The Dominican Republic takes sole possession of first place.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 6, PUERTO RICO 2

Twins:  Daniel Ortiz (Puerto Rico) was 1-for-3 with a double.

Game summary:  The Dominican Republic scored one in the sixth to tie the game at two, one in the seventh to take the lead, and three in the eighth on a three-run homer by Donell Linares to take control.

Dominican Republic:  Ricardo Nanita (Toronto) was 1-for-3 with a double, a walk, and an RBI.  Jailen Peguero retired all four batters he faced, three by strikeout.

Puerto Rico:  Johnny Monell (San Francisco) was 1-for-3 with a two-run homer.  Efrain Nieves pitched a perfect inning.

VENEZUELA 4, MEXICO 3

Game summary:  Mexico led 3-1 after seven.  Venezuela scored two in the eighth to tie and one in the ninth to win.  Venezuela had two out and none on in the bottom of the ninth, but Jose Castillo walked, took second on a wild pitch, and scored on an RBI single by Mario Lisson.

Mexico:  Rodrigo Lopez (Philadelphia) gave up one run on two hits and a walk in six innings.  Barbaro Canizares was 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

Venezuela:  Lisson was 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.  Robert Perez was 2-for-3 with a home run.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Dominican Republic is 2-0.  Trailing by a game are Mexico and Venezuela, each at 1-1.  Puerto Rico is 0-2.