Good morning! A very happy Martin Luther King Day to all. As the winter leagues continue through their playoffs, Cubs prospects are playing key roles. For more about their feats, take a look inside!

Venzuelan Winter League

Bravos de Margarita

Manuel Rondon

It was a doubleheader sweep for Margarita on Sunday as they completed it with a 6-2 victory over Caracas in the nightcap. Cubs left-hander Manuel Rondon was able to nail things down in the seventh by setting down the side in order, including a swinging strikeout to end the game. Margarita 6 – Caracas 2, 7 innings

Cardenales de Lara

Lara brought out the bats in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Sunday as they beat Aragua 11-4. Ildemaro Vargas led off and lined up at second base, going 1-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored in the win. Lara 11 – Aragua 4, 7 innings

The Cardenales started the playoffs right on Wednesday by edging out Aragua 7-6. Second baseman Ildemaro Vargas was a big contributor, as he went 3-for-4 with a walk, double, and triple from his lead-off spot as he scored three runs. Lara 7 – Aragua 6

It was another tight contest on Thursday as the Tribe bowed to Aragua 5-4 to make the series even at 1-1. Ildemaro Vargas continued to impress at lead-off, as the second baseman went 2-for-5 with a run scored in the loss. Aragua 5 – Lara 4

Down 10-8 to Aragua on Friday, Lara stepped on the gas in the top of the ninth and cruised past the Tigres 19-10. Top of the order man Ildemaro Vargas walked and score in the ninth, as the second baseman was 1-for-5 with two walks, a double, two runs scored, and 2 RBI in the victory. Lara 19 – Aragua 10

Caribes de Anzoategui

Things didn’t start out well for Anzoategui on Sunday as they dropped the opener of a doubleheader with Zulia 4-1. Lead-off hitter Rafael Ortega was 1-for-3, while Designated Hitter Erick Castillo went 0-for-2 in the loss. Zulia 4 – Anzoategui 1, 7 innings

Wednesday was swing from the heels night as the Tribe and Magallanes combined for 29 hits, with Anzoategui coming out on top 12-9. Centerfielder Rafael Ortega went 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored from his lead-off spot. Ortega also contributed on defense, nailing two runners, at second and at third, for two outfield assists. Anzoategui 12 – Magallanes 9

The playoff series with Magallanes evened up on Thursday, as the Caribes fell 2-1. Rafael Ortega would go 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in the loss as he remained at lead-off and centerfield. Magallanes 2 – Anzoategui 1

It was a total collapse for The Tribe on Friday, as neither the offense or pitching were able to contain Magallanes as Anzoategui lost 4-1. Rafael Ortega moved to second in the batting order going 2-for-2 while Erick Castillo went 0-for-1 as a defensive replacement at catcher. Magallanes 4 – Anzoategui 1