As expected, the 2015 Caribbean Series baseball tournament has been an exciting one in Puerto Rico.

The two-time defending champions have come roaring right out of the gate with two straight victories. Mexico has successfully defeated Cuba (2-1) and Puerto Rico (3-2). Both were narrow one-run wins, but surviving and advancing is the name of the game.

Cuba led 1-0 in Game 1 against Mexico, but Mexico scored two late runs thanks to Rico Noel and Fernando Salas. Relief pitcher Oscar Villarreal got his first save of the competition. In their second game, against Puerto Rico, Mexico once again trailed early. Noel would tie the game in the third inning thanks to an Arnold Leon hit. Pitcher Juan Delgadillo was credited with the win allowing just one hit, and Villarreal got his second consecutive save.

Mexico has won eight Caribbean Series championships.

Mexico will face the Dominican Republic in their next game on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

Tied with Mexico for first place is the only South American squad competing, Venezuela, which pulled off two big upsets over higher seeded teams, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Venezuela first defeated Puerto Rico, 5-2. Daryl Thompson was fantastic in that game, pitching six innings and allowing just one run against the Puerto Rican offense.

In their second game, Venezuela once again proved the doubters wrong by beating the Dominican Republic in a high scoring 6-5 contest. Interestingly, all 11 of the runs scored in that game were scored in the first two innings. Francisco Rodriguez picked up the save against the Dominican Republic.

Venezuela last won the Caribbean Series in 2009. Overall, Venezuela has won seven Caribbean Series championships, which is tied with Cuba.

One of the favorites to win it all this year, the Dominican Republic, is currently 1-1. Manager Tony Pena saw his team dominate Cuba, 6-1, only to fall to Venezuela in their next game. In a rather strange story, Cuba will be without two of their players for the remainder of the tournament. Pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez and shortstop Dainer Moreira have abandoned their team and defected their country in Puerto Rico.

The Dominican Republic has won the most Caribbean Series titles ever with 19.

The two teams with losing records include Cuba and Puerto Rico. Cuba failed to take care of business against Mexico in their first game, and then got blown out by the Dominican Republic in their second game, 6-1. Fortunately for Cuba, they did pick up their first win against Puerto Rico in their third game. It's been a rough start for Puerto Rico, who is still searching for their first victory.

The top four teams will compete in the baseball playoffs, with the last place team being eliminated. Then, the No. 1 seed will play the No. 4 seed and the No. 2 seed will face the No. 3 seed. From there, the two winners will play each other for the championship.

Schedule for Thursday, Feb. 5

Venezuela vs. Cuba: 12:05 p.m. EST
Mexico vs. Dominican Republic: 6:30 p.m. EST

Schedule for Friday, Feb. 6

Mexico vs. Venezuela: 12:05 p.m. EST
Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico: 6:30 p.m. EST

Standings (After three days of play)

1. Mexico: 2-0
2. Venezuela: 2-0
3. Dominican Republic: 1-1
4. Cuba: 1-2
5. Puerto Rico: 0-3

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter

FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS AND UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE