Caribbean Series 2015 Schedule & Standings: Mexico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela & Cuba Play in Semifinals; Puerto Rico Eliminated

By Damon Salvadore Feb 07 2015, 10:35 AM EST

Latin American baseball is alive and well. After 10 games of play, the seedings are set. The top four competing nations will advance to the playoffs. Here are the standings after a week of exciting baseball action.

Standings

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

Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Cuba will advance to play in the four team playoff. Puerto Rico (the host) has been eliminated. Despite the fact that Puerto Rico shares an identical record with Cuba is nullified because Cuba owns the tie-breaker.

Cuba defeated Puerto Rico on Wednesday Feb. 4, 3-2.

Mexico may have won just two of their four games, but they are still considered the favorites by many. Mexico has won the last two Caribbean Series championships and three of the last four. Overall, Mexico has eight championships, the third most behind Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Mexico began this year's quest with a 2-1 victory Cuba. Mexico had just three hits in the entire game, but still found a way to escape with a win. Relief pitcher Oscar Villarreal recorded consecutive saves against Cuba, and another in a 3-2 victory over Puerto Rico. Unfortunately for Mexico, they have lost their last two games, to the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

So far Venezuela has been perfect. Venezuela has won seven Caribbean Series championships, the last coming in 2009. However, Venezuela has won just two championships since 1990. Venezuela has defeated every team in the field with great pitching and hitting. In their last game against Mexico, Alexi Amarista, Orlando Arcia, Balbino Fuenmayor and Oswaldo Arcia each scored a run securing a 4-2 victory.

The Cuban team hasn't been very impressive with just one win, but they will have a chance at their first championship since 1960. Outside of baseball, one of the dominating headlines surrounding the Cuban squad has been pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez and shortstop Dainer Moreira. Each of the two players have reportedly defected from Cuba while playing in Puerto Rico, according to ESPN. Of course the Dominican Republic will always be a favorite. The Dominican squad went 2-2 earning the No. 2 seed. The Dominican Republic beat Cuba and Mexico, but lost to Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

The 10-game regular season determines the seedings and standings. The No. 1 seed will play the No. 4 seed, while the No. 2 seed will play the No. 3 seed.