Charros Sweep Venados 4 Games to 0

JALISCO ADVANCES TO SECOND ROUND OF PLAYOFFS

Jalisco is into the second round of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico playoffs with the four game sweep of the Venados de Mazatlan. Orlando Lara pitched an outstanding game, going 7 innings, scattering 5 hits, walking 1 and striking out 5 to earn the win. Timely hitting by the offense turned 8 hits into the 4 runs scored for the victory.

The Charros scored early, plating 2 runs in the 2nd on a single to center by Jon Weber and a home run to left by Marquez Smith. Jalisco took the lead 2-0 and coasted to the win.    

Marquez Smith Home Run/Straffonimages

Jalisco added to their lead in the top of the 5th. Gabriel Gutierrez singled with one out and moved to second when Eduardo Arredondo was safe at first on an error by the Venados third baseman, Ronnier Mustelier. Manny Rodriguez came through with a single to center that score Gutierrez for the 3-0 lead but Arredondo was thrown out at third for the final out of the inning. Arredondo was hurt on the play and left the game to be replaced by Edson Garcia. No word was given on the extent of the injury to Arredondo.

Leo Heras walked to lead off the 8th for the Charros. He moved to second on an errant pick off attempt, moved to third on a ground out by Japhet Amador and scored on a single to right  by CJ Retherford. The insurance run had the Charros up 4-0.

Arredondo Injury/Straffonimages

With one out in the Venados half of the 8th, Paul Leon singled to center. Jesus Fabela followed with a single with Leon stopping at second. Ronnier Mustelier singled to score Leon as Mazatlan cut the lead to 4-1.

The Venados threatened in the bottom of the 9th when Blake Gailen and Heber Gomez led off with back-to-back singles. Charros reliever, Manny Acosta got Erick Rodriguez to hit into a double play and Jesus Castillo to ground out to second to end the game.

This series was a team effort from the first game. The pitching was unbelievably good by all four Charros starters but Marquez Smith started the scoring in all four games, either drawing a walk and coming around to score or the home run in game 4. Marquez Smith is my choice for the Most Valuable Player in the first round series.