2023 Caribbean Series

The 2023 Caribbean Series (Serie del Caribe) was the fifty-third edition of the second stage of the Caribbean Series. It was played in Macuto, Vargas, Venezuela from February 2-10, 2023, at Estadio Fórum La Guaira. It was the largest Series yet: after being a four-team event from 1949-2013, a five-team event from 2014-2018 and a six-team event from 2019-2022, the Series expanded to eight teams this year with the addition of Curaçao and the return of Cuba after a three-year absence. The Tigres del Licey of the Dominican League managed by José Offerman won the series, increasing their total to 11 wins, more than any other team. The Most Valuable Player was César Valdéz, a pitcher for Licey.

Final Standings

Team	League	G	W	L	WPCT	Manager
Tigres del Licey‎	Dominican League	9	6	3	.667	José Offerman
Leones del Caracas	Venezuelan League	9	6	3	.667	José Alguacil
Cañeros de Los Mochis	Mexican Pacific League	9	6	3	.667	José Moreno
Vaqueros de Montería	Colombian League	9	4	5	.444	Ronald Ramirez
Indios de Mayagüez	Puerto Rican League	7	3	4	.429	Ramón Vázquez
Federales de Chiriquí	Panamanian League	7	3	4	.429	José Mayorga
WildCats KJ74	Curaçao National Championship AA League	7	2	5	.287	Hainley Statia
Agricultores de Granma y Las Tunas	Cuban Elite League	7	1	6	.143	Carlos Martí

Teams

• The Cañeros de Los Mochis won the Mexican Pacific League title for the fourth time, the first in 20 years. They had played in the 1984 Caribbean Series (2nd) and 2003 Caribbean Series (last).

• The Leones del Caracas were playing in their 13th Caribbean Series and had won twice, most recently in 2006.

• The Indios de Mayagüez had won the 1978 Caribbean Series and 1992 Caribbean Series and had just won their 19th Puerto Rican League crown.

• The Tigres del Licey won their 23rd Dominican League title and had won a record ten Caribbean Series, the last one being 2008.

• The Federales de Chiriquí had won their first Panamanian League pennant. They had appeared in the 2021 Caribbean Series (no Panamanian season had been played in the 2020-2021 winter due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

• The Vaqueros de Montería won the Colombian League title for the second time; they had previously appeared in the 2020 Caribbean Series, Colombia's first representative.

• The Agricultores de Granma y Las Tunas had won the first Cuban Elite League championship; they were playing in their first Series though both Granma and Las Tunas had appeared during the Cuban Serie Nacional era.

• The WildCats KJ74 were appearing as the first Curaçao entry, after winning their record 17th title.

Leaders

• Batting Average: .417 - Sharlon Schoop, WildCats
• Home Runs: 2 - José Rondón, Leones del Caracas
• Runs Batted In: 15 - José Rondón, Leones del Caracas
• Wins: Five tied with two

All-Star Team

• C: Jose Felix, Los Mochis (.304/.304/.391)
• 1B: Reynaldo Rodríguez, Los Mochis (.200/.382/.360, 7 R)
• 2B: Francisco Acuña, Montería (.364/.462/.545)
• SS: Dayan Frías, Montería (.188/.278/.219)
• 3B: Emmanuel Rivera, Mayagüez (.364/.364/.485, 4 2B)
• LF: Danry Vásquez, Caracas (.327/.447/.484, 7 R)
• CF: Emilio Bonifacio, Licey (.359/.419/.584, 7 R)
• RF: Gustavo Campero, Montería (.361/.439/.639, 9 R, 5 2B)
• DH: Jordan Díaz, Montería (.265/.375/.441, 9 RBI)
• SP: Eduar López, Montería (2-0, 0.73)
• RP: Anthony Vizcaya, Caracas (4 Sv, 0 ER in 7 1/3 IP, 11 K)
• Manager: José Moreno, Los Mochis

Games

February 2

Game 1

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	R	H	E
Granma y Las Tunas	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	3	9	1
WildCats KJ74	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	6	0
Win: Andy Vargas (1-0) Loss: Shairon Martis (0-1)

Curaçao had a solid debut before falling short. Curaçao's Cody Mincey and Cuba's César García traded goose eggs for 4 1/2 innings. In the bottom of the 5th, RF Sharlon Schoop singled and was bunted over by C Dashenko Ricardo. SS Andrelton Simmons singled and 3B Darren Seferina grounded in the run. García and Andy Vargas shut out Curaçao the rest of the way, though.

After Mincey threw seven shutout innings, Curaçao turned to veteran Shairon Martis. SS Andrés De La Cruz took him deep in the 8th to tie the game. In the 10th, DH Guillermo Avilés singled in 1B Rafael Viñales (the starting runner under extra-inning rules) and LF Denis Laza walked. PH Dailier Peña laid down a sacrifice then 3B Osvaldo Abreu was intentionally walked. The move did not pay off when Martis walked CF Yunieski Larduet to force in an insurance run. In the bottom of the 10th, Vargas went 1-2-3 against Simmons, PH Sicnarf Loopstok and Ray-Patrick Didder to end it.

Game 2

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Los Mochis	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	3	0	5	9	1
Licey	0	2	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	4	7	0
Win: Rafael Córdova (1-0) Loss: Fernando Abad (0-1) Save: Jake Sanchez (1)

The Cañeros open with the second comeback win in the event's first two games. The Tigres jumped on starter Braulio Torres-Pérez in the second as DH Ramón Hernández singled, RF Mel Rojas Jr. doubled and 3B Kelvin Gutiérrez grounded in a run. LF Junior Lake flew out then C Webster Rivas doubled to make it 2-0. In the third, CF Emilio Bonifacio and 1B Yamaico Navarro both singled and 2B Robinson Canó hit into a run-scoring double play for a 3-0 lead.

45-year-old Raúl Valdés shut out Mexico for three innings before allowing a run in the 4th as CF José Cardona singled (one of his three hits), advanced on a wild pitch and scored on RF Justin Dean doubled him home. Navarro hit into an error by 3B Orlando Piña then Canó singled. César Vargas relieved Torres-Pérez but was greeted by a single from Hernández. Rojas Jr. hit into a run-scoring force for a 4-1 lead. 1B Reynaldo Rodríguez took Valdés deep in the 7th to close it to 4-2.

Fernando Abad succeeded Valdés in the 8th and Mexico began their winning rally. With one out, Cardona doubled. After Abad retired Dean, Cardona stole third and RF Roberto Valenzuela walked. Rodríguez doubled in a run, then Irving López hit a pinch-hit, two-run, game-winning double. Jake Sanchez retired four of the last five for the save.

Game 3

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Montería	0	0	1	0	3	1	0	0	2	7	13	3
Mayagüez	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	5	2
Win: Eduar López (1-0) Loss: Daryl Thompson (0-1)

Defending champion Colombia starts off strong. DH Jordan Díaz's 3-run homer in the 5th was the biggest hit, while 3B Francisco Acuña scores three runs while going 4-for-4 from the 9 slot. Eduar López, Carlos Díaz, Jhon Peluffo and Kevin Escorcia shut down the Puerto Rican champs. LF Daniel Ortiz drives in 1B Vimael Machín with the lone Puerto Rican run.

Game 4

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Caracas	1	0	0	2	0	0	1	1	2	5	8	2
Chiriqui	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	6	4
Win: David Ramos (1-0) Loss: Davis Romero (0-1) Save: Anthony Vizcaya (1)

The hosts kick off with a victory. They started quickly when 2B Alí Castillo walked, DH Wilfredo Tovar singled off Davis Romero (an error by RF Ariel Sandoval sending Castillo to third) and LF Hernán Pérez singled to make it 1-0. Panama took the lead in the bottom of the second; C Erick Castillo singled off David Ramos, Sanodval singled and CF Jhonny Santos walked. SS Enrique Valdez hit into a run-scoring force and an error on the play by SS Orlando Arcia made it 2-1. Ramos would allow nothing further, nor would the four relievers who followed him (Miguel Socolovich, Arnaldo Hernández, Ricardo Rodriguez and Anthony Vizcaya).

The Leones roared ahead in the 4th. 3B Carlos Rivero and C Wilson Ramos drew back-to-back walks. Wilfredo Pereira took over for Romero but also had trouble with the strike zone, walking Arcia and then Castillo to force in the tying run. Tovar hit into a force at second, scoring Wilson Ramos with the go-ahead run. It remained a one-run game until the 8th when Castillo singled off Severino González to bring in Rivero; Venezuela tacked on one more insurance run in the 9th when CF José Rondón's sac fly off Abdiel Saldaña brought in 1B Isaías Tejeda.

February 3

Game 5

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chiriqui	0	0	0	3	0	1	2	0	0	6	10	1
Montería	1	0	0	1	0	1	2	0	0	5	11	1
Win: Harold Araúz (1-0) Loss: Julio Vivas (0-1) Save: David Richardson (1)

The two teams both moved to 1-1, as Panama edged Colombia. Colombia got on the board early as LF Gustavo Campero opened with a single (the first of his three hits) off Harold Araúz, advanced on a grounder and a wild pitch and scored on a two-out single by DH Jordan Díaz. Meanwhile, Julio Vivas shut out Panama for the first three. In the 4th, he ran into trouble. 1B Iván Herrera hit a one-out triple then DH Erasmo Caballero drew a walk. With one out, RF Ariel Sandoval drew a walk to load them up. CF Jhonny Santos hit into an error by SS Dayan Frías to tie it. SS Enrique Valdez then singled in a pair for a 3-1 lead.

Colombia got one back in the bottom of the 4th when CF Brayan Buelvas singled, stole and scored on a hit from CF Jesús Marriaga (one of three hits today for Marriaga). Panama put the lead back at two when Sandoval hit a two-run shot off Yelmison Peralta in the top of the 6th. In the bottom of the 6th, Díaz walked, advanced when Herrera made an error on a pick-off attempt, advanced on a grounder and scored on a fly from Buelvas to cut it to 4-3.

Panama got their last runs in the 7th. LF Rodrigo Orozco Jr. laid down a one-out bunt hit against veteran Randy Consuegra and 2B Michael Wielansky drilled a homer to right for a 6-3 lead. Colombia came close in the bottom of the inning. Marriaga greeted reliever Abdiel Mendoza with a double and 2B Francisco Acuña doubled him in. Campero singled to make it a one-run game but Mendoza retired the next three and three of four in the 8th. In the 9th, David Richardson gave up a leadoff single to Acuña. Campero, 3-for-4 to that point, hit into a force at second then PH Daniel Vellojin hit into a game-ending 1-6-3 double play.

Game 6

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Licey	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	10	1
Granma y Las Tunas	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	7	1
Win: Domingo Robles (1-0) Loss: Jonathan Carbó (0-1) Save: Jairo Asencio (1)

The Tigres got all the offense they needed - and would get - in the third. RF Luis Barrera drew a leadoff walk that inning from Jonathan Carbó and 2021 Olympian Bronze Medalist SS Gustavo Núñez singled him to third. C Yosvani Alarcón threw away a pick-off attempt, scoring Barrera. CF Emilio Bonifacio coaxed a walk then 2B Robinson Canó singled in a second run. 1B Ramón Hernández hit into a run-scoring force. Cuba managed only one run against Domingo Robles and four relievers, that tally coming in the 5th when DH Guillermo Avilés singled, then took second on an error on the play by LF Mel Rojas Jr. SS Andrés De La Cruz doubled to left to drive in the run.

Game 7

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
WildCats KJ74	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	11	2
Los Mochis	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	4	0
Win: Néstor Molina (1-0) Loss: Matt Pobereyko (0-1) Save: Wendell Floranus (1)

Curaçao got its first Caribbean Series win, thanks to four-hit pitching from Series veteran Néstor Molina, Kevin Kelly, Edgar García and Wendell Floranus. In the third, they took the lead on back-to-back doubles by LF Roger Bernadina (one of his three hits) and CF Ray-Patrick Didder off Matt Pobereyko. Mexico loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning but failed to score.

The WildCats doubled their lead in the 5th. RF Edmond Americaan singled with two outs, took second on a wild pitch and scored on a hit by Bernadina. Los Mochis got their lone run in the 6th when DH Joey Terdoslavich went yard off Molina. Wendell Floranus had a 1-2-3 9th to save it, striking out the last two.

Game 8

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Mayagüez	2	1	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	6	11	0
Caracas	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	4	2
Win: Ricardo Vélez (1-0) Loss: Jhoulys Chacín (0-1)

All eight teams finish day two at 1-1, with the 'visiting' team (that is, team batting first) winning each game. Puerto Rico roughs up Rockies veteran Jhoulys Chacín today, with LF Daniel Ortiz (3 H, 2 RBI) and CF Bryan Torres (2 H, 2 BB, 2 R) leading the way. Braden Webb lasts only 3 2/3 IP but the bullpen of Ricardo Vélez, José Espada, Carlos Francisco and 44-year-old Ricardo Gómez allow only one hit the rest of the way for Puerto Rico, fanning eight in that time; Gómez strikes out the side in the 9th in the only one of today's contests that did not feature a save.

February 4

Game 9

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
WildCats KJ74	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	6	3
Chiriqui	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	1
Win: Temesh Lourens (1-0) Loss: Yusniel Padron-Artiles (0-1) Save: Franklin Van Gurp (1)

The newest entrant becomes the first to two wins, edging Panama. In what would be a pitching duel, Curaçao challenged early. Edison Frías gave up a leadoff single to LF Roger Bernadina and hit CF Ray-Patrick Didder. 2B Jonathan Schoop hit into a double play (one of six today) but DH Wladimir Balentien and 3B Sharlon Schoop walked to load them up. SS Enrique Valdez singled off Jair Jurrjens in the bottom of the second, then stole second and third but was stranded.

The WildCats loaded the bases in the 4th on hits by Sharlon Schoop and Profar plus a walk by SS Darren Seferina but 1B Dudley Leonora hit into a rally-ending double play. After numerous missed opportunities, a team scored in the 7th. Seferina drew a leadoff walk from Yusniel Padron-Artiles and Leonora laid down a bunt hit. Severino González relieved and C Dashenko Ricardo laid down a bunt as well; an error on the play by his counterpart Erick Castillo loaded the bags once again. This time, the islanders took advantage of the opportunity as Didder got plunked to drive in Seferina with the game's lone run. The WildCats got another bases-loaded situation in the 9th but Jonathan Schoop whiffed and Balentien grounded out. In the bottom of the 9th, Franklin Van Gurp entered to close it out, after Temesh Lourens and Kevin Kelly had provided 4 1/3 hitless, scoreless innings of relief. Van Gurp got Castillo looking then RF Ariel Sandoval hit into an error by defensive wizard SS Andrelton Simmons, who had just entered as a defensive sub. CF Jhonny Santos then grounded into the game's 6th twin killing, Simmons starting the game-ending play.

Game 10

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Mayagüez	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	4	8	2
Licey	4	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	-	6	10	0
Win: Esmil Rogers (1-0) Loss: Luis Cruz (0-1) Save: Jairo Asencio (2)

For the first time this Series, the team that batted first wound up on the losing end. The Dominicans chased starter Luis Cruz early. CF Emilio Bonifacio opened the game with a single, 1B Yamaico Navarro walked and a fly from 2B Robinson Canó advanced Bonifacio. DH Ramón Hernández singled in one run then RF Mel Rojas Jr. doubled in two more. 3B Kelvin Gutiérrez singled back to the mound then C Webster Rivas singled to make it 4-0. Dan Wirchansky took over for Cruz, but the damage had been done. Puerto Rico closed it to 6-4 and had the tying run on first with two outs in the 9th but Jairo Asencio retired Jeremy Rivera to lock up his second save.

Game 11

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Montería	2	0	0	0	4	0	0	0	0	6	7	1
Los Mochis	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	3	1	7	7	0
Win: Juan Gámez (1-0) Loss: Oscar Marcelino (0-1)

In a close matchup, Colombia scored first, off Darel Torres. LF Gustavo Campero singled, advanced on a wild pitch and then 3B Francisco Acuña singled then they pulled off a double steal. 2B Jordan Díaz doubled to make it 2-0. Mexico tied it back up in the bottom of the inning against Francisco López. With one out, RF Justin Dean walked then scored on a double by SS Roberto Valenzuela. After an out, 3B Rodolfo Amador singled in the tying run.

In the bottom of the second, the Cañeros went ahead when C Juan Uriarte homered. The Vaqueros retook the lead in the 5th. Acuña kept up his dazzling series with a double off César Vargas. With one out, 1B Dilson Herrera drew a walk and RF Jesús Marriaga singled to tie it. Luis Márquez relieved and got one out but then served up a three-run smash to DH Andrés Angulo.

Still down 6-3 entering the bottom of the 8th, Mexico got a one-out single by CF José Cardona off Jhon Peluffo. Valenzuela hit into a two-out error by Díaz. Following a walk to countrymate Reynaldo Rodríguez, Francisco Jiménez replaced Peliuffo. Amador delivered a two-run single then DH Orlando Piña singled in the tying run. In the bottom of the 9th, Oscar Marcelino entered to pitch and PH Julian Ornelas singled. He was bunted over then Cardona walked. Following a double steal, Dean was intentionally walked. Valenzuela was then plunked to force in the winning run.

Game 12

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Granma y Las Tunas	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	3	9	3
Caracas	7	2	0	3	2	1	0	5	-	20	25	1
Win: Guillermo Moscoso (1-0) Loss: Yoel Mogena (0-1)

Cuba jumped on Guillermo Moscoso in the top of the first when CF Yunieski Larduet singled, stole and scored on a two-out double by C Yosvani Alarcón; it was the first of three runs on the day for Larduet. Unfortunately for Cuba, their other players didn't score any runs while their pitchers were lit up for 20 runs and 25 hits. Starter Yoel Mogena lasted a third of an inning, surrendering five runs while Alexander Valiente succeeded him without success, allowing two runs while retiring no one as Venezuela sent 11 batters to the plate in the first inning alone. RF Danry Vásquez (4 H, 3 R, 3 RBI), CF José Rondón (4 H, a triple shy of a cycle, 6 RBI) and C Francisco Arcia (4 R) are among those on Venezuela's explosive offense today.

February 5

Game 13

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	R	H	E
Montería	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2	6	10	2
WildCats KJ74	0	0	0	1	0	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	5	6	1
Win: Carlos Díaz (1-0) Loss: Cerilio Soleana (0-1) Save: Yelmison Peralta (1)

The newcomers had their third straight one-run game, but first loss in that span, in an exciting 13-inning affair. Curaçao turned to Shairon Martis, almost 17 years after his no-hitter in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He started on a rough note as RF Gustavo Campero doubled, stole third and scored two batters later on a grounder by DH Jordan Díaz. Colombia added another run in the 4th on hits by CF Jesús Marriaga and SS Fabián Pertuz. The WildCats got a run back in the bottom of the inning against Carlos Quevedo when RF Sharlon Schoop drew a one-out walk, advanced on a grounder by SS Andrelton Simmons and scored on a hit from C Sicnarf Loopstok. 1B Jurickson Profar singled, but Loopstok was thrown out trying to score on the play.

In the bottom of the 6th, Schoop singled off Quevedo and Simmons homered for a 3-2 lead. They added insurance in the 8th. 2B Jonathan Schoop drew a walk from Kevin Escorcia and his brother Sharlon bunted into a force. Simmons walked and Loopstok hit into an error by Pertuz. Ryan Huntington, Franklin Van Gurp and Edgar García pitched shutout ball from the 6th to the 8th, then Curaçao turned to closer Wendell Floranus. 2B Dayan Frías had an infield hit then Campero walked. After a sacrifice bunt, Díaz singled in two to tie the game. Even with the starting runner in extra innings, neither team scored from the 10th through the 12th as Floranus and Cerilio Soleana shut down the Vaqueros while Julio Vivas and Carlos Díaz tamed the WildCats.

LF Andrés Angulo opened the 13th with a hit off Soleana but was out trying for a double. C Pabel Manzanero doubled for a 5-4 edge; Brayan Buelvas ran for him but Soleana picked him off second for their second out at second base that inning. Pertuz homered for a 6-4 lead. In the bottom of the 13th, the WildCats got men on the corners with no outs against Yelmison Peralta but LF Aldrich De Jongh flew out to left. Simmons hit into a run-scoring force, putting the tying run aboard, but Peralta struck out Loopstok to end it.

Game 14

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Los Mochis	3	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	10	2
Granma y Las Tunas	0	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	5	0
Win: Jeff Kinley (1-0) Loss: Kelbis Rodríguez (0-1) Save: Jake Sanchez (2)

After suffering a blowout, Cuba plays a much tighter game, but still falls to 1-3 as Mexico is the first country to three wins. Cuba's starter again fails to make it through the first. Ángel Sánchez issued a one-out walk to RF Justin Dean and a two-out walk to DH Reynaldo Rodríguez. 3B Rodolfo Amador singled in a run, the first of his three hits. 1B Joey Terdoslavich hit a two-run double to chase Sánchez in favor of Kelbis Rodríguez. The new hurler would take the loss despite holding Mexico to 3 runs in 7 1/3 innings of relief, a big improvement on his predecessor.

Cuba got all its offense in the 2nd against Jeff Kinley. 2B Yosvani Alarcón singled, LF Rafael Viñales walked and 1B Guillermo Avilés singled. DH Denis Laza hit into a two-run error by Amador. SS Andrés De La Cruz singled to tie it at three. 3B Osvaldo Abreu hit into an error by SS Roberto Valenzuela to score another run. After a fielder's choice, Kinley balked in the inning's fifth run.

The Cañeros came back in the third, with both players who made errors seeking atonement. Valenzuela singled to lead off, then Amador had a one-out single. Terdoslavich drew a walk then LF Julio Ornelas hit into a run-scoring force. After Ornales stole second, 2B Jasson Atondo delivered a two-run single. While it was 6-5 after 2 1/2, neither team would score again. Rafael Córdova, Samuel Zazueta and Jake Sanchez held Cuba to one hit in three shutout innings to close it.

Game 15

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Mayagüez	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	5	0
Chiriqui	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	1	-	3	9	3
Win: David Richardson (1-0) Loss: Carlos Francisco (0-1)

Puerto Rico joins Cuba at 1-3 as both suffer one-run losses today. The Indios did get ahead first. Facing Steven Fuentes in the third, 2B Jesmuel Valentín hit into a two-base error by his counterpart, Michael Wielansky. CF Bryan Torres tripled him in then 3B Emmanuel Rivera followed wit ha run-scoring double. Fuentes escaped further harm, working six innings. He was followed by Wilfredo Pereira and David Richardson, who pitched shutout ball for the final three.

The Federales got one back in the bottom of the third when Ronnie Williams walked 3B Joshwan Wright and RF Rodrigo Orozco Jr. doubled him in. Panama loaded the bases but Williams got out of that inning without another run scoring. In the 4th, LF Jahdiel Santamaria took Williams deep to tie it. Panama loaded the bases in the 5th but Ricardo Vélez whiffed SS Enrique Valdez to keep it even.

In the 8th, Valdez opened with a walk from Carlos Francisco and Wright laid down a bunt hit. Orozco bunted both runners over and Wielansky was intentionally walked. Francisco struck out PH Erasmo Caballero but 1B Iván Herrera singled in the winner. Richardson went 1-2-3 to end it, striking out Rivera to close the game.

Game 16

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	R	H	E
Licey	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	2	8	3
Caracas	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	3	7	3
Win: Ricardo Pinto (1-0) Loss: Lisalverto Bonilla (0-1)

All four games today are one-run affairs, two of them going extra innings. The hosts join Mexico at three wins in a game where neither team scored in the first nine innings. César Valdez went six shutout for Licey, while Erick Leal matched him for Caracas. Neither team even got two baserunners on at a time until the 9th inning, when 2B Robinson Canó doubled off Anthony Vizcaya and 1B Ramón Hernández walked. Vizcaya came back to strike out DH Henry Urrutia, RF Mel Rojas Jr. and 3B Kelvin Gutiérrez to end the threat.

Venezuela loaded the bases in the bottom of the 9th but Jonathan Aro struck out 3B Hernán Pérez to force extra innings. In the top of the 10th, a grounder and a wild pitch by Vizcaya let the starting runner score to put Licey ahead. Caracas came back in the bottom of the inning when CF José Rondón singled off Jairo Asencio to bring in the starting runner. In the 11th, Urrutia's single off Ricardo Pinto made it 2-1. In the bottom of the inning, LF Danry Vásquez's sacrifice fly off Lisalverto Bonilla tied it again.

The Dominicans got a runner to the third in the 12th but didn't score off Pinto. In the bottom of the frame, Rondón singled to score the winner.

February 6

Game 17

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Granma y Las Tunas	0	0	0	2	0	2	0	0	0	4	6	2
Montería	0	0	2	0	3	0	0	0	0	5	8	0
Win: Hernando Mejía (1-0) Loss: Jonathan Carbó (0-2) Save: Jhon Peluffo (1)

Colombia edges Cuba by one. In the bottom of the third, RF Gustavo Campero hit a two-out double off Jonathan Carbó, 2B Francisco Acuña walked and DH Jordan Díaz knocked a two-run double to right. Cuba tied it in the 4th, chasing Randy Consuegra in the process. RF Raico Santos drew a leadoff walk, C Yosvani Alarcón hit a one-out double and his brother 2B Yordanis Alarcón singled in both runners.

The Vaqueros retook the lead in the 5th. SS Dayan Frías singled and Campero homered for a 4-2 lead. Acuña singled, then Yoel Mogena relieved Carbó. Acuña stole second and moved to third on a throwing error. With one out, CF Jesús Marriaga singled for a 5-2 advantage. Cuba pulled closer in the 6th. With one out, Oscar Marcelino hit LF Denis Laza and Yordanis Alarcón. 1B Rafael Viñales doubled in a run. Samuel Burgos relieved and allowed a single to SS Andrés De La Cruz to make it 5-4 with the tying run on third and the go-ahead run on first. Cuba got no closer, though, against Burgos and Jhon Peluffo, who faced the minimum the rest of the way.

Game 18

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Licey	0	0	3	0	2	1	0	1	3	10	11	1
Chiriqui	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	9	1
Win: Steve Moyers (1-0) Loss: Ernesto Silva (0-1)

The Dominicans pull off a rout as Steve Moyers allows one run in eight; a balanced offense attack is led by LF Mel Rojas Jr. (2 H, BB, 2B, 2 R, RBI), nine different players scoring runs. Panama's lone run comes early when 3B Joshwan Wright drives in CF Jhonny Santos. SS Enrique Valdez has three hits, more than anyone on the winning team.

Game 19

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
WildCats	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	4	1
Mayagüez	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	-	3	7	0
Win: Dan Wirchansky (1-0) Loss: Jordan Lucas (0-1) Save: Ricardo Gómez (1)

The Indios got their second win, thanks to fine pitching from Héctor Hernández, Dan Wirchansky and Ricardo Gómez, who worked a combined 8 2/3 IP with three hits and no runs. They got all the offensive support they needed in the first. C Rubén Castro hit a one-out single off Jordan Lucas and 3B Emmanuel Rivera doubled. 1B Vimael Machín was intentionally walked then SS Edwin Díaz was plunked to force in a run. LF Danny Ortiz's sacrifice fly made it 2-0.

The WildCats got their only run in the 5th. After three of four reached against veteran Fernando Cabrera, Dan Wirchansky relieved and allowed a single to RF Sharlon Schoop but her got SS Andrelton Simmons to end the inning. Nelmerson Angela shut out Puerto Rico from the 2nd through the 6th. In the 7th, he allowed back-to-back singles by 2B Jesmuel Valentín and CF Bryan TOrres. Ryan Huntington relieved and Castro greeted him with a RBI single to end the scoring.

Game 20

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Los Mochis	0	2	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	7	13	0
Caracas	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1
Win: Luis Miranda (1-0) Loss: J.C. Ramírez (0-1)

In a matchup of the two 3-1 teams, Mexico romps past host Venezuela. Luis Miranda allows two hits and fans seven in 6 innings and Samuel Zazueta, Brandon Koch, Rafael Córdova and Juan Gámez close it out without allowing another hit. 1B Reynaldo Rodríguez has a three-hit day for Los Mochis.

February 7

Game 21

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Granma y Las Tunas	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	12	2
Mayagüez	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2	4	10	1
Win: Braden Webb (1-0) Loss: Andy Vargas (1-1)

Already the longest Series to date, it might feel longer for Cuba, which takes another one-run loss, blowing it in the 9th. Granma y Las Tunas got all their runs in the second off Daryl Thompson. C Yosvani Alarcón singled, as did 1B Rafael Viñales, 2B Carlos Benítez amd 3B Yordanis Alarcón to make it 1-0. SS Andrés De La Cruz bunted in another then RF Alexquemer Sánchez drove in another with a fly. After Thompson left in the third, Luis Cruz and Braden Webb would combine for 7 1/3 shutout innings.

The Indios closed the gap to one in the 5th against César García. LF Danny Ortiz doubled and scored on a one-out triple by RF Roberto Enríquez. With two away, CF Bryan Torres singled to make it 3-2. After scoreless work in the 7th and 8th, Andy Vargas faded in the 9th. Ortiz again got it going, this time with a single; he left for a pinch-runner, Brett Rodríguez. He stole second after one out and took third on a grounder. Cuba was now one out away from victory. C Brian Navaretto walked and Jeremy Rivera pinch-ran. Torres hit into a two-base error by Benítez to tie the game, then 3B Emmanuel Rivera singled in Jeremy Rivera with the winner.

Game 22

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chiriquí	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	7	4
Los Mochis	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	-	2	7	3
Win: Braulio Torres-Pérez (1-0) Loss: Davis Romero (0-2)

The Cañeros remain in first, edging out the Federales in today's game. 2B Irving López had a one-out single in the bottom of the first off Davis Romero, then moved to third on an error by RF Ariel Sandoval on the play. 1B Reynaldo Rodríguez followed with a sacrifice fly. Panama tied it in the 4th when 1B Jahdiel Santamaria singled off Braulio Torres-Pérez and CF Jhonny Santos doubled him in. Panama ended the inning with runners on second and third but failed to score again against either Torres-Pérez or the six relievers who followed him. Mexico went ahead for good in the 5th. CF José Cardona singled and was bunted over by López. C Iván Herrera then made a throwing error that let Cardona race him.

Game 23

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Montería	0	0	0	0	0	4	5	2	0	11	10	0
Licey	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	7	2
Win: Eduar López (2-0) Loss: Raúl Valdés (1-1)

The Vaqueros turned a pitching duel into a rout. Eduar López and Raúl Valdés trade goose eggs for five before Colombia's bats explode for 11 runs in the next 3 innings. LF Andrés Angulo drove in three while CF Jesús Marriaga had three hits. López finished with seven shutout innings, giving up four hits. LF Junior Lake drove in 3B Kelvin Gutiérrez in the 9th to avoid Licey being blanked.

Game 24

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Caracas	2	0	0	0	0	0	3	3	0	8	11	1
WildCats	1	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	12	0
Win: Arnaldo Hernández (1-0) Loss: Edgar García (0-1) Save: Anthony Vizcaya (2)

The Leones pulled off a comeback win in a battle of teams with feline nicknames. 2B Alí Castillo began the game with a double off Cody Mincey. After an out, LF Danry Vásquez walked. RF Oswaldo Arcia hit a two-out, two-run single for an early lead. The WildCats clawed back against David Ramos in the bottom of the inning. With one out, SS Andrelton Simmons singled. After another out, RF Sharlon Schoop and DH Wladimir Balentien both singled to cut it to 2-1. Ramos was then hit hard in the second. 1B Dudley Leonora singled, as did LF Jurickson Profar. SS Darren Seferina laid down a bunt hit. CF Ray-Patrick Didder cleared the bases with a double and Simmons doubled as well. 2B Jonathan Schoop singled for the sixth straight hit for Curaçao, making it 5-2. Ricardo Pinto took over, as Ramos had allowed nine hits while retiring only three. Sharlon Schoop hit into a run-scoring double play. Pinto, Miguel Socolovich, Arnaldo Hernández, Ricardo Rodríguez and Anthony Vizcaya would hold the WildCats to three hits and no runs over the final eight in an excellent relief performance for the home fans.

Mincey carried the 6-2 lead into the 7th but tired. CF José Rondón got plunked, then C Wilson Ramos and SS Orlando Arcia both singled to make it 6-3. Castillo drew a walk and a grounder by DH Wilfredo Tovar closed it to 6-4. Mincey intentionally walked Vásquez and the move backfired when 1B Isaías Tejeda drew a walk as well to force in the run. Edgar García relieved and got an inning-ending double play. He did not fare so well in the 8th, walking Rondón with one out and Orlando Arcia and Castillo each with two outs. A wild pitch tied the contest then Tovar walked as well. JC Sulbaran took over and Vásquez greeted him with a two-run ground-rule double to win it.

February 8

Game 25

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chiriquí	0	0	5	2	0	0	0	0	3	10	15	0
Granma y Las Tunas	1	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	4	10	0
Win: Harold Araúz (2-0) Loss: Leandro Martínez (0-1)

Cuba finishes the round-robin only 1-6, scoring first today but otherwise getting rocked in a loss. Harold Araúz allows one run in six while SS Enrique Valdez and 2B Michael Wielansky each have three hits, while CF Jhonny Santos drives in three. CF Yunieski Larduet has three hits in a losing cause.

Game 26

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
WildCats	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	7	2
Licey	1	0	0	0	0	0	4	1	-	6	10	1
Win: Williams Jerez (1-0) Loss: Néstor Molina (0-1)

Licey locked up the last spot in the semifinals. They scored in the first off Néstor Molina when CF Emilio Bonifacio doubled (the first of his three hits), 1B Yamaico Navarro laid down a one-out bunt single and DH Henry Urrutia hit into an error by 2B Jonathan Schoop. The WildCats tied it in the 4th against Domingo Robles as SS Andrelton Simmons walked, advanced on a grounder and scored on a hit by DH Sharlon Schoop. It remained 1-1 until the 7th. Bonifacio again got it going, this time with a one-out triple. 2B Robinson Canó doubled him in. After an intentional walk to Navarro, Ramón Hernández pinch-hit for Urrutia and came up big with a three-run blast off reliever Ryan Huntington. They got insurance in the 8th when Bonifacio singled in a run. Curaçao got their last run of the event in the 9th against Jairo Asencio on singles by RF Wladimir Balentien, LF Jurickson Profar and PH Sicnarf Loopstok.

Game 27

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Mayagüez	1	0	4	0	0	0	0	2	2	9	18	1
Los Mochis	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	6	0
Win: Alex Sanabia (1-0) Loss: Darel Torres (0-1)

Puerto Rico wins handily, with big days at the plate from DH Rubén Castro (3 R), 3B Emmanuel Rivera (3 H), 1B Vimael Machín (3 H, 3 RBI) and SS Edwin Díaz (3-run homer). RF Fernando Villegas drives in two for Los Mochis.

Game 28

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Caracas	0	3	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	7	8	1
Montería	0	1	0	0	1	2	0	0	0	4	7	1
Win: Jhoulys Chacín (1-1) Loss: Francisco Jiménez (0-1) Save: Anthony Vizcaya (3)

With both teams having locked up spots in the semifinals, the hosts beat Colombia today. It is decided pretty early. In the second, Caracas draws two walks and C Francisco Arcia doubles in a run from the 9 slot. 2B Alí Castillo then singles in a pair. After Jhoulys Chacín gives back one in the bottom of the second, the Leones tack on two more in the third. The bullpen closes it out with three hitless innings, fanning six; Arnaldo Hernández, Ricardo Rodríguez and Anthony Vizcaya again provide superb relief. 1B Dilson Herrera doubles twice and scores two for the Vaqueros while C Pablo Manzanero doubles twice and drives in a pair.

February 9

Game 29

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Licey	1	1	0	3	0	0	2	0	1	8	13	1
Los Mochis	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	1	0	3	7	2
Win: Esmil Rogers (2-0) Loss: Matt Pobereyko (0-2)

The last team to make the semifinals tops the first team that did so. The Dominicans set the pace early against Matt Pobereyko. With one out in the 1st, 40-year-old 2B Robinson Canó laid down a bunt hit. 1B Yamaico Navarro singled him to third, DH Henry Urrutia walked and LF Mel Rojas Jr. hit a sacrifice fly. In the 2nd, RF Luis Barrera led off with a walk (he would also add 3 hits). He advanced on a grounder and scored on a hit by SS Gustavo Núñez. That's the way the game kept going for the Tigres in an easy win.

Game 30

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Monteria	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	2	0	5	9	0
Caracas	2	0	2	0	2	1	0	0	-	7	10	1
Win: Guillermo Moscoso (2-0) Loss: Julio Vivas (0-2) Save: Anthony Vizcaya (4)

In a rematch of yesterday, the Leones again score seven runs against the Vaqueros. This time, it is with a spot in the finals at stake, though. Like the Dominicans in the first semifinal, Venezuela gets to work in the first. 2B Alí Castillo and DH Wilfredo Tovar opened with singles. After two grounders made it second-and-third, RF Osvaldo Arcia was intentionally walked. As with so many intentional walks, the move didn't work out, as CF José Rondón singled in a pair.

Colombia closed the gap to one in the third against Guillermo Moscoso when 2B Dayan Frías walked and RF Gustavo Campero doubled him in. Venezuela quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. LF Danry Vásquez and 3B Hernán Pérez singled then Arcia drew a walk. With one out, Vivas hit 1B Isaías Tejeda to make it 3-1 then SS Orlando Arcia hit a sacrifice fly for a 4-1 lead.

Monteria made it a one-run game again in the 5th. With two outs, Frías singled and Campero tripled him home. 2B Francisco Acuña singled to left for a 4-3 game. Venezuela again struck back quickly. Pérez drew a walk from Samuel Burgos and stole second. Rondón then went deep for a four-RBI day. They got their final run in the 7th; Tovar had a one-out single off Yelmison Peralta, advanced on a wild pitch and a grounder and scored on a Pérez hit.

Colombia closed the gap a bit in the 8th. Ricardo Rodríguez allowed a double to DH Jordan Díaz and 1B Dilson Herrera singled to make it 7-4. CF Jesús Marriaga walked, then LF Andrés Angulo hit into a double play. 3B Fabián Pertuz doubled for a 7-5 score, but Anthony Vizcaya came in and slammed the door, striking out 3 of 4 batters for his fourth save of the Series.

February 10

Game 31

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Monteria	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	0
Los Mochis	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	-	1	6	0
Win: Jeff Kinley (2-0) Loss: Kevin Escorcia (0-1) Save: Jake Sanchez (4)

The 3rd/4th place game was a pitching duel between Los Mochis's Jeff Kinley and Monteria's Carlos Quevedo. Kinley went six innings, scattering four hits and walking none, while Quevedo allowed three hits and one walk in five shutout innings. The Cañeros wasted no time getting to his bullpen, though. Kevin Escorcia relieved in the bottom of the 6th. 2B Irving López and SS Roberto Valenzuela were both plunked. Facing his countrymates, 1B Reynaldo Rodríguez hit into a double play that moved López to third. DH Joey Terdoslavich singled to center to score the only run of the game. Colombia challenged in the 7th, getting two men in scoring position with one out but César Vargas recovered to strike out the next two. He fanned two of three in the 8th as well, then Jake Sanchez allowed one hit in the 9th in getting his fourth save.

Game 32

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Licey	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	3	9	0
Caracas	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	2
Win: César Valdéz (1-0) Loss: Erick Leal (0-1) Save: Jairo Asencio (3)

César Valdéz allows three hits in 6 1/3 shutout innings to lock up Series MVP honors and the bullpen of Jonathan Aro, Fernando Abad and Jairo Asencio give up no hits the remainder of the way to give Licey their 11th Series title, extending their record. CF Emilio Bonifaico and C Michael De La Cruz each have two hits to lead the offense for Licey. 3B Hernán Pérez has two of Caracas's three hits.

Further Reading

• Manny Randhawa: "Licey claims Caribbean Series title for Dominican Republic", mlb.com, February 11, 2023. [1]

Sources

• ESPN, Sporting News