Ramon Ortiz, Timo Perez winners, Rafael Furcal homers for also-rans in Caribbean Series

SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic (AP) -- "Former major leaguer Ramon Ortiz pitched five scoreless innings and the Licey Tigers won their 10th Caribbean Series with a 8-2 victory over Cibao Eagles.

• Ortiz (2-0) was selected MVP of the four-team, six-game series. The right-hander allowed four hits and walked one in Thursday night's matchup of teams from the Dominican Republic.

Alfredo Simon (0-1) allowed four runs, six hits, struck out four and walked two. Rafael Furcal hit a 2-run homer for the Eagles.

• Timo Perez and Juan Francisco drove in two runs each for Licey.

Licey finished with a 5-1 record, followed by the Eagles at 3-3.

• Earlier, Mexico's Obregon Yaquis defeated Venezuela's Aragua Tigers 7-4. Both teams finished tied for third with a 2-4 record.

Dominican Republic teams have won six out of the last 10 series, where the champions of the Puerto Rican, Venezuelan, Mexican and Dominican winter leagues face off each year.

• Puerto Rico did not play this year due to the cancellation of its winter league. Licey, runner-up in the Dominican league, replaced Puerto Rico."

AP report, "Ramon Ortiz Helps Licey Win the Caribbean Series," published in NY Times, 2/8/08

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