Ronald Medrano was given a formidable task Sunday in the Caribbean Series¡¯ second game of the day: keep the powerful Leones del Escogido (Dominican Republic) lineup at bay to give Charros de Jalisco (Mexico) a chance to win. The right-hander did not disappoint, leading the host country to to a 2-0 victory at Nido de las ?guilas Stadium in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. With the win, manager Benji Gil¡¯s club advanced to the tournament¡¯s semifinal round to be played Wednesday.

The Dominican squad, skippered by Albert Pujols, managed just two hits in five innings against Medrano, and just one more against the Charros' bullpen in four frames. However, even with Sunday¡¯s loss, Escogido has a record of 2-1 and still controls its own destiny to advance to the semifinals.

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The Charros took the lead in the first inning when Rudy Martin Jr. tripled with one out, followed by Michael Wielansky¡¯s run-scoring single.

The Dominican Republic threatened in the top of the seventh when they placed runners on second and third with two outs, but reliever Jes¨²s Cruz struck out Cristhian Adames to end the threat.

Mexico extended its lead to 2-0 in the bottom of the seventh with a double by Juli¨¢n Ornelas that sent Wielansky to the plate.

Trevor Clifton pitched the ninth inning to secure the save for the Charros. The losing pitcher for Escogido was starter Esmil Rogers (6 2/3 innings, two runs), while Medrano earned the win for the Mexican squad.

After three days of action, the standings in the round-robin elimination stage have Charros at 3-0, Escogido at 2-1, Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico) at 1-1 and Japan Breeze (Japan) and Cardenales de Lara (Venezuela) at 0-2.

On Monday, Venezuela and Puerto Rico will play the early game, while the night cap will feature Mexico vs. Japan.

The Dominican Republic will have an off-day Monday, returning to action on Tuesday against Puerto Rico.