Venezuela wins in 10th for 2-0 mark in Caribbean Series

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) Shortstop Juniel Querecuto singled with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning Tuesday night, driving in second baseman Hernan Perez from third base as the Aragua Tigers of Venezuela rallied for an 8-7 victory over the Escogido Leones of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series.

The win moved Venezuela to 2-0, matching the Mazatlan Venados of Mexico, who beat Cuba's Ciego de Avila 9-3 earlier.

The Leones led 7-5 before the Tigers scored one run each in the eighth and ninth to force extra innings. Perez led off the bottom of the 10th with a double, then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt.

Pinch hitter Alex Nunez struck out, setting the stage for Querecuto's dramatic game-winning hit.

The loss dropped the Dominican Republic 0-2. Cuba and the Santurce Cangrejeros of Puerto Rico are 0-1.

In the first game, catcher Sebastian Valle put Mexico ahead to stay in the second inning with a three-run double to make it 3-0. He knocked in Mexico's final two runs with another double in the seventh.

''This must be one of the best games of my career. I was making good contact,'' Valle said.

Knuckleballer Eddie Gamboa was credited with Mexico's victory as he gave up three runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Cuban left fielder Lourdes Gourriel had a double and two RBIs, while first baseman Ariel Borrero drove in a run and scored once.

Venezuela and Mexico play Wednesday, while Cuba will face the Santurce Cangrejeros of Puerto Rico.