Venezuela vs. Curacao: Led by Ramon Flores and Luis Martinez, Venezuela stays undefeated

MIAMI, FL—Game one on day three of the 2024 Caribbean Series turned out to be a close contest as Curacao took on Ozzie Guillen and the Tiburones de La Guaira. After a first-inning home run from Venezuela gave them an early 2-0 lead, they led the rest of the way in beating Curacao, 4-2.

Venezuela vs. Curacao box score and play-by-play

On the mound for Curacao, Scott Prins got off to a tough start, allowing a single to lead-ff hitter Alexi Amarista. After Wilfredo Tovar flew out, Prins surrendered a two-run shot to right fielder Ramon Flores which left the bat at 99.9 miles per hour and went 359 feet into the air. That gave the Tiburones an early 2-0 lead.

Prins would only go 2 ⅓ innings in his start, allowing two more runs in the top of the third inning. Prins walked two and gave up a single to set up Yasiel Puig up with one out. Puig drew a walk on a full count, driving in Ehire Adrianza, who Prins walked earlier. The second run for Venezuela would come in with Wilson Ramos up at the plate as he grounded into a force out. That allowed Wilfredo Tovar to score and make it a 4-1 game going into the bottom of the third.

Curacao's offense is the strong suit of this team and it certainly didn't back down, responding each time Venezuela would score. In the bottom of the second inning, Wladimir Balentien was hit by a pitch and following a wild pitch, he advanced to second base. An Ademar Rifaela groundout advanced Balentien to third base, where then Jonathan Schoop drove in Balentien on a groundout.

Curacao's second run of the ballgame came in the bottom of the third inning. Hendrik Clementina led off the inning with a triple and a wild pitch from starter Luis Martinez would score Clementina in to make it a 4-2 game.

Venezeula's bullpen kept Curacao scoreless through the remainder of game. Martinez gave Venezuela five strong innings, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out two. Between all relievers, they struck out four batters and made their way to a 2-0 record.

For Curacao, their first win against Mexico certainly helps them to stay alive in this tournament. Pitching has been the issue. Even with Cody Mincey giving Curacao some length on Thursday, he gave up back-to-back home runs and they have had to rely on the bullpen, which has been strong in the Mexico and Venezuela games.

Curacao has a day off on Sunday and will be back at it on Monday. Venezuela takes on Puerto Rico Sunday in the 8:30 p.m. game.

Watch every Caribbean Series game in English on Bally Sports Florida/Bally Sports Sun or in Spanish on ESPN+/ESPN Deportes.