Dominicans near Caribbean Series title with 7-2 win over Mexico

Dominicans near title with 7-2 win vs. Mexico

MARGARITA ISLAND, Venezuela — Fernando Martinez, Kevin Barker and Juan Francisco homered for the Dominican Republic’s Los Leones del Escogido, helping them get closer to the Caribbean Series title with a 7-2 win over Naranjeros de Hermosillo on Saturday.

If Venezuela, represented by Leones del Caracas, beats Puerto Rico’s Indios de Mayaguez in the later game, the Dominican Republic will win the series. If not, the title will be decided Sunday on the tournament’s final day.

Heath Phillips struck out seven in seven innings for Los Leones, yielding only three hits and two runs.

Luis Garcia accounted for Mexico’s only runs with a two-run homer in the first inning.