Mazatlan Doubles Up Yaquis 8-4

EVEN SERIES AT 1 GAME APIECE

The Venados got home run from Agustin Murillo, Cyle Hankerd and Esteban Quiroz to top the Yaquis de Obregon by an 8-4 score. Mazatlán broke open a close game with 4 runs in the 4th inning that put them in front 7-2 and the pitching did the rest.

Andres Meza shook off a rocky 1st inning, in which he gave up 2 runs, to work 5 2/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. Meza seemed to be in trouble each inning but got the outs when needed to pick up the win for the Venados.

Rolando Valdez took the loss for the Yaquis, going 3 2/3 innings giving up 6 runs on 8 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts.

Liddi Out At Home

Obregon made some poor decisions on the base paths in the 1st inning. Alex Liddi tried to score from first on a double by Max Ramirez and was thrown out at home for the second out. Dustin Martin was thrown out at second trying to stretch a single to left into a double. Maybe these chances, if not taken, change the complexion of the game or maybe not but this is playoff baseball. It was the 1st inning and the Yaquis had a 1-0 lead with 1 out. It wasn't the 9th inning down a run.

The Venados scored 8 runs on 14 hits. The 1 through 4 hitters went 7 for 19 with 6 RBIs and 6 runs scored with 3 home runs. Agustin Murillo was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Esteban Quiroz 2 for 5 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Cyle Hankerd 2 for 5 with a home run, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Yunesky Sanchez was 3 for 5.

Max Ramirez, before being pulled for a pinch runner, was 1 for 2 with 2 walks, an RBI and a run scored for the Yaquis. Alex Liddi was 1 for 3 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored. Carlos Valencia had an RBI for Obregon as did Dustin Martin.

The series continues in Mazatlán on Wednesday with the Venados tied with the Yaquis 1 game to 1. Mazatlán is ensured of 3 games at home before returning to Obregon if a game 6 is necessary. The winner of this semifinal series will face the winner of the Aguilas/Mayos series for the LMP Championship.

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