Mexico beats Venezuela, gets to Caribbean series semifinals

Alejandro Soto pitched into the sixth inning, Yuniesky Betancourt hit a two-run double and the Mazatlán Venados of Mexico beat Venezuela's Aragua Tigers 6-4 Wednesday for a spot in the semifinal round of the Caribbean Series.

Mexico improved to 3-0 and Venezuela is 2-1.

In the other game, Puerto Rico's Santurce Cangrejeros romped past Ciego de Avila of Cuba 12-1 and evened its record at 1-1. Cuba fell to 0-2.

Soto held Venezuela to two runs on six hits and struck out four over 5 2-3 innings for the win.

"I took advantage of them not knowing me and got the most out of my pitches," he said.

Betancourt's two-run double came as Mexico scored three runs in the fourth inning to take a lead it never gave up.

Adonis García, Daniel Álvarez and José Martínez each got three hits for Venezuela.

René García had four RBIs for Puerto Rico and Kennys Vargas drove in three runs with a homer. Andrew Barbosa got the victory, giving up three hits and one run in five innings. Wilber Pérez took the loss, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks in two innings.

Venezuela plays Cuba on Thursday, while the Escogido Leones of the Dominican Republic (0-2) face Puerto Rico.