Sandoval helps Navegantes remain on top

Magallanes 4, Lara 3

World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval (Giants) slugged a solo homer in the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie for the Navegantes, who maintained their hold on first place in the round-robin playoffs. Veteran Eliezer Alfonzo (Dodgers) drove in two runs and Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus had three hits and scored once. Yangervis Solarte (Rangers), splitting time between second and right field, was 3-for-5 with a homer and two runs for the Cardenales. Box score

Caracas 4, Zulia 1

Free-agent hurler Armando Galarraga struck out five and allowed one run on four hits over five innings to earn the win for the Leones. Former All-Star outfielder Bobby Abreu drove in a run and Padres outfielder Jesus Guzman added two hits and a run scored. Reds prospect Felix Perez accounted for the Aguilas' lone run with an RBI single. Gameday box score

Dominican Winter League

Oriente 7, Cibaenas 3

Tigers prospect Eliezer Mesa slugged a three-run homer and scored twice for the Estrellas. Luis Jimenez (Angels) fell a triple shy of the cycle and drove in two runs while Cubs' No. 9 prospect Junior Lake smacked an RBI triple. Veteran infielder Joaquin Arias (Giants) had three hits and drove in a run for the Aguilas. Box score

Este 5, Escogido 4

Fernando Abad (Nationals) fanned seven and allowed a run on four hits over five innings to help the Toros tie for first place in the round-robin playoffs. Indians prospect Jose Ramirez plated a pair of runs and former Major Leaguer Esteban German was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Mets infielder Jordany Valdespin collected two RBIs for the Leones. Box score