2016-17 Brewers Latin (and Australia) Winter League Updates

[Mass Haas]

Caribbean Series box: Puerto Rico now in a big 0-2 hole after losing to Venezuela 4-3.

 

IF Yadiel Rivera did not play, and RHP Hiram Burgos was idle after pitching an inning of relief the day before. Catcher Rene Garcia was 1-for-3 at the plate before being lifted for a pinch-hitter, Venezuela's Freddy Galvis stole two bases against Garcia.

 

SS Ivan Dejesus, Jr. was on base three more times after two hits on Game One. He was 2-for-3, BB, RBI, but commited a 4th inning throwing error that allowed Venezuela to score their 4th run, and that was obviously key based on the final score. You can see that error in the highlight package video at the 01:30 minute mark below --

 

 

Mexico defeated the Dominican Republic 7-2 with former Brewers farmhand LHP Tyler Alexander again pitching well.

 

Both the D.R and Puerto Rico are now 0-2 in the five-team tourney, you'll see standings and more on the Series' home page.

[Mass Haas]

Not Puerto Rico's tournament thus far, now 0-3 after a 6-1 loss to Cuba (box score). Puerto Rico could still make its way into the semifinals of the five-game tourney if they defeat also-winless Dominican Republic on Saturday.

 

Can't blame 29-year-old SS Ivan DeJesus, Jr., he is 6-for-9 with two walks in the three games for an OPS of 1.727, on base thrice more in this game.

 

Yadiel Rivera grounded out as a pinch-hitter in his lone appearance in the series thus far.

 

One reason the recent Ehire Adrianza waiver claim (since DFA'd) made little sense to me was the presence of DeJesus, just two years older, as a big league camp invite and someone who could handle that 25th man infield utility role in a pinch.

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's box: More of the same for Ivan De Jesus, Jr., who was 3-for-4, double, walk, three runs, two RBI as the DH. In an amazing four-game stretch, De Jesus is 9-for-13 with three walks (yes, that player link shows a 1.750 OPS.). Puerto Rico romped 10-2 over the winless Dominican Republic team,

 

Watch De Jesus' double here.

 

Yadiel Rivera got the start at short, was 0-for-2 with two K's, but did walk and added a sacrifice bunt.

 

Puerto Rico is off on Sunday, and it appears, despite their 1-3 record, will qualify over the Dominican Republic to be one of the four teams in Monday's semifinal game. The championship game is Tuesday.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico, Mexico to play for Caribbean crown

Jesse Sanchez, MLB.com

 

Monday Box Score: Puerto Rico reaches the final against host Mexico Tuesday night with a 9-6 win over Venezuela.

 

Ivan De Jesus, Jr. was the DH, his string of multi-hit games finally ended, but he still contributed, 1-for-5 with a run scored.

 

SS Yadiel Rivera had two RBI singles to right field, you can see those at the 1:00 minute mark and the 1:25 minute mark within the highlight package below.

 

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico edges Mexico for Caribbean Series title

Island secures first championship since 2000 by winning in 10 innings

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com

 

Final: Puerto Rico 1, Mexico 0, ten innings (box score)

 

This tweet contains the embedded video of the 10th inning rally which kicked off with SS Yadiel Rivera's leadoff double, smoked to right field. It was Rivera's 2nd hit of the night (2-for-4, two K's, one error). Ivan De Jesus, Jr. was 1-for-4 as the designated hitter and posted a 1.242 OPS in the six games of the tournament.

 

Rivera also caught the final out as the celebration commenced. RHP Hiram Burgos and catcher Rene Garcia enjoyed the party as well as team members, although idle on Tuesday.

 

 

Since we'll have a separate World Baseball Classic thread elsewhere on our forums, this does indeed conclude our winter league thread for 2016-2017.