Caracas, Venezuela ? Venezuela’s government said Thursday it has sent its top investigators to solve the kidnapping of Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos, a case that has shaken the nation’s elite athletes and focused attention on the country’s sharp rise in kidnappings for ransom.

Police found the kidnappers’ vehicle abandoned in a nearby town Thursday morning, said Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami, who called it “a very important find.”

He said anti-kidnapping units led by “the best investigators we have” were dispatched to the area in central Carabobo state and he vowed to rescue Ramos and capture his abductors.

The 24-year-old player, who had just finished his rookie season, was just outside the front door at his home in the town of Santa Ines on Wednesday night when an SUV approached, armed men got out “and they took him away,” said Ramos’ agent, Gustavo Marcano.

He is one of dozens of Venezuelans in the major leagues, and some of their families already have been targeted in a rising wave of kidnappings affecting the wealthy.

Royals donate 10K to museum

Kansas City, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals have donated $10,000 to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in support of a Buck O’Neil centennial celebration.

The museum is attempting to raise $100,000 for the museum and the future Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center, named after the late Negro Leagues star who would have celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday.

Djokovic advances to quarters

Paris — Top-ranked Novak Djokovic rallied from a set down to beat fellow Serb Viktor Troicki 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday and reach the Paris Masters quarterfinals.

Andy Murray of Britain, Roger Federer of Switzerland, the Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych, David Ferrer of Spain and France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also advanced.

Woods finally back in the lead

Sydney — Tiger Woods topped the leaderboard for the first time in nearly a year after a 5-under 67 early today in the Australian Open.

Woods ran off a string of impressive shots, was at 9-under 135 and had a one-shot lead over Peter O’Malley.

If it holds through the afternoon, it would be the first time Woods has led after a round since the third round of the Chevron World Challenge last December. And it would be the first time he has led after a round in a full-event event since his last victory two years ago this week in the Australian Masters.