PUERTO CRUZ STILL PERFECT IN SPANISH LEAGUE AFTER COMEBACK WIN

A look at the Spanish Division of Honor standings would give the impression that the Puerto Cruz Marlins have had an easy time of it this season, but looks can be deceiving. Yes, the Marlins are undefeated after 20 games and are allowing fewer than two runs per game, but Puerto Cruz escaped Bilbao last Sunday after winning two games against San Inazio, including a tight opening contest in which they had to come from behind late to put the game away.


San Inazio was in position to deliver the Marlins’ first loss of 2009 by holding a 4-2 lead after seven innings, but Puerto Cruz’ Richard Montiel cracked a three-run homer to key a five-run eighth inning outburst that handed the defending champions a 7-4 lead. Each team scored once more to make the final score 8-5, as Marlins starter Leslie Nacar survived an 11-hit San Inazio attack to go to 9-0 on the season. Puerto Cruz breathed easier in the nightcap, winning 7-1 as Luis Perez went 4-for-5 with three RBIs and Ivan Granados won his eighth game by scattering four hits over eight innings.

FC Barcelona split two games with the Viladecans to go to 16-4, four games out of first place.