The batting helmet of Mexicoâs Rico Noel flies off as he dives safely into third base against Cuba third baseman Donald Duarte, during a Caribbean Series baseball game in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - 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 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.
Venezuela catcher Jose Gil slides safely home during a Caribbean Series baseball game against Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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Puerto Rico starting pitcher Giovanni Soto throws the ball in the first inning during a Caribbean Series baseball game against Venezuela in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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Venezuela's starting pitcher Daryl Thompson throws the ball in the first inning during a Caribbean Series baseball game against Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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Mexico starting pitcher Anthony Vasquez throws the ball in the second inning during a Caribbean Series baseball game against Cuba, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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Mexico second baseman Jose M. Rodriguez jumps in a failed attempt to catch the ball during a Caribbean Series baseball game against Cuba, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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Cuba first baseman William Saavedra loses his bat a the plate, during a Caribbean Series baseball game against Mexico, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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Cubaâs Yulieski Gourriel hits the ball during a Caribbean Series baseball game against Mexico, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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Mexico players celebrate at the end of a Caribbean Series Baseball game after defeating Cuba 2-1 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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Venezuela players celebrate at the end of a Caribbean Series Baseball game after defeating Puerto Rico 5-2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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Puerto Rico shortstop Ozzie Martinez fields a ground ball during a Caribbean Series baseball game against Venezuela in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
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