Puerto Rico 7, Dominican Republic 1

Puerto Rico 7, Dominican Republic 1
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Jose Cruz Jr. went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and four Puerto Rico pitchers combined to shut down the Dominican Republic. Pitchers Javier Vazquez, Jose Santiago, Kiko Calero and J.C. Romero combined to limit the Dominicans to one run and six hits. Los Angeles Angels starter Bartolo Colon matched Vazquez in the early going, allowing one run and four hits in five innings, but Puerto Rico roughed up reliever Damaso Marte in the sixth. Carlos Beltran walked and Javy Lopez doubled to left to open the inning. Cruz then drove in both runners with a base hit and went to second on a throwing error by center fielder Willy Taveras. He went to third on Jose Valentin's single and scored on Alex Cintron's bunt hit to give Puerto Rico a 4-1 lead. Valentin had a two-run single in the seventh to extend the lead to 7-1. Vazquez allowed a solo homer to Seattle Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre in the second but settled down after that, giving up one run and three hits in five innings.
Cuba 7, Venezuela 2
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Ten-time Gold Glove winner Omar Vizquel missed a double play opportunity and gave up an additional out on a fielder's choice, and Cuba capitalized with a five-run sixth inning. Frederich Cepeda hit a three-run homer and Ariel Pestano followed with a solo shot as the underdog Cubans broke out after Johan Santana departed in the opening game of the second round of the World Baseball Classic. With Cuba ahead 1-0, right-hander Giovanni Carrara replaced Santana. Leadoff hitter Eduardo Paret sparked the rally with a four-pitch walk and a stolen base, his second of the tournament.
Associated Press