Dominicans keep hopes alive with 7-3 win over Cuba

~ The tournament favorite avoided falling to 0-2 in the second round.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- On a day when opponents of Fidel Castro caused turmoil in and above the stands, David Ortiz powered the Dominican Republic to a key victory over Cuba.

Ortiz hit his third home run of the tournament and walked with the bases loaded in a 7-3 victory Monday that kept alive the Dominicans' hopes of advancing to the World Baseball Classic semifinals.

A group of fans caused a scuffle at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, spelling "Abajo Fidel (Down With Fidel)" with the letters on their shirts.

The fans also had a small sign with the same message about the Cuban president, as did an airplane pulling a sign that appeared over the ballpark. Tournament organizers banned signs with political messages to comply with an agreement made with Cuba for the team's participation in the Classic.

Cuba and the Dominicans are both 1-1 in Group Two, led by Puerto Rico (1-0) heading into its night game against Venezuela (0-1). The Dominicans play Venezuela today, and Cuba meets Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

"I think we could play a lot better than what we played," Dominican manager Manny Acta said. "I think we should have scored at least 12 runs."

The Dominican Republic led 7-0 after six innings in this one, then coasted. Starter Odalis Perez (2-0) struck out three in 4 2-3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and one walk.

Winning "was very important because I understand if we would have lost today, we would have gone home tomorrow," Perez said.

The United States, 1-0 in the second round, played South Korea (0-1) in a late game Monday.