Winter Leagues Report: Week 11
Happy Holidays to all! In this past week, the Dominican Winter League finished it's regular season, with both the Mexican Pacific League and the Venezuelan Winter League entering their last week of regular season play. With teams jockeying for playoffs spots and a chance to represent their country in the Caribbean World Series, some Cubs prospects played key roles.
Dominican Winter League
Toros del Este
Basement dwelling Este had a bright spot to their dismal season on Wednesday, as they beat Licey 6-4. Lefty Dario Alvarez did some good work in the pen, coming on in the seventh and giving up only a walk in two scoreless innings. Alvarez also struck out two batters in his outing. Este 6 - Licey 4
Mexican Pacific League
Tomateros de Culiacan
On Sunday, Culiacan managed only five hits as they were blanked by Navojoa 2-0. Taking over the starting catcher role, Ali Solis was 1-for-2 in the loss. Navojoa 2 - Culiacan 0
The Tomateros were able to get back on the winning track on Wednesday as they defeated Obregon 5-4. Ali Solis was once again behind the dish and was 1-for-4 with a run scored in the victory. Culiacan 5 - Obregon 4
It took three innings for the Pickers to wake up on Friday, before stepping on the gas and blowing past Mazatlan 8-2. Ali Solis remained consistent as he once again went 1-for-4. Culiacan 8 - Mazatlan 2
Venezuelan Winter League
Cardenales de Lara
After scoring a run in the bottom of the first, Lara was wiped out by Magallanes 7-1. Yapson Gomez made an appearance with two out in the fifth, faced two batters, walked one, and got the redbirds out of the inning. Magallanes 7 - Lara 1
Caribes de Anzoategui
The Caribes continued their push for a playoff spot on Friday as they shut out Margatita 2-0. Erick Castillo was the starting catcher and played a pivotal role, going 1-for-4 with a double and driving in the first run of the game with two outs in the fifth inning. Anzoategui 2 - Margarita 0
Bravos de Margarita
In a twelve inning came on Thursday, Margarita was not able to keep up with Anzoategui, losing 8-5. Eugenio Palma faced one over the minimum in the eleventh, walking only a batter in a scoreless inning. Anzoategui 8 - Margarita 5
Tigres de Aragua
Wednesday was a make-up day in the VWL, as Aragua could not make five early runs stand up in Game 2 of a doubleheader, losing 7-6 to Lara. Carlos Penalver saw action at both second base and shortstop and was 2-for-3 with an RBI in the loss. Lara 7 - Aragua 6
The miseries for the Tigres continued on Thursday, as a bullpen implosion led to a 10-7 loss to Lara. Lining up at second base, Carlos Penalver went 1-for-4 with a run scored in the game. Lara 10 - Aragua 7
The Big Cats experienced another bullpen meltdown on Friday, giving up five run in the bottom of the ninth for an 8-5 loss to Magallanes. Carlos Penalverflipped between shortstop and second base, going 2-for-4 with a double. Magallanes 8 - Aragua 5