Mexico wins third Caribbean Series title in 4 years on Jorge Vazquez HR

It was Mexico's third title in four years.

"We never gave up. We always battled to the fullest and kept our heads up, so today we celebrate this crown," said Mexico coach Juan Jose Pacho, whose team won all six games it played in the tournament.

Mexico took an early 2-0 lead, but Venezuela came back with two runs in the fifth inning and two more in the seventh to grab the lead. In the bottom of the seventh, Venados' Sebastien Valle drove in two runs to tie the game.

Mexico held Venezuela scoreless the next two innings, which gave Vazquez the chance to win the game.

Venezuela's only two losses in the series were to Mexico.

"That's baseball," Venezuela coach Eduardo Perez said. "We played hard and gave everything on the field. Congratulations to Mexico because they did a great job and are worthy champions."

Mexico reliever Steven Hensley was credited with the win after he came in to retire Venezuela's final batter in the top of the ninth. Starter Eddy Gamboa pitched six innings and gave up nine hits and four runs, two of which were earned.

Renee Cortez took the loss for Venezuela while pitching two-thirds of an inning. Starter Freddy Garcia gave up four hits and two earned runs over 5S innings.

For Venezuela, Hernan Perez went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, and Sandy Leon was 3-for-3 with a run scored.