Silva, Cabrera carry Venezuela past Netherlands

Mar 14, 2009 - 7:51 PM Carlos Silva threw seven strong innings and Miguel Cabrera's homer snapped a tie as Venezuela held off a pesky Netherlands squad, 3-1, in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday.

Silva outdueled Sidney Ponson, allowing one run and four hits. He struck out four and did not walk a batter.

Cabrera's solo homer in the fourth inning put Venezuela up, 2-1.

Jose Lopez also homered in the eighth for Venezuela, which will face the winner of the game between Puerto Rico and the United States on Monday.

New York Mets star closer Francisco Rodriguez struck out two in the final 1 1/3 innings to earn the save.

Vince Rooi drove in the lone run for the Netherlands, which stunned the Dominican Republic earlier this week.

Ponson allowed two runs and two hits in five innings. The Dutch will face the loser of Puerto Rico/USA.