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SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic -- Ramon Ortiz pitched scoreless ball into the seventh inning and Yordany Ramirez hit a two-run homer, leading the Dominican Republic's Licey Tigers to a 5-2 victory over the Cibao Eagles on Monday in the Caribbean Series.

Licey (3-0) is looking for its 10th Caribbean crown and is the only unbeaten team in the tournament.

Ortiz, who finished last season with the Colorado Rockies, allowed three hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked two.

Fabio Castro pitched 6 2/3 innings for the Eagles, allowing four runs and five hits with five strikeouts and two walks.

Kansas City Royals catcher Matt Tupman drove in two runs for the Tigers, helping to avenge a loss to their fierce rivals in the Dominican Winter League finals.

Earlier in the day, Giovanni Carrara pitched five scoreless innings and Selwyn Langaigne had three RBIs to lead Venezuela's Aragua Tigers to a 5-0 victory over Mexico's Obregon City Yaquis.

Carrara allowed four hits and struck out four. Justin Lehr gave up three runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, taking the loss.

Kansas City utility player Alberto Callaspo was 2-for-5 with two runs and an RBI.

Venezuela (1-2) won for the first time in the series. Mexico is winless and faces elimination Tuesday against the Eagles.

Licey plays Venezuela.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press