Figueroa puts Leones in the driver's seat

Escogido 9, Aguilas 0
D-backs right-hander Nelson Figueroa struck out seven and allowed four hits over eight innings as the Leones took a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-9 Championship Series. Jorge Cantu drilled a two-run homer and Mets utility man Jordany Valdespin and Tigers infielder Ramon Santiago also had two RBIs apiece for Escogido. Manny Ramirez accounted for half of the Aguilas' hits. Box score

Puerto Rican Winter League

Mayaguez 2, Caguas 1
Twins prospect Daniel Ortiz and Major League veteran Randy Ruiz hit back-to-back homers in the opening inning and the Indios held on to get within 2-1 in the best-of-7 Championship Series. Mets prospect Randy Fontañez allowed two hits over three innings of scoreless relief to get the win, while Minor League veteran Miguel Abreu drove in the Criollos' lone run with a sacrifice fly. Box score

Mexican Pacific League

Mexicali 12, Guasave 4
Major League veteran Chris Roberson doubled twice, drove in three runs and scored once out of the leadoff spot as the Aguilas won the decisive seventh game of their semifinal series. Jorge Guzman hit a three-run homer and former Angels farmhand Ricky Alvarez contributed two RBIs while falling a triple shy of the cycle for Mexicali, which will face Obregon for the title. Red Sox newcomer Mark Hamilton smacked a three-run homer and Freddy Sandoval added a solo shot for the Algodoñeros. Gameday box score

Venezuelan Winter League

Lara 7, Caracas 4
Robert Perez smacked a three-run homer to cap a four-run first inning as the Cardenales prepped for the Championship Series by handing the Leones their third straight loss. Blue Jays newcomer Luis Jimenez went 2-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored for Lara, while Padres infielder Jesus Guzman had two hits, including a solo homer, for Caracas. Gameday box score

Caribes 3, Zulia 2, 11 innings
Cardinals prospect Ildemaro Vargas capped a three-hit day with an RBI single in the 11th inning as the Caribes outlasted the Aguilas. Former Rays farmhand Cesar Suarez chipped in two hits and drove in a run for Anzoategui, which got eight strikeouts over seven innings from Indians right-hander Paolo Espino. Eduardo Perez homered and walked twice for Zulia. Box score