Good morning! While there wasn’t a variety of prospect participation in the winter leagues this past week, the prospects in play saw plenty of action. Both top prospects and surprise additions shined. To find out more, take a look inside!

Roberto Clemente League

Criollos de Caguas

Miguel Amaya (Photo by Stephanie Lynn)

On Sunday, Caguas extended their winning streak to six games as they were able to defeat Manati 3-1. Catcher Miguel Amaya was able to provide the insurance run in the seventh inning, as he blasted a solo home run while going 1-for-3. Designated hitter Trent Giambrone was 0-for-4 in the win. Caguas 3 – Manati 1

Wednesday saw the Criollos streak end at seven as they were up-ended by Mayaguez 4-3. Catcher Miguel Amaya had a big night as he was 2-for-3 at the plate with two doubles, two RBI, and run scored. Amaya also threw out a runner attempting to steal third base. Mayaguez 4 – Caguas 3

The Creoles were able to get back on the winning track on Thursday, as they were able to pay back Mayaguez by beating them 8-1. The win had a distinct Cubs flavor as Duane Underwood Jr. started and gave up two hits while striking out a batter over three innings. Luis Vazquez started at second base and was 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI. Miguel Maya moved over to DH, going 0-for-2 with a run scored while left fielder Trent Giambrone went 0-for-4. Caguas 8 – Mayaguez 1

Caguas kept churning out the victories on Friday, as they faced down RA12 and came away a 10-3 winner. Cubs prospects were responsible for cross the plate mostly as Designated Hitter Trent Giambrone was 1-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, and three runs scored. Meanwhile, catcher Miguel Amaya went 1-for 2 with a walk, two RBI, and three runs scored. Amaya also picked off a runner at second base. Former Cubs prospect Zach Hedges started and allowed three earned runs whiel striking out a batter over five innings. Caguas 10 – RA12 3

Venzuelan Winter League

Bravos de Margarita

Doubleheader Tuesday in the VWL saw Margarita sweep as they took the nightcap 6-2 over Aragua.  Manuel Rondon started for the Bravos and allowed two earned runs on 3 hits and 2 walks as he struck out two in four innings of work. Margarita 6 – Aragua 2, 7 innings

Caribes de Anzoategui

Fernando Kelli (photo by Jared Ravich courtesy of MiLB.com)

The week began with a doubleheader on Sunday, as Anzoategui took the opener from Zulia 8-4. Rafael Ortega was installed back at the top of the line-up and in centerfield. Ortega paced the attack by going 2-for-5, including a solo home run in the sixth. Fernando Kelli started in left field and contributed as he went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Antoategui 8 – Zulia 4, 7 innings

It was practically over as soon as it began in Game 2 on Sunday, as the Caribes crushed Zulia 13-1. Rafael Ortega once again struck as he blasted a Grand Slam in the second inning in route to going 2-for-5 with 5 RBI and 2 runs scored. Fernando Kelli flashed his speed by belting a triple in the seventh as he went 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored in the triumph. Antoategui 13 – Zulia 1, 7 innings

In Game 2 of a doubleheader on Tuesday, the Tribe was unable to put the game away as they stumbled to Magallanes 7-4 in 8 innings. Rafael Ortega was moved down to third in the order and went 1-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Fernando Kelli entered the game in the in the sixth inning as a pinch-runner for former Cubs prospect Andruw Monasterio and stole a base while goin 0-for-1. Magallanes 7 – Anzoategui 4, 8 innings

On Wednesday, Anzoategui could not handle the offense of Caracas as they fell 9-6 to the Leones in 11 innings. Rafael Ortega remained at third in the order and went 2-for-4 with two walks and a run scored. Erick Castillo started at Designated Hitter and was 1-for-3, while Fernando Kelli entered in left field in the tenth inning and was 0-for-1 with a run scored. Caracas 9 – Anzoategui 6, 11 innings

The Caribes got back on the winning side of the ledger on Friday as they defeated Aragua 4-3. Rafael Ortega moved up to second in the batting order and went deep for the third time this past week, clubbing a solo home run in the first inning while going 1-for-3 with a walk. Fernando Kelli came on in the eighth inning as a pinch-runner and promptly sole second and third base. Anzoategui 4 – Aragua 3

A busy week for the Tribe concluded on Saturday with a doubleheader, losing Game 1 to La Guaira 3-1. Rafael Ortega drew three walks as he went 1-for-1 with an RBI. Fernando Kelli pinch-ran in the sixth inning and stole his fourth base. La Guaira 3 – Anzoategui 1, 7 innings

In Game 2, Anzoategui was thumped 13-7 by La Guaira to drop both ends of the doubleheader. Erick Castillo started at catcher and went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Fernando Kelli entered in the fourth inning and was 1-for-2 with a walk, RBI, and run scored. Rafael Ortega started but got a breather, going 0-for-1 with a walk before exiting in the fourth inning. La Guaira 13 – Anzoategui 7, 7 innings