim of further strengthening their teams that qualified for the playoffs that starts next Tuesday, with matches in this city and Santiago de los Caballeros.

The lottery will take place from 10:00 in the morning in the Central Hall of the press box at Quisqueya Stadium, better known as Seventh Heaven. At the same time and place will be invited team representatives, directors of the agency, the National Federation of Professional Baseball Players and national sports media.

According to the regulations made for this purpose, the general managers of both teams that have been disqualified (Estrellas and Toros) will make available to the league a list of players to be selected by the four teams that qualified.

Players who appear on the lists referred to, are prevented from seeing action in any other league affiliated with the Caribbean Baseball Confederation, or any other league where professional baseball is played, fall and winter.

Each of the teams that qualified for the semifinals will select up to four native players up to a total of 16 from both teams that have been eliminated. Each qualifying team must select at least one player from each team that was eliminated.

If a player claims that he can not participate, the team that claims him is entitled to choose another player from either of the teams that were eliminated in the regular season, while maintaining compliance to the rules that at least one player will be selected from each team that was eliminated. The deadline for the selection of a substitute player shall expire on the date of conclusion of the first game of round robin play.

When more than one selected substitute player from within the same franchise can not participate, league teams involved will convene a meeting to be held at 2:00 PM, the day of conclusion of the first game of the round robin, in order to choose the possible substitutes, respecting the order they were selected in the lottery.

The absence of a duly summoned party does not affect any conclusion of the lottery.

In the case of foreign players, the lottery will be made immediately after the selection of native players and cover all the players from both teams that have been eliminated.

CARIBES TAKE REVENGE AGAINST THE LIONS

The young outfielder Gorkys Hernandez unloaded a homer that sealed the comeback of Anzoategui and leaving Caracas in a critical situation. Anzoátegui arrived yesterday in Caracas with a mission.... to avoid a sweep that could have left them out contention for post season play. They succeeded in the final inning of the first game against the Lions in University Stadium. After several abnormal situations during the game, in the final inning, the visitors scored three runs and sealed the comeback that gave them the victory 7-5.

World All-Stars prevail in inaugural showcase

Sydney's Collins named MVP in first All-Star Game

By Ross Romano / ABL

SYDNEY, 21 December -
Australian baseballer Josh Roberts goes for home base as All-Stars catcher Alex Burg tries to tag him.

The ConocoPhillips 2011 ABL All-Star Game, held at Perth's Barbagallo Ballpark, was a thrilling affair in which the World All-Stars, led by game MVP Tyler Collins, prevailed over the home-standing Australian National Team by an 8-5 score. Collins drove in three on an opposite field home run, scored two, and added another hit in the game. Mike McGuire started on the mound for the World team and was credited with the win and veteran reliever Dae Sung Koo picked up the save.

Early on, this game was completely in favor of the World All-Stars. They jumped out to a 4-0 lead by scoring in each of the first three innings.

In the first, Heat outfielder James McOwen came home on a double play groundout by Denny Almonte. Then, in the second, they added two more. Alex Burg led off with a double and moved to third when Collins singled to right. Both would end up scoring on groundouts by Ty Morrison and Chin-lung Hu, respectively. They pushed the lead to four in the third when Team Australia left fielder Tom Brice lost a fly ball in the sun, allowing Collins to cross the plate.

Meanwhile, the pitching trio of McGuire, Yusei Kikuchi, and Alex Maestri cruised on the mound. Through the first three frames, they allowed four hits and struck out three, keeping Team Australia from cutting into the lead.

The next stage of the game saw the home team mount a comeback, scoring three in the sixth to cut the deficit to one. Beginning the inning against Adelaide southpaw Rinku Singh, Team Australia had their first offensive success of the evening. Matt Kennelly entered the game as a pinch hitter and knocked home Justin Huber and Stefan Welch on a single to centre. He reached third on a throw to the plate and scored when an ensuing pitch made it past catcher Ayatsugu Yamashita, squirting to the backstop.

Then, Collins would take over. After Brian Burgamy and Yamashita led off the seventh with back-to-back singles, he stepped to the plate against Perth's Cameron Lamb. He then drove a 1-0 pitch deep to left centre field, clearing the wall for a game-changing three-run homer. The shot extended the World team's lead to 7-4 and they wouldn't allow the Australians to get any closer again.

Adelaide's slugger Almonte added a solo home run in the eighth and Josh Roberts responded with one of his own for Team Australia, sending the contest into the ninth with an 8-5 score. Sydney's Koo then entered the game to close it out, facing four batters in the bottom of the ninth to earn the save.

The World All-Stars finished the game with 15 hits, with 10 of the 12 position players to get an at-bat connecting for a base knock. Team Australia totalled nine hits and had two costly errors, which led to important runs for their opponent. Mike McGuire picked up the win, while Shane Lindsay was saddled with the loss.

After learning of his MVP honours, Collins praised the Perth fans, "It's just an incredible honour. I just want to thank the Blue Sox for bringing me out, and giving me a chance to play in this game. They're great fans in Perth, and this was a fun game and I'm honoured."

The winning manager, Brooke Knight of the World All-Stars and Perth Heat, also showed his appreciation for the Perth fans, as well as his team's effort, saying "It's just a great experience all together, I mean, the crowd was outstanding today, we appreciate all the support. It's nice to see all those guys get out there and compete."

Even in defeat, Team Australia star Justin Huber was gracious and proud of the event his nation had staged: "Overall it was really fun for everybody. Obviously you're never happy when you lose, but it wasn't about that, it was about showcasing what there is out there in Australian baseball and I think we accomplished that today."

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Hernandez plates four as Caribes end skid

Pirates outfielder connects for second home run, scores twice

Venezuelan Winter League

Anzoategui 7, Caracas 5

Pirates prospect Gorkys Hernandez went 2-for-3 with a homer, a double, four RBIs and two runs scored Thursday as the Caribes broke their six-game losing streak and ended the Leones' six-game winning streak. Hernandez has two long balls in 54 Winter League games after connecting on just one homer in 126 games for Triple-A Indianapolis last season. Padres infielder Jesus Guzman doubled twice in three at-bats for Caracas, scoring twice, while Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera went 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, an RBI and a run scored. Twins prospect Lester Oliveros picked up the win with 1 1/3 perfect innings out of the bullpen.

Magallanes 5, La Guaira 4

Cubs first baseman/outfielder Bryan LaHair hit a pair of solo homers, boosting his Venezuelan Winter League-leading total to 14. The 29-year-old led the Minors with 38 long balls last season. Astros infielder Jose Altuve also drove in a pair with a bases-loaded single in the second inning. Former Texas League All-Star Alex Cabrera paced the Tiburones offense by going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, increasing his average to .455 in nine games.
Gorkys Hernandez collected 35 extra-base hits and 40 RBIs in 126 games for Indianapolis last year. (Kevin Pataky/MiLB.com)

Zulia 9, Lara 0 (Game 1, 7 innings)

Former Dodgers Minor Leaguer Eduardo Perez went 3-for-4 with five RBIs, including a fifth-inning grand slam that put the Aguilas up by nine. Nationals catcher Carlos Maldonado singled, walked three times, drove in two and scored once. Cesar Valdez, who pitched in the Pirates and Marlins systems last year, allowed just three hits over six shutout innings en route to the win. He struck out five without issuing a walk.

Lara 4, Zulia 3 (Game 2, 7 innings)

Juan Apodaca, who played in the Indians system last year, went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and two runs scored as the Aguilas split the doubleheader. Hitting right behind him, former Minor Leaguer Freddy Parejo plated two with a triple in the fourth. Luis Antonio Jimenez, who played in the Mariners organization last season, smacked his 10th homer of the season for the Cardenales, Box sco while Joe Thurston (Astros) and Jose Lopez (Indians) also drove in one run apiece.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 6, Mayaguez 2

Mexican Leaguer Carlos Rivera went 2-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs for the the Criollos, while Edgardo Baez (formerly of the Nationals) went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored. Former Minor Leaguer Danny Gonzalez led the Indios offense by going 3-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in his first start of the winter. Caguas hurler Mu-Young Kim allowed one run on six hits over 5 1/3 innings for the win and to halt Mayaguez's five-game winning streak.

Ponce 4, Carolina 3 (14 innings)

Orlando Mercado, who played in the Angels system last year, provided what proved to be the game-winning hit when he smacked a run-scoring double in the top of the 14th. Both teams had previously scored in the 13th, with former Minor Leaguer John Rodriguez doubling home a run for the Leones and Marlins farmhand Jeff Dominguez plating the tying run for the Gigantes with a single. Dominguez led the game with three hits, while teammate and former Major Leaguer Alex Cintron was the only one to go deep.

Dominican Winter League

Cibao 7, Este 3

Former Major Leaguer Pedro Feliz went 3-for-4 with a homer, three RBIs and three runs scored as the Gigantes won their fifth straight game. Robinzon Diaz (formerly of the Rangers) and Carlos Peguero (Mariners) also put together strong performances, as both smacked solo homers and scored twice. Jose De Paula (Padres) got the win after tossing 2 1/3 scoreless frames in relief of starter and former Major Leaguer Aquilino Lopez, who only managed to record two outs.

Mexican Pacific League

Obregon 7, Guasave 5

Mexican Leaguer Barbaro Canizares went 3-for-3 with two homers and five RBIs for the Yaquis, giving him 19 long balls and 54 RBIs in 60 games. Tony Thomas (Red Sox) and Mario Valenzuela (Mexican League) both went deep for the Algodoneros, driving in a combined three runs. Obregon starter Rolando Valdez (Mexican League) improved to 5-1 after allowing three runs on seven hits in five innings. He fanned two and walked two.

Hermosillo 7, Mochis 4 (10 innings)

Mexican Leaguer Humberto Cota smacked a walk-off three-run homer to give the Naranjeros their fourth straight win. He finished the day 2-for-5 with four RBIs and two runs scored. Dodgers farmhand Trent Oeltjen also put forth a strong effort, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored. Saul Soto (Mexican League) enjoyed the best game for the Caneros, going 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBIs.

Culiacan 4, Mazatlan 3 (10 innings)

Former International League All-Star Jeff Frazier came through with a walk-off shot in the bottom of the 10th as the Tomateros improved to a league-leading 40-22. Overall, Amaury Cazana put together the strongest performance for Culiacan, as he went 3-for-4 with a homer, a double and two RBIs. Jose Orozco led the Venados offense by collecting three hits, including a roundtripper, and knocking in three. Tomateros starter Matt Buschmann (Nationals) fanned 12 while allowing three runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings, but did not factor into the decision.

Mexicali 7, Navojoa 1
Mexican Leaguer Luis Juarez launched a three-run homer in the fourth and Roman Pena (formerly of the Indians) followed with a long ball of his own. Wes Bankston, who played 17 games for the A's in 2008, knocked in the only run for the Mayos with a sacrifice fly in the sixth. Aguilas starter Jesus Rodriguez (Mexican League) yielded just four hits over five shutout innings, striking out four without a walk as he ran his record to 1-1.

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Colombia Winter League

•Giovanny Urshela (3B, Cartagena Tigres): 0-for-4, R, K, 3 BB. Urshela played third base in both games of a doubleheader. He went hitless in four at bats, but he did walks 3 times and reached base in 3 of his 7 total plate appearances in the doubleheader.

Venezuela Winter League

•Jose Lopez (3B, Cardenales de Lara): 2-for-7, R, 2B, RBI. I know there are a few cautiously optimistic Tribe fans that think Lopez could end up a steal of a signing this offseason. At least he’s proving that so far in winter ball where in 38 games he is hitting .303 with 5 HR, 23 RBI and .850 OPS.

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 2-for-3, R, 2B, RBI, 2 BB, K. Easily Cabrera’s best game in a while, if not his entire time while out in Venezuela. He reached based in 4 of his 5 plate appearances and racked up an RBI in his 4th straight game.

•Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI. Big Jesus continues to hold his own this offseason and went his customary 1-for-4 with a 2B with an RBI or two. It seems like on most nights that he plays he gets one hit and that one hit is a double and then couples an RBI with it. He now has 36 hits this offseason and 18 have gone for extra bases.

Melvin Mora could join the roster of Magallenes

The Yaracuyanos major leaguer said he was ready to strengthen the Navigatorsb]

Carlos Alberto Zambrano

VALENCIA .-

Carlos Garcia, manager of the Magallanes Navigators, said Melvin Mora could be included in the roster of 34 next week. Yaracuyanos player himself said that his legs have responded well to training in recent days and was ready to help the ship. "I'm ready to play the position that the manager needs me. I was running the bases and I felt great," said one of the emblems of all Valencia. Meanwhile, the "Admiral" noted that he would closely evaluate the physical conditions of Mora before making a decision. On the other hand, Endy Chavez still has not returned from the United States and there is no date set for his return.