Venezuela remains undefeated after beating Puerto Rico

MIAMI (AP) — Salvador Perez homered, doubled twice, singled and had five RBIs as Venezuela improved to 2-0 in Pool D with a 9-6 win over Puerto Rico.

Venezuela struck quickly with a four-run first against Puerto Rico starter Jose Berrios. Perez hit an RBI single and Anthony Santander followed with his second homer of the tournament, a three-run drive that cleared the wall in right.

Perez made it 7-0 with a three-run shot off reliever Fernando Cruz in the second.

Venezuela starter Pablo Lopez was the beneficiary of the early run support. Lopez struck out six, while limiting Puerto Rico to one run and two hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Eddie Rosario homered for Puerto Rico, which is 1-1.

Down 9-1, Puerto Rico tried to rally with a four-run sixth against reliever Andres Machado.

MJ Melendez's RBI double in the eighth got Puerto Rico within three before Silvino Bracho relieved Jhoulys Chacin and retired Javier Baez on a pop out and Rosario on a double-play grounder. Bracho then pitched a perfect ninth for the save.