SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- San Diego Padres utilityman Alexi Amarista hit a two-run triple to lead Venezuela to a 5-2 victory over host Puerto Rico and Mexico beat Cuba 2-1 on Monday in the opening games of the Caribbean Series.
Cincinnati Reds prospect Daryl Thompson gave up a run in six innings and struck out five for the Venezuelan team, Los Caribes de Anzoategui.
Cleveland Indians minor leaguer Giovanni Soto got the loss for the Puerto Rican team, Los Cangrejeros de Santurce.
San Francisco Giants infielder Ehire Adrianza had an RBI single for Venezuela a batter before Amarista got his hit off Soto in the third inning.
Earlier Monday, Los Angeles Dodgers minor leaguer Walter Ibarra hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning for Mexico's Los Tomateros de Culiacan in a win over the Cuban national champion Vegueros de Pinar del Rio.
Cuban starter Freddy Asiel Alvarez allowed only two hits in the first five innings but Mexico scored in the sixth and seventh for the win.
On Tuesday, Cuba plays the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico faces Mexico in the night game.
