VENEZUELA 2009 CARIBBEAN SERIES CHAMPIONS
February 7, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Venezuela winners of the 2009 Caribbean Series
By Guille Esquivel
Exclusive www.ebeisbol.com
Venezuela crowned themselves champions as they defeated a strong Mexico team, 5-3. That was Aragua’s first title ever and Venezuela’s seventh overall. Venezuela’s last title was when Leones de Caracas won in the 2006 Caribbean Series.
Tigres de Aragua remained undefeated with a 5-0 record heading into their last game against the Dominican Republic on Saturday afternoon. With the loss the Venados de Mazatlan’s record became 3-2 with both losses coming at the hands off the Aragua team.
The game was tied at 2-2 until the seventh inning when Venezuela scored three runs to take the commanding 5-2 lead. Luis Maza opened the inning with a double and later came around to score on a groundout by Selwyn Langaigne. Jackson Melian scored the fourth run on Luis Uguetos’s single to left. Later in the inning, Jose Cobos who was also the losing pitcher in their first meeting came in in relief and Raul Chavez greeted him with a single scoring Wilson Ramos to make it a 5-2 game.
Mazatlan was the first to score when Adrian Gonzalez doubled to center allowing Christian Quintero to make the game, 1-0. Chavez singled in Langaigne in the second inning to tie the game, 1-1. Chavez’ bat was significant in the game as he went 3-5 with two RBI.
Erick Arteaga was the starting pitcher for Aragua pitching 2.2 innings of 3-hit ball while allowing one run. Venezuela has counted on their relief corps who has been exceptional throughout the series. “Having relievers starting games and you have to compliment the guys, they wanted to take the ball,” Buddy Bailey said.
Bailey was happy to get the championship and wondered why major league teams do not make it mandatory to play in the winter leagues. “There you have the responsibility, the accountability to play well or you are sent home. Playing in that hostile environment makes you grow up. You have a country who is riding on you, kind of like this series where there is so much emotion,” Bailey added.
Francisco Butto came in to pitch the ninth and got his fourth save of the Caribbean Series with that he established a new record for saves. Butto started shaky walking Oscar Robles, the first batter he faced. Robles advanced to second on a wild pitch. Butto then struck out Miguel Ojeda. Heber Gomez singled to center and Robles came around to score to make it a 5-3 game. Jon Weber grounded out to second before getting Christian Quintero to pop out to center to end the game. Butto commented on his feat, “I didn’t know that, knowing it makes me appreciate it more and it brings me joy.”
Mexico had a lot of missed opportunities in the game stranding eight runners. Lorenzo Bundy said that he believes that many fans hold him accountable for the loss. Having played here six years and coached for seventeen he understands the high expectations that the fans have. “Playing winter ball develops men, this is a man’s league where you get the job done or you go home,” Bundy said.
Venezuela will face Puerto Rico on Saturday looking to go 6-0 while Ponce is trying to get their second victory. Mexico will meet a reeling Dominican team who is trying to avoid going 1-5 in the series which would be the worst for Licey since going 1-7 in 1970.
ADRIAN GONZALEZ HITS HISTORIC 3HRS in 12-9 WIN OVER THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
February 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Adrian Gonzalez rounding 3rd in the 1st of his Historic 3HRs in the Serie del Caribe.
By Guille Esquivel
ebeisbol.com
Mexico won a shootout 12-9 as both teams’ bats finally woke up and the Venados capitalzed on the Tigres’ errors. Adrian Gonzalez made history when he became the first player in Caribbean Series history to hit three homeruns in a game.
In the first, Anderson Hernandez scored on Dominican Juan Pena’s wild pitch taking the early 1-0 lead.
Venados answered back in the second when Heber Gomez singled to left scoring and left fielder Timo Perez misplayed the ball allowing Christian Presichi and Saul Soto.
Licey drove Pena out of the game scoring three more runs off of him. Pena only lasted 2.1 innings allowing four runs on three hits, walking four while striking out three.
Compatriot Jorge Sosa did not fare that much better. Mazatlan tagged him for three runs in the fourth inning when Agustin Murillo hit an infield single to second scoring Gomez. Adrian Gonzalez brought Murillo in on a long homerun to left center field taking the brief 6-5 lead.
Licey would add another one in the fourth when Jose Bautista hit a soft fly ball to right scoring Willy Aybar tying the game at 6.
In the fifth, Gomez reached base on a force attempt and a missed catch error by Ronny Paulino allowed Ruben Rivera to score. Next batter, Jon Weber singled to right pushing in local Presichi taking the 8-6 lead, both runs were scored off reliever Jailen Peguero. Presichi went 3-5 and scored two runs.
The end of the fifth was followed by a 41 minute delay due to the blackout of some stadium lights. That time was filled by mascot competitions and the Banda Limon who came out on the field and played briefly.
Licey reliever Valerio De Los Santos came out to open up the sixth and Adrian Gonzalez greeted him with a long solo shot to left field to put Mexico up 9-6. Robert Saucedo scored on a wild pitch by Oneli Perez and Gomez hit a sac fly to left scoring Edgar V. Gonzalez widening their lead to 11-6.
Licey got within striking distance in the eighth when Erick Aybar doubled in Ronnie Belliard to make it 11-7. Later in the inning, Ronny Paulino doubled to center and Jon Weber misplayed the ball allowing Erick Aybar and Hernandez to score and get within two, 11-9.
In the ninth, Adrian Gonzalez added an insurance run with his solo shot to left field to make it 12-9.
Rafael Martin came away with the victory pitching in three innings of relief. Sosa took the loss pitching 4.1 innings allowing 8 run (5 of them earned), walking two while striking out two. Hector Navarro came out in the ninth and recorded the save.
UNDEFEATED VENEZUELA ON TOP OF THE STANDINGS
February 4, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
- Hector Gimenez de los Tigres de Aragua
By Guille Esquivel
Exclusive www.ebeisbol.com
Hector Gimenez ended an extra innings affair in the bottom of the eleventh when he took Jose Cobos deep to right field to end the game and beat Mazatlan 1-0.
A theme of blown opportunities for Mexico highlighted most of the night. Venados threatened again getting a runner to third in the eleventh, but failed to bring him into score when Marcos Carvajal struck out Miguel Ojeda to end the inning. Venados stranded seven batters in their last three at bats.
Adrian Gonzalez came through in the clutch with his defense when in the bottom of the tenth Aragua had runners at the corners and Ramon Castro hit a grounder to him and he started the 3-6-3 double play to keep Mexico’s hopes for a victory alive.
Venados failed to capitalize in the tenth when Edgar V. Gonzalez singled to left to open up the inning. Oscar Robles and Christian Quintero laid down successful bunts, but Jon Weber swung at the first pitch flying out to left and Agustin Murillo struck out to end the inning.
Aragua had a golden opportunity in the bottom of the ninth inning when Medina opened with a double down the left field line. Last night’s hero and Lorenzo Bundy’s AAA superman, Luis Maza, struck out failing to advance the batter. Gimenez drew the walk, Raul Chavez flew out to left and Selwyn Langaigne grounded out to pitcher Tim Lavigne to end the inning.
In the ninth, Jon Weber opened the inning with a single to right field. Murillo laid down the bunt advancing him to second. Adrian Gonzalez was intentionally walked and hometown boy Christian Presichi struck out before Freddy Sandoval flied out to left to end the rally.
Mexico squandered a scoring opportunity in the eighth when Edgar Gonzalez opened up the inning with an infield hit to third. Miguel Ojeda bunted him over to second base. Oscar Robles grounded to short, but Gonzalez reached third base safely. Christian Quintero grounded out to short to end the inning.
Mexico blew a chance to score in the seventh inning when Presichi doubled to center and Agustin Murillo ignored the third base coach’s sign to stop at third and was gunned down at home on the 8-4-2 play.
The nightcap of the second day of the Caribbean Series featured two undefeated teams in the form of Mazatlan and Aragua. Excellent pitching continued in the fourth game as Edgar G. Gonzalez carried a no hitter for 4.1 innings before Jackson Melian singled to left to end his bid. Gonzalez left with a no decision pitching seven scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out nine batters. American Tim Harikkala pitched six scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out three and also left the game with a no decision.
Jose Cobos was charged with the loss while Carvajal came away the winner.
VENADOS DE MAZATLAN, CAMPEONES 2008-09 DE LA LMP
January 26, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Los Venados de Mazatlan celebran su victoria
Eduardo Almada
exclusivo de eBeisbol.com
26 de enero - Por novena vez consecutiva, los Venados llegaron a la postemporada de nuestro béisbol y lo que aparentemente se ha ido convirtiendo en una dinastía, se coronó rápidamente al barrer a los Cañeros de Los Mochis en cuatro reñidos juegos.
Durante el rol regular, como ha sido en ya varios años, Mazatlán demostró contar con el mejor pitcheo del circuito; van cuatro campañas en fila india. Haber cambiado hace dos años al entonces, mejor lanzador nativo (Francisco “Pancho Ponches” Campos), no parece haberles afectado. Así iniciaron las Fiestas de Enero (2009) enfrentando a los campeones, Yaquis de Cd. Obregón, a quienes despacharon en cinco encuentros. Sus dos primeros triunfos fueron con el sello de la casa, 2-0 y 5-1, habiendo logrado tomar delantera al menos de dos carreras en cada cual, fórmula que durante el rol regular les dio 19 victorias en 21 oportunidades.
Esperando rival, por haber cerrado con el mejor record de la tabla de ganados y perdidos (41-27) era del conocimiento público que recibirían al comodín, o sea el mejor perdedor de las tres series de la Repesca. Le tocó a los Algodoneros de Guasave, quienes los dominaron durante el calendario oficial en doce duelos (7-5). Curiosamente, la escuadra de Lino Rivera se impuso sin haber conectado cuadrangular alguno en el par de series en el puerto, donde el Teodoro Mariscal en un valle; pero en la casa de los albiazules dieron diez. La cosa empezó de color de hormiga, puesto que los rojos se fueron al Francisco Carranza Limón sin conocer el triunfo (0-2); pero en su historial gozan del mejor momento en la historia de estos eventos: 1997-98 cuando en la serie por el campeonato lograron recuperarse de un 0-3 ante los Mayos de Navojoa, para barrer en los juegos restantes y ganar el título en siete partidos.
Randy Williams (Marlins) fue el encargado del tercer juego, que ganaron los Venados por pizarra de 11-5, aprovechando el descontrol del abridor, Jorge Luis Castillo (Diablos Rojos de México). Emparejaron la serie al día siguiente (8-5) donde ambos abridores fallaron; pero Sergio Valenzuela, el otrora prospecto de los Bravos de Atlanta, continuó brillando con sus actuaciones de relevo intermedio. El salvamento se lo adjudicó la sorpresa del año, entre los Venados: Héctor “El Gooden” Navarro llegando a cuatro en los playoffs, y perdió el novel, Alan Guerrero (Potros de Tijuana). No obstante, los Algodoneros se apuntaron su 3ra. victoria (3-2) en el 5to. encuentro dejando a los porteños sobre el terreno con doble golondrino de Dionys César, anotando Eduardo Arredondo (Diablos Rojos). Ganó Tim Lavigne (Mets) y José Cobos (Sultanes de Monterrey) sufrió el revés. Al regresar a la casa de los Venados, estos tenían preparada una “malavenida”.
La mejor carta de los Venados, Walter Silva (Sultanes) fue el anfitrión y rápido envió la serie al máximo con triunfo de 4-1 ante el exligamayorista, Víctor Alvarez que salió sin decisión; pero después de 3 entradas. Perdió Jeremy Hill (Acereros del Norte). En el decisivo, Randy Williams volvió a lucir al ganar 6-3 y los Venados avanzaron a su 5ta. final consecutiva. Solo los Naranjeros de Hermosillo de 1979 a 1983 lo habían realizado, aunque los súper campeones ganaron entonces par de cetros.
El rival fue Los Mochis, habiendo eliminado al poderoso, Hermosillo que portaba a Vinicio Castilla como mánager primerizo y entre un mar de controversias. Sin embargo, el oaxaqueño cumplía; pero los esmeraldas consiguieron el pase a la Gran Final por 1ra. vez en seis postemporadas o desde su última corona (2003). Fue luciendo al 2do. mejor pitcheo de la liga (3.87) habiendo dados soberbias labores de juegos completos por Rafael Díaz (Saraperos de Saltillo) y el cubano, Alberto Castillo Betancourt (Orioles de Baltimore). Pero en el trayecto la gente de Juan Francisco Rodríguez perdió al velocísimo, Jason Bourgeois (Milwaukee) quien estaba brillando desde su llegada y era el pilar de la ofensiva verde. Un lanzamiento de Edgar González (Sultanes) le fracturó un nudillo de la mano derecha.
La final comenzó en Mazatlán con un duelazo entre el dominicano, Juan Antonio Peña (Liga Independiente) y el nativo, Pablo Ortega (Tigres de Quintana Roo). El rosario de argollas se extendió a diez entradas completas cuando fueron secundados por Francisco Rodríguez (Anaheim) y Sergio Valenzuela por 3 entradas, iguales. Héctor Navarro retiró en tres ponches la 11ma. Cuando el tapón de lujo de Los Mochis, Jorge Luis Vásquez (Sultanes) que había sido un cheque al portador en la 1ra. parte del rol quiso hacer lo mismo en el cierre, perdió el control y el juego, 1-0 por producción del panameño, Ruben Rivera (Campeche), timbrando Héber Gómez (Sultanes).
En el 2do. fue otro duelo por espacio de cuatro capítulos, siendo protagonistas Ismael Castillo (Campeche) y Oscar Bustillos (Tigres de Quintana Roo), hasta que aquel permitió par de embasados en la 5ta.. logrando los astados empatar poco después ante Pablo Joel Ochoa (Sultanes), quien admitió tres mas en la 6ta. para que Mazatlán ganara 6-2 al final. Sergio Valenzuela fue el verdugo, otra vez.
Ya en la casa de los Cañeros, el pronóstico era de otro duelo entre Walter Silva y Rafael Díaz. No decepcionaron, aunque “El Pocho” Díaz permitió tres carreras en siete episodios. Su problema fue en parte los “breaks” donde tres batazos con ojos le costaron par de anotaciones en la 3ra.; pero Silva no dio libertad alguna y su única falla fue una pitcheada, que Luis Mauricio Suárez puso detrás de la barda en la 5ta. Empero, Edgar González (Padres) lo imitó en la 7ma. para un marcador final de 3-1, con otro salvamento de Navarro (7).
En el juego de la eliminatoria, el novato Alfonso Sánchez (Potros de Tijuana) fue llevado de la mano por el veterano receptor, Miguel Ojeda (Diablos Rojos) y aunque no salio con la decisión, nuevamente Sergio Valenzuela hizo gran relevo y de no ser porque Ramón Orantes le pescó una recta a Navarro en la 9va. para dos carreras, los Venados habrían blanqueado. La coronación fue con un 3-2 que convirtió a Lorenzo Bundy (Diamondbacks) en el 1er. mánager que en la LMP, gana tres coronas, con equipos distintos (Navojoa en 2000; Hermosillo en 2006), sin perder juego (12-0). El gran Vinicio García ganó campeonatos con Culiacán (1970), Guasave (1972) y Los Mochis (1984); pero con marca de 12-6. Su primer campeonato lo obtuvo en 1967, también con los Tomateros… MUCHAS GRACIAS
