Caribbean Series: Mexico secures semifinal slot, Puerto Rico reignites title hopes

Mexico clinched its spot in the semifinals of the 2025 Caribbean Series with a 2-0 win over the Dominican Republic, while Puerto Rico earned its first victory of the tournament, edging Japan 3-2 on Sunday during the third day at Eagles' Nest Stadium.

In the first game of the day, despite a 3-2 loss to the Mayagüez Indians of Puerto Rico, the Japan Breeze showed improved defense and offense, looking much more competitive after being dominated by the Dominican Republic on Saturday.

Against the Puerto Rican squad, the Japanese players were on fire at the plate, recording 10 hits. Yuta Hamada, Tatsuhiko Satoh, and Ren Tachioka each contributed two hits.

Throughout the game, the Breeze had runners in scoring position in six innings. In the final three frames, the Japanese team appeared more dangerous, but they left two men stranded on the basepaths in the seventh, three in the eighth, and two more in the ninth.

Puerto Rico's pitchers delivered a strong performance. Starter Luis Leroy Cruz took the mound for five innings, throwing 79 pitches—52 of them strikes—and striking out seven Japanese batters.

Cruz left the game with the lead, and in the ninth inning, Justin Yeager came in to secure the save.

For Japan, despite taking the loss, starter Isaki Ninomiya allowed no hits in four innings. After struggling in the first two-thirds of the fifth inning, he was relieved, finishing with 68 pitches—36 of them for strikes.

"Today we didn't lose, we won a lot," said Puerto Rican Alex Ramirez, Japan's manager.

With the need to win the remaining games in the series, the Puerto Rican manager said, "Instead of thinking about two games, I want to focus on this Monday's game (against Mexico). It will be very special."

Mexico trained the Leones

In the marquee matchup, with a solid performance from five pitchers, the Charros de Jalisco from Mexico defeated the Leones del Escogido from the Dominican Republic 2-0.

Ronald Medrano started for the Mexican team, pitching five complete innings and leaving with the game in hand. He was followed by effective middle relievers Alemao Hernández, Jesús Cruz and Stephen Nogosek. Trevor Clifton came in to close the game and earned his second save of the series.

For the Dominican Republic, Esmil Rogers started the game, pitching six and two-thirds innings. During his outing, he recorded a streak of 17 consecutive batters retired.

It was during Rogers' time on the mound that the two Mexican runs were scored—Michael Wielansky drove in one in the first inning, and Julián Ornelas added another in the seventh.

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