Dominican Republic beats Venezuela 3-2 and remains undefeated

by Guille Esquivel

Ebeisbol.com Exclusive

Escogido’s Freddy Guzman stole home to break a 2-2 tie in the eighth inning giving the Dominican Republic their third consecutive win.

Nerio Rodriguez was the starter for Escogido and southpaw Jose Orteganos was on the mound for the Venezuelan team.

The Dominican team was looking to win three in a row and remain atop of the standings while Venezuela was looking to avoid a loss that would dampen their hopes of repeating as champions.

Errors continue to plague this edition of the Caribbean Series. Two consecutive fielding mistakes by third baseman Juan Francisco and shortstop Ramon Santiago allowed the Leones del Caracas to load the bases in the second inning. Rodriguez worked harder and longer, but managed to strike out Gregorio Petit looking to end the threat.

The Venezuelan team was first to score when in the third inning Oscar Salazar hit a two-run shot to left off of Rodriguez to take the 2-0 lead.

Rodriguez pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed 2 runs while striking out seven.

Orteganos dominated the Escogido lineup keeping them hitless through five innings. In the sixth inning, Pablo Ozuna drew a walk and advanced on a wild pitch making him the first runner to reach second base. Guzman singled to center to break up the no-hitter. Santiago then singled to center scoring Ozuna to make it a one run game and trailed 2-1.

Orteganos was pulled in favor of Edgar Estanga who quickly retired the first two batters he faced. He then walked Willis Otañez to load the bases and face Fernando Martinez who went 2-4 with a home run in Tuesday’s game. He worked Martinez to a full count before getting him to pop out to first in foul territory.

Orteganos pitched five innings allowing one run on two hits, while walking three and striking out three.

In the seventh inning the Dominican team produced a two-out rally against reliever Darwin Cubillan who issued back to back walks to Ozuna and Guzman. Cubillan who had already made two appearances was quickly replaced by Edgar Alfonzo. Santiago came through again with his second single of the night scoring Ozuna and tying the game at 2. Guzman then accomplishes a rare feat by stealing home and giving Escogido the 3-2 lead. Guzman became the third player to steal home in the history of the Caribbean Series.

Cubillan was charged with the loss.

Venezuela ’s bats were silenced in the final two innings and Escogido went on to win the game.

Jose Veras working one scoreless inning in relief got the victory and closer Dario Veras got the save.

The Dominican team will look to pad their lead in the standings against Mexico on Friday.

Venezuela will face Puerto Rico in the second game. They have identical records and neither can afford to lose.