Pedro Martínez threw a perfect strike to formally inaugurate the Caribbean World Series yesterday at the Quisqueya Ballpark. The series will last through 7 February and matches the winning teams of the winter leagues of Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic for the regional penchant. The Dominican Republic (Aguilas Cibaeñas) squad won its first game against Mexico (Mayos de Navojoa) 10-7. In the first game of the series, at 4 pm, Puerto Rico (Cangrejeros de Santurce) defeated Venezuela (Aguilas de Zulia) 17-6. The DR team will match Venezuela tonight at 8 pm. The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are the favorites to win the 30th Caribbean World Series that opens today at the Quisqueya Ballpark in Santo Domingo. The DR has won 12 series. News coverage on the opening ceremony pointed out a major blooper of the organizers. When the national anthem of Puerto Rico was played, the Cuban flag was raised. Both flags are similar. The schedule for the series is as follows: Thursday, 3 February 4 pm Puerto Rico v Mexico 8 pm DR v Venezuela (DR pitcher Julián Tavárez) Friday, 4 February 4 pm Mexico v Venezuela 8 pm DR v Puerto Rico Saturday, 5 February 4 pm Venezuela v Puerto Rico 8 pm Mexico v DR Sunday, 6 February 4 pm Mexico v Puerto Rico 8 pm Venezuela v DR Monday, 7 February 4 pm Venezuela v Mexico 8 pm Puerto Rico v DR Tickets are selling for RD$500 Palcos A, RD$350 Palcos AA, RD$250 preferencias, RD$40 bleachers. Cadena Microondas Nacionales will transmit by Channel 7, Antena Latina and by radio the games. Fox Sports World Español, a Spanish language all-sports network in the US, will be transmitting the series to select US cities. For tickets, call 567-6371 or 540-5772. The series was last played in Santo Domingo in 1996. (3 February 2000)
