The Caribbean Series got underway on Monday, as four of the five teams were in action. Two KC Royals minor leaguers saw playing time on Day 1.
In the afternoon game, Mexico defeated Cuba, 2-1.
Cuba led 1-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth before Mexico scored single runs in the sixth and seventh. In the bottom of the 7th inning, Walter Ibarra pinch-hit for Mexico and drove in the go ahead run with a one out single (he was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double).
In the nightcap, with a packed house of 11,000, Venezuela beat host Puerto Rico, 5-2.
Venezuela scored three runs in the top of the third and two more in the fourth.
For Venezuela, Balbino Fuenmayor batted cleanup and played first base. He went 0-for-4 with a strikeout. Fuenmayor also committed a fielding error. Former Royal Gorkys Hernandez went 0-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored.
For Puerto Rico, Reymond Fuentes played centerfield and batted eighth. He went 1-for-1 with two walks and a run scored. Former Royals Ruben Gotay struck out to end the game.
Day 2 gets underway this afternoon, as the Dominican Republic debuts in the series against Cuba. Puerto Rico and Mexico meet at night.
Drinking the Royals Blue Aid 