Nelson Figueroa throws 3-hitter for Dominican Republic in 7-1 win over Mexico

Figueroa throws 3-hitter for Dominican Republic

MARGARITA ISLAND, Venezuela — Nelson Figueroa pitched a three-hitter and the Dominican Republic’s Leones del Escogido beat Mexico’s Naranjeros de Hermosillo 7-1 on Wednesday in the Caribbean Series.

Figueroa, who spent the past two seasons with the New York Mets, struck out eight and did not walk a batter.

The Dominican Republic scored four times in the top of the first inning off starter Hector Daniel Rodriguez. The big blow was a two-run homer by Fernando Martinez.

Carlos Valencia’s home run in the eighth ruined Figueroa’s shutout bid.

The Dominican Republic has won its first two games, while Mexico is 1-1.

In the late game, Raul Padron hit a two-run homer to lead Venezuela’s Leones del Caracas to a 5-2 victory over Puerto Rico’s Indios de Mayaguez. Jason Simontacchi worked 4 2-3 innings for the win.

Venezuela improved to 1-1 and Puerto Rico dropped to 0-2 in the tournament, which ends Sunday.