Martinez Powers Venezuela Past Puerto Rico

Victor Martinez hit a grand slam, and Carlos Zambrano combined with six pitchers on a seven-hitter as Venezuela defeated Puerto Rico, 6-0, Monday night in the second round of the World Baseball Classic.

Zambrano struck out five in four innings, and gave up two hits and two walks.

Endy Chavez hit a two-run home run against Joel Pineiro in the fifth inning for a 2-0 lead. Martinez’s homer came in the eighth.

“We’ve been quiet offensively and today we came through when we needed it,” Manager Luis Sojo said.

Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Cuba and the Dominican Republic each are 1-1 in Group 2.

Venezuela plays the Dominican Republic tonight and Cuba plays Puerto Rico on Wednesday. The winners will advance to the semifinals.

Dominican Republic 7, Cuba 3 -- David Ortiz hit his third home run of the tournament and walked with the bases loaded to back up starter Odalis Perez, who struck out three in 4 2/3 scoreless innings.

Miguel Tejada hit a go-ahead, two-run double in a four-run third inning.

A group of spectators wearing shirts that spelled out “Abajo Fidel (Down With Fidel)” caused a scuffle at the stadium. They also had a sign with the same message about the Cuban president, as did an airplane pulling a sign over the ballpark.