Undefeated Mexico tops Puerto Rico in Caribbean series
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) Outfielders Jeremias Pineda and Justin Greene had RBI doubles during a six-run eighth inning, and Mexico's undefeated Mazatlan Venados beat Puerto Rico's Santurce Cangrejeros 8-4 on Friday night to clinch the top seed in the semifinals of the Caribbean Series.
In a battle of winless teams later in the day, Cuba's Avila Ciego beat the Escogido Leones of the Dominican Republic 4-2 in 11 innings, setting up a matchup with Mexico on Saturday night. Puerto Rico will face Venezuela's Aragua Tigres in the first semifinal game Saturday afternoon.
Pineda, Greene, second baseman Ramon Urias and pinch-hitter Cyle Hankerd each batted in two runs. Reliever Jesus Barraza got the win.
''It wasn't a pretty game, but we did what we had to do and came away with the win,'' Mazatlan Venados coach Juan Jose Pacho said.
In the second game, Jose Adolis Garcia knocked in two runs and pitcher Miguel Lahera got the win to keep the Cuban team's hopes alive.