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Martinez strikes out seven, throws DR to win vs. Molina's Puerto Rico team in Caribbean Series opener

Dominican Republic starting pitcher Carlos Martinez celebrates after striking out Puerto Rico's Jarren Duran in the fifth inning of a Caribbean Series game on Sunday in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Moises Castillo, Associated Press

Once and imminently future teammates, Carlos Martinez and Yadier Molina, faced each other as rivals Sunday on the first day of winter’s showcase tournament, the Caribbean Series.

Leading the Dominican Republic’s representative in the annual contest of champions, Martinez pitched 5 2/3 innings and struck out seven for the win. His club, Aguilas Cibaenas, won the first game of the round-robin portion of the series, 5-1 against Puerto Rico’s representative in Mazatlan, Mexico.