2002 Caribbean Series

The 2002 Caribbean Series (Serie del Caribe) was the thirtieth-second edition of the second stage of the Caribbean Series. It was held in Caracas, Venezuela from February 2 to February 8. The series featured four teams from Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. The Tomateros de Culiacán of the Mexican Pacific League won the series and were managed by Francisco Estrada. The Most Valuable Player was Adán Amezcua, a catcher with the Tomateros de Culiacán.

In the first game, catcher Adan Amezcua led Culiacán to a comeback win against Magallenes. Down 5-1, he had a two-run single and added an RBI single before Jacob Cruz won it with a walk-off home run.

In the second outing, Amezcua's 3-run homer helped Culiacán lead Licey 5-2 before the Tigers rallied to tie it. Poor defensive play by the Dominican League champions gave Mexico one upset win.

In game three for the Tomateros, Amezcua hit a two-run homer as the club took a 8-1 lead over Bayamón but the Puerto Ricans challenged, closing it to 9-7 in the 9th and putting two runners aboard with two outs. Eduardo Perez hit a hard shot into center but Darrell Sherman caught it at the top of the wall to save the game.

In the fourth outing, Culiacán trailed Magallanes but rallied for six in the 8th and 9th innings. Amezcua hit a solo homer in the 7th and retired Endy Chavez at a play at the plate to eliminate Magallanes and Bayamón.

Licey won their second match-up against Culiacán, 4-3, to remain in the race, but Rodrigo Lopez tossed a 4-hitter to beat Bayamon in the finale to lock it up.

Culiacán (managed by Frank Estrada) was led by Amezcua (.455, 1.00 SLG, 9 RBI, 3 HR, MVP) and Derrick White (.400) at the plate, while Oliver Perez (2.25), Rodrigo Lopez (1-0, 2.40), Pablo Ochoa (1-0, 2.45) and Todd Revenig (1-0, 2 Sv, 0.00) led the staff.

Licey got fine work from Miguel Tejada (.435), Vladimir Guerrero (.391, .957 SLG, 4 HR, 6 R, 8 RBI) and Odalis Perez (1-0, 2.08) and was managed by Bob Geren.

Despite good pitching from Wayne Franklin (0.00 in 5 IP) and plenty of contact hitting, Venezuela struggled. Among their top offensive performers wer e C Ramon Hernandez (.474), Robert Machado (.429, .857 SLG), Robert Perez (.417, .875 SLG) and Endy Chavez (.393, .536 SLG, 8 RBI).

Final Standings[edit]

Team	League	G	W	L	WPCT	Manager
Tomateros de Culiacán	MEX Mexican Pacific League	6	5	1	0.833	Francisco Estrada
Tigres del Licey	DOM Dominican League	6	3	3	0.500	Bob Geren
Vaqueros de Bayamón	PRI Puerto Rican League	6	2	4	0.333	Carmelo Martinez
Navegantes del Magallanes	VEN Venezuelan League	6	2	4	0.333	Phil Regan