The Dominican Republic and Mexico take first-day victories.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 7, VENEZUELA 2

Game summary: Trailing 2-1 after four, the Dominican Republic scored four in the fifth to take control of the game and added two in the seventh to put it away. A two-run homer by Francisco Pena put the Dominican Republic in the lead.

Venezuela: Reegie Corona (Yankees) hit a home run. Rafael Cova pitched a scoreless inning, giving up no hits and one walk.

Dominican Republic: Angel Castro struck out seven in seven innings, allowing two runs on three hits and no walks. Ricardo Nanita (Toronto) was 3-for-4, scoring twice and driving in two.

MEXICO 3, PUERTO RICO 0

Game summary: Mexico scored one in the third and two in the sixth.

Puerto Rico: Johnny Monell (San Francisco) was 2-for-4 with a double. Luis Mateo (St. Louis) was 2-for-3.

Mexico: Luis Mendoza pitched six shutout innings, allowing three hits and two walks. Marlon Byrd was 1-for-3 with a double, a walk, and two RBIs.