The Undercards: Manny Ramirez Slugs Two Home Runs In Victory

Manny Ramirez is starting to look like the Manny who was a legitimate major league hitter. Over his past ten games, Ramirez has three home runs, and a batting average of .333. His performance in the Dominican League may help to get him an invitation to a major league camp as he seeks one final chance in the majors.

Dominican Winter League: Aguilas Cibaenas 6, Gigantes del Cibao 4

Manny Ramirez had his best day for Cibaenas thus far during the season. He began the day with a two run home run in the bottom of the first to give Cibaenas the early lead, then drilled another two run homer in the fifth for what turned out to be the game winning RBI, as he finished the day 2-3 with the 2 home runs and 4 RBI. Hector Luna, hitting in front of Ramirez, was 0-2 before being replaced by Audy Ciriaco in the top of the third inning, after Luna grounded into a force out to end the bottom of the second. Rhyne Hughes entered as a pinch hitter for Cibao in the seventh, but remained in the game and hit a two run home run of his own in the top of the ninth.

Leones del Escogido 3, Tigres del Licey 1

Aside from a rough first inning when Licey scored their only run of the game, Escogido benefited from an excellent start by Daniel Cabrera. The former Oriole allowed the run on three hits and a hit batter in the first, but settled in to last seven solid innings in the victory. Julio Lugo was 1-2 with a walk before being lifted for a pinch runner in the bottom of the seventh.

Mexican Pacific League: Algodoneros de Guasave 6, Yaquis de Obregon 1

Obregon had a rough day against Guasave starter James Avery. In his seven innings, he allowed only 2 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 7 batters. Iker Franco had the misfortune of being on the opposing side during Avery’s performance, as he finished the day 0-2 before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the seventh.

Caneros de los Mochis 6, Naranjeros de Hermosillo 1

It was a rough night for Hermosillo, as Edwin Salas and Heribero Ruelas combined on a four hitter for Mochis. Jorge Cantu was one of those who struggled, as he was 0-4 with a strikeout. Humberto Cota had one of the hits for Hermosillo, and ended the night 1-2 with a walk as he was the only member of the Naranjeros to reach base twice in the game.

Aguilas de Mexicali 5, Mayos de Navojoa 3

Mexicali held a 5-1 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth, and to hold off a spirited rally to come away with the 5-3 victory. Navojoa loaded the bases with none out in the frame, pushing a run across with a bases loaded walk. After a double play pushed across another run, Mexicali was able to escape without further damage to preserve the win. Wes Bankston was 2-5 with a strikeout for Navojoa, but flew out to end the game. Jon Weber was 1-5 with a strikeout in the victory.

Venezuelan Winter League: Leones del Caracas 10, Navegantes del Magallanes 4

Magallanes held a 3-2 lead heading into the top of the fifth inning before Caracas exploded for eight runs in the next three frames en route to the 10-4 victory. Jean Machi was a part of the implosion, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits in his inning of work. However, Machi had gone six innings over his previous five appearances without allowing a run before the disastrous outing yesterday. Victor Zambrano pitched an inning in relief for Caracas, allowing a hit while recording one strikeout.

Aguilas del Zulia 5, Tigres de Aragua 0

Zulia benefited from an impressive start by former White Sox and Dodgers farmhand Dwayne Pollok. Pollok fired eight scoreless innings, holding Aragua to 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 2 batters. Ryan Reid closed out the game, pitching a perfect ninth while recording a strikeout. Reid has now had four consecutive scoreless appearances, spanning 4.2 innings of work.