Fall/Winter League Roundup: Rivera dominant again as Santurce advances
The playoffs continued in the Puerto Rican and Dominican winter leagues, with Eduardo Rivera (pictured) willing his team to a spot in the finals.
Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (Puerto Rico)
After delivering five shutout innings in game two of the series, Eduardo Rivera was spectacular again in game five as he helped Santurce eliminate Caguas. Rivera picked up the win after tossing eight dominant innings that saw him allow one run one three hits while walking one and striking out nine. Santurce needed every bit of that performance as they won the game 2-1. They won again the next day to clinch the series in six games. No Red Sox players saw action for Caguas on the week.
Osvaldo Berrios and Carolina were eliminated by Juan Montero and Ponce. While Montero did not see game action, Berrios did take the loss in the final game of the series. He came on in the sixth inning with the score tied 0-0 and surrendered a solo home run. It was the only run he would allow over 2 2/3 innings while striking out three.
Ponce and Santurce start their best-of-seven championship series on January 12.
Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM)
The LIDOM round robin tournament is through 13 of its 18 games, though Allan Castro has yet to appear in a game for Este. His team is tied for second place with Águilas Cibaeñas, while Escogido has a three-game lead with five games to play. With Escogido presumably taking up one of the spots in the best-of-seven championship series, Este will be battling next week to secure the final spot.
Photo Credit: Eduardo Rivera by Kelly O'Connor