The results are in, as the participants in the Caribbean World Series are set. To find out who made it, check out this week’s Down on the Farm Report … Dominican Winter League
Congratulations to Toros del Este and their series sweep over Estrellas de Oriente, five games to none. Marcos Mateo made an appearance in the series’ final game. He gave up two walks and wasn’t able to record an out, but still ended up with a 0.00 ERA for the playoffs. The Bulls won the final contest 4-2 on January 23.
Toros now wait to see which team they will face in Caribbean World Series. Click Here for Box Score
Venezuelan Winter League
Caracas
Leones de Caracas was eliminated by Aragua on January 22. Marwin Gonzalez finished the playoffs with a .295 batting average, five doubles, two triples, seven runs scored and 11 RBI for the Lions.
Caribes
As Harry Caray would say “They’re dancing in the streets of Anzoategui (try spelling that backwards) tonight”. The Caribes hung on to defeat Tigres de Aragua in the decisive seventh game 8-7 on January 30. The Indians will now represent Venezuela in the Caribbean World Series. The Cubs’ farm hand, Eduardo Figueroa, had some key appearances for the Caribes during the series.
On January 23, Eduardo Figueroa came on to pitch four innings of relief. He gave up two earned runs on two home runs and two walks, but struck out three in the Indians 8-5 victory. Figueroa was credited with the win. Click Here for Box Score
Four days later Eduardo Figueroa was tapped by Manager Julio Franco as an emergency starter. He lasted 1.1 innings after giving up six earned runs on four hits and three walks, as the Tigers won in a laugher 16-0. Figueroa suffered the loss. Click Here for Box Score
Mexican Pacific League
Obregon
Next stop, the Caribbean World Series for Yaquis de Obregon! Guasave extended the Tribe to the full seven games, but the Yaquis ended up on top with a 5-2 victory on January 29. The only appearance for Marco Carrillo was on January 24. He tossed 1.2 innings, giving up one earned run, with a walk and a strikeout in a 12-3 loss to the Cotton Pickers.
Puerto Rican Winter League
Caguas
Onward and upward for Criollos de Caguas, as they secured a spot in the Caribbean World Series by defeating Leones De Ponce for the Puerto Rican title. Luis Montanez was an integral part of the Creoles’ success. His .286 batting average for the week mirrored his .287 average for the entire playoffs. With the Lions leading the series 3 games to 2, Montanez stepped up his game.
Montanez went 1-for-3, with a double and two runs scored in a January 26 in a 7-2 victory that evened the series. Click Here for Box Score
In the final game on January 28, Luis Montanez blasted a two-out, three-run homer that put Caguas up 4-1 in the third inning. Montanez later drove in another run and finished the night 1-for-3 with four RBI, as the Creoles snatched a 7-5 victory away from Ponce for the title. Click Here for Box Score
Australian Baseball League
Brisbane
The Bandits were eliminated from post-season play on January 22. Their final record of 14-22 was commendable, considering they had to contend with serious devastation in Brisbane due to flooding.
Ryan Searle ended the season 0-4 with a 5.77 ERA in eight starts. The 21-year old ended up striking out 25 hitters with 16 walks in 34.1 innings.
And so, CCO readers, this will be the final report on winter league results. A wrap-up of the winter leagues will be featured next week and updates on the Caribbean World Series will still be provided.
As Spring Training approaches, a focus will be placed on discussing prospects and their respective teams.
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