Leones de Yucatan Weekly Update - April 3rd 2017

LEONES IN GOOD FORM TO BEGIN THE SEASON

Leones Started Off Strong

The Leones have started off the 2017 season of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol in fine fashion. Having swept the Tigres de Quintana Roo in Merida, the Leones find themselves alone atop the Division Zona Sur with a 3-0 record.

With an offensive display that produced 29 runs and 45 hits in the 3 games, it’s hard to imagine the hitters continuing at such an explosive rate. The pitching staff was equally as impressive during the series with the Tigres, giving up 6 runs and 22 hits in the 3 game set. Are the Leones this good or are the Tigres that bad? Only time will tell.

The boys from Merida have a .398 team batting average (2nd in the league), led the LMB in hits but fall behind the Pericos de Puebla in most other categories. It should be noted that the Pericos played the Bravos de Leon, a reincarnation of the Broncos de Reynosa, who finished 24-88 in 2016...last in the Zona Norte while the Tigres finished 68-45 in Zona Sur.

2nd in the LMB in Batting Average

Our pitchers rank 3rd in the LMB in ERA, 4th in hits allowed, 4th on walks allowed and tied for 3rd in the WHIP category. For those of you not aware of the term WHIP, it is a statistic for

Walks+Hits per Inning Pitched. The Leones pitching staff, which includes starters and relievers allow 1.11 hits and walks per inning. A number this low bodes well for the season, if sustainable.

Aguilar's Gold Glove

On Sunday, the final game of the 3 game set with the Tigres, the Leones showed off their individual fielding prowess from the 2016 season as they presented league Gold Glove Awards to Kevin Flores, Jose Aguilar and Ricardo Serrano

Based on what I have seen so far, I will stand by my prediction of the Leones finishing with a 75-36 record, champions of the Zona Sur and a good chance to bring the Serie del Rey trophy home to Merida.  

Leones Sweep Series From Tigres With 13-1 Drubbing

JOSE AGUILAR HITS 1ST LEONES HOME RUN

Aguilar's Home Run Swing

The Leones hitters feasted once again on the pitching of the Tigres. The 3 game series saw Yucatan score 29 runs on 45 hits while holding the Tigres to 6 runs on 22 hits. With this balance of pitching and hitting, the Leones should advance nicely towards the Zona Sur division championship of the LMB.

10,400 loyal fans braved the 102 degree temperatures at game time and had plenty to cheer about. To put this number of fans in perspective, 3,800 fans watched the Diablos lose to Monclova, 3,700 saw the Pericos de Puebla defeat the Bravos de Leon and 2,700 die hard Piratas fans witnessed the heart breaking loss of the home team to the Olmecas de Tabasco.

The Leones led 4-0 before Ramon Ramirez hit a lead off home run for the Tigres in the top of the 3rd inning. That was the only bad pitch that Leones starter Juan Delgadillo (1-0) threw in his 5 innings on the mound as he held the Tigres to 3 hits. Three Yucatan relievers shutout the Tigres on 1 hit over the last 4 innings. Juan Arballo (0-1) gave up 7 runs on 10 hits over 3 innings to take the loss.

Delgadillo on the mound

In the bottom of the 4th inning, Jose Aguilar hit a lead off home run, the 1st HR of the year for the Leones.

Delgadillo pitched out of a jam in the 5th inning. He gave up singles to Iker Franco and Ramon Ramirez that put runners on the corners with no outs. Delgadillo then uncorked a wild pitch that put Ramirez on second but Jose Felix and then Mario Vega flew out to shallow center and Delgadillo struck out Greg Golson to end the threat and the inning.

Jordany Valdespin triple

Jordany Valdespin tripled and drove in 4 while going 2 for 5 and Leo Heras was 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored to lead the Leones offensive attack.

Can the Leones de Yucatan keep this up over the course of the season? Is the pitching staff of the Tigres this bad? We'll know more as the Leones travel to Tabasco to take on the 1-2 Olmecas and the Tigres return home to face the 2-1 Piratas de Campeche.

The Leones return to Parque Kukulcan on Friday, April 7th, to begin a 3 game series with Campeche.

Todos Somos Leones!

IN OTHER LMB ACTION:

Monclova 4, Mexico 3

The Acereros scored twice in the 8th inning to tie the game and broke a 3-3 tie with a run in the 9th to beat the Diablos 4-3. Rodolfo Amador hit a sac fly to center that scored Josh Vargas with the go ahead run. Benny Suarez (1-0) pitched a scoreless to pick up the win and Chad Gaudin worked the 9th to earn his 1st save for Monclova. Nathanael Santiago (0-1) gave up the winning run in the 9th to take the loss. Ivan Terrazas was 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs in the losing effort for the Diablos.

Puebla 16, Leon 6

The Pericos scored 9 times in the bottom of the 8th inning to break open a close game. Puebla scored 16 runs on 16 hits in the win over the Bravos. Daniel Sanchez clubbed a pinch hit home run while going 2 for 2 with 3 RBIs, Cole Gillespie was 3 for 5 with 7 RBIs and Ceasr Tapia went 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored for Puebla. Niko Vasquez was 1 for 3 with a home run, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored for Leon.

Monterrey 9, Saltillo 5

Walter Ibarra was 2 for 4 with a home run a double and 3 RBIs in the Sultanes 9-5 win over the Saraperos. Heber Gomez went 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored for Saltillo. Marco Carrillo (1-0) got the win in relief while Saltillo's starter,Carlos Pimentel (0-1), gave up 7 runs on 5 hits in 2 1/3 innings to take the loss. 16,200 hometown fans, the largest LMB crowd on Sunday, watched the Sultanes take the rubber match from Saltillo and improve to 2-1 on the young season.

Aguasclientes 9, Durango 4

The Rieleros scored 5 runs in the 1st to innings and coasted to the 9-4 win over the Generales. Guillermo Trujillo (1-0) allowed 3 runs on 5 hits in 5 innings of work to get the win. Jon Sintes (0-1) was roughed up for 7 runs on 9 hits, including 2 home runs, in taking the loss. Saul Soto was 3 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs and Ricky Pedroza added a home run and 2 RBIs for the Rieleros. Henry Alejandro Rodriguez was 2 for 5 with an RBI and Daniel Nunez 2 for 4 with a triple for Durango.

Oaxaca 7, Veracruz 6

Guerreros Celebrate Walk Off Win

The Guerreros got a walk off single from Alejandro Gonzalez with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th to top Veracruz 7-6. Lauro Ramirez (1-0) worked 1/3 of an inning to get the win in relief. Joan Montero (0-1) gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in 1 inning of relief and was charged with the loss. Gonzalez was 3 for 5 with the big RBI and Jose Martinez 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for Oaxaca. Ivan Jimenez went  2 for 5 with 2 runs scored, Carlos Lopez 2 for 5 and Luis Suarez 2 for 3 for Veracruz.

Tabasco 2, Campeche 1

Both starting pitchers looked very good, with Angel Ariaza going 5 1/3 innings and allowing a run for the Olmecas while Francisco Campos was shutting out Tabasco for 5 innings but neither pitcher figured in the final decision. Heriberto Ruelas (1-1) got the win in relief with Ramon Troncoso earning the save. Derrick Loop (0-1) worked the 9th for the Piratas and took the loss. Loop's throwing error on a pick off attempt allowed Alex Romero to score from third with the go head run. Romero, Sandy Madera and Pedro Diaz were all 2 for 4 for the Olmecas.

Tijuana 6, Laguna 1

Alex Liddi homered in his 3rd consecutive game and Dustin Martin added his 2nd home run of the year in the Toro's 6-1 win over the Vaqueros. Liddi was 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs and Martin 2 for 3. Jaime Pedroza went 2 for 3 at the plate for Laguna. Miguel Pena (1-0) went 6 innings allowing 3 hits in getting the win while Marco Quevedo (0-1) struck out 7 but was touched for 3 runs in 5 innings in the loss

Leones Double Up the Tigres 8-4

FIVE RUN 2ND INNING PUTS YUCTAN UP

Jonathan Castellanos

The Leones offense continues to excel in the young season with 27 hits and 16 runs in their first two games of the year. The starting pitching has been outstanding allowing just 2 earned runs in 10 1/3 innings.

Jordany Valdespin tripled to lead of the bottom of the 2nd for the Leones and scored on an Humberto Sosa double to center. Ricardo Serrano singled on a ball hit to deep short. Hector Paez singled to right to load the bases with no outs. One out later, Leo Heras hit a fly ball to center that was dropped for an error as Sosa and Serrano scored. Jose Aguilar singled to drive in Paez. Heras scored on a double play that took too long to develop and the Leones had a 5-0 lead after 2 innings.

The Tigres got 2 runs back in the top of the 3rd on a single by Greg Golson and a home run by Eugenio Velez cut the lead to 5-2.

Cacao Scores

Cacao Valdez got things going for the Leones in the bottom of the 5th with a lead off single. Valdespin walked. With one out Serrano singled to left to load the bases. Paez was hit by a pitch to force in Valdez. Kevin Flores followed with a single to drive in Valdespin and Serrano. Three more runs and an 8-2 lead.

A walk and two singles loaded the bases with no outs for the Tigres in the top of the 7th inning. After a pop up to the infield for the 1st out, Christian Marrero hit a sac fly to left to plate Jose Felix. Brian Hernandez singled to drive in Greg Golson but that would be all the runs the Tigres could score and after Jairo Asencio set the Tigres down in order in the 9th the Leones had the 8-4 win and a 2-0 record on the year.

Jario Ascencio

Jonathan Castellanos (1-0) went 5 innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 runs. He walked 2 and struck out 2 in garnering the win. Tyler Herron (0-1) was touched for 7 runs on 8 hits in 4 1/3 innings in the loss.

Ricardo Serrano was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored, Cacao Valdez 2 for 5 and Leo Heras 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored for Yucatan.

Greg Golson went 4 for 5 with 2 runs scored for the Tigres while Eugenio Velez was 1 for 5 with the home run and 2 RBIs.

Game 3 of the series is on Sunday. Monday is an off day with the Leones traveling to Villahermosa to take on the Olmecas de Tabasco for 3 games beginning on Tuesday the 4th of April.

IN OTHER LMB ACTION

Mexico 17, Monclova 10

These two teams combined for 30 hits and 27 runs in a game that saw 6 home runs, 4 by the Acereros and 2 by the Diablos in a game that was all offense and ineffective pitching. Jorge Vasquez was 4 for 4 with 2 HRs and 4 RBIs and Ivan Terrzas 4 for 6 with 5 RBIs for Mexico. Manny Rodriguez was 1 for 3 with a 3 run home run and Matt Clark went 2 for 4 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs for Monclova. Daric Barton also homered for the Acereros.

Leon 10, Puebla 7

The Bravos de Leon won their 1st game as the reincarnated Broncos de Reynosa by defeating the defending champion Pericos de Puebla 10-7. Leon scored 6 runs in the 5th inning and outlasted the Pericos. Mitch Lively (1-0) threw 6 innings, scattering 6 hits to get the win. Karl Gelinas (0-1) was roughed up for 4 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks in his 4 innings of work. Miguel Torrero went 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBIs for the Bravos while Endy Chavez was 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs for Puebla.

Oaxaca 9, Veracruz 0

Guerreros starter, Daniel Guerrero (1-0), held the Aguilas scoreless through 5 1/3 innings on 4 hits and 5 relievers limited Veracruz to 3 hits in 3 1/3 innings while striking out 4 to complete the shutout. Alex Maestri (0-1) gave up 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in the loss. Ismael Martinez went 2 for 2 with 2 walks, a home run, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored with Yancarlo Angulo going 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs for Oaxaca.

Campeche 8, Tabasco 2

Maxwell Leon was 2 for 4 with 4 RBIs and Paul Leon 1 foe 2 with 2 walks, a home run and 2 runs scored as the Piratas improved to 2-0 on the season. Dave Sappelt and Rolando Acosta each homered for the Olmecas in the loss. Jorge Castillo (1-0) gave up a run on 4 hits while striking out 4 in the win while Alejandro Astorga (0-1) gave surrendered 4 runs on 7 hits in taking the loss.

Aguascalientes 8, Durango 1

6 Rieleros pitchers held the Generales to 1 run on 8 hits with Carlos Chavez (1-0) picking up the win. Durango used 8 hurlers to no avail as Gaudencio Aguirre (0-1) took the loss. Cristhian Presici was 4 for 4 with 4 singles, a walk and 2 RBIs for the Rieleros. Adan Velazquez went 1 for 2 with a home run for Durango.

Monterrey 11, Saltillo 7

The Sultanes scored 5 times in the top of the 9th inning to break a 6-6 tie ballgame and went on to win 11-7. The Saraperos closer, Tony Pena Jr., (0-1) gave up all 5 runs in taking the loss. Oscar Villarreal (1-0) was the beneficiary of the offensive outburst to get the win. Luis Juarez was 2 for 6 with a home run and 3 RBIs, Said Gutierrez 2 for 3 with a home run and Leonardo German 3 for 4 with an RBI for Monterrey. Rainel Rosario was 3 for 5 and Luis Borges 2 for 2 with 2 RBIs for the saraperos.

Tijuana 5, Laguna 0

Watch Alex Liddi's HR here.

Horacio Ramirez (1-0) and 3 relievers shut out the Vaqueros on 3 hits with 7 strike outs. Jeremy Kehrt (0-1) gave up all 5 Toros runs on 6 hits in the loss. Alex Liddi went 1 for 3 with his 2nd home run of the year and Cyle Hankerd was 2 for 4 on the night for the Toros. Ethan Chapman, Anderson Hernandez and Ricky Alvarez had the hits for the Vaqueros Union Laguna.

Leones Beat Tigres 8-1 in Season Opener

YOANNER NEGRIN PITCHES 6 STRONG INNINGS IN WIN

Yoanner Negrin

The Leones de Yucatan began to 2017 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol season in good form with the 8-1 win over the Tigres de Quintana Roo in Merida on Friday. Negrin gave up 4 hits, walked 2 and struckout 1 while holding the Tigres scoreless with 6 excellent innings of work on the mound. Jose Aguilar went 4 for 5 at the plate as the Leones pounded out 14 hits (13 singles).

Aguilar got the ball rolling with a 1 out single in the bottom of the 1st. Esteban Quiroz singled and both runners advanced on a slow roller to third by Jesus Valdez. Jordany Valdespin walked to load the bases. Humberto Sosa came through with a single left that drove in Aguilar and Quiroz. Ricardo Serrano followed with a single to plate Valdespin and the Leones were on top 3-0 after 1 inning.

Yucatan added a run in the bottom of the 2nd, 2 more in the 5th and scored their final 2 runs in the 6th to take an 8-0 lead.

The Tigres got on the board in the top of the 7th inning. Jesus Barraza, on in relief of Negrin struck out Iker Franco but walked Alfredo Amezaga. Mario Vega struck out swinging and things looked good for the Leones. Greg Golson singled next as Amezaga took third on a fielding error by Cacao Valdez in left. Carlos Gastelum drove in Amezaga with a single to center for the lone Tigres run and the final 8-1 margin of victory for the Leones.

Negrin (1-0) picked up the win while Kameron Loe (0-1) gave up 6 runs on 9 hits in 4 1/3 innings of work to take the loss.

The 2, 3 and 4 hitters in the lineup for the Leones, Aguilar, Quiroz and Valdez, went 8 for 15 with an RBI and 4 runs scored. Every batter, except Leo Heras, had a hit for Yucatan.

The Tigres managed 7 hits with Brian Hernandez going 2 for 3 on the night. Carlos Gastelum was 1 for 4 with an RBI.

12,000 vociferous hometown fans at Parque Kukulcan Alamo witnessed an all round good game from the Leones, good pitching and timely hitting. Yucatan had 13 singles among their 14 hits (Cacao Valdez had a double for the only extra base hit). 5 Leones pitchers scattered 7 Tigres hits, walked 2 and struck out 6 in the game.

These 2 teams continue the series in Merida on Saturday with the get away game on Sunday the 2nd of April. If you live in Merida, come out and watch some really great baseball. Todos Somos Leones!

IN OTHER LMB GAMES

Monclova 12, Mexico 7

Manny Rodriguez was 1 for 2 with a grand slam and 3 walks as the Acereros de Monclova topped the Diablos Rojos del Mexico 12-7, spoiling the season opener for Mexico. Alejandro Ortiz went 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored in the loss for the Diablos. Josh Lowey (1-0) allowed 3 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings on the hill to get the win while Efren Delgado (0-1) gave up 6 runs on 4 hits, including the grand slam, in the loss.

Veracruz 11, Oaxaca 4

Jose Pina (1-0) threw 5 innings giving up 2 runs on 8 hits to get the win for Veracruz. Irwin Delgado ((0-1) pitched well for 5 innings but allowed 3 runs on 5 hits while striking out 8 in the loss. Juan Martinez was 3 for 4 with a home run and a triple with 4 RBIs for Veracruz. Jaime Brenna went 3 for 3 and Victor Santos 2 for 2 with 2 doubles for the Guerreros.

Puebla 10, Leon 4

The defending LMB Champion Pericos out gunned the Bravos de Leon with a 10-4 win. The game was played in Puebla, with Leon designated the "home team" because the home field for the Bravos is not ready for competition. Ricky Rodriguez went 2 for 4 with a grand slam for the Pericos. JP Ramirez had a 4 for 4 night at the plate and Cesar Tapia went 2 for 5 with a home run for Puebla. Eduardo "ElMosco" Aredondo had a home run and scored 2 runs on a 2 for 4 night while Donald Lutz went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored for Leon. Manuel Baez (1-0) picked up the win in relief while Jose Sanchez (0-1) took the loss.

Durango 2, Aguascalientes 1

Durango Pitching was Excellent

The Generales de Durango beat the Rieleros de Aguascalientes 2-1 on Friday in the season opener for both clubs. Antonio Garzon (1-0) got the win in relief of Mario Gonzalez and Tiago Da Silva picked up the save. Yohan Flande pitched well for 5 innings but allowed both Durango runs while giving up just 2 hits. Henry Alejandro Rodriguez was 2 for 4 with a run scored and Yadir Drake 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Generales. Julian Castro went 3 for 4 for the Rieleros.

Campeche 5, Tabasco 4

Frankie Diaz went 2 for 4 with a home run and 3 RBIs and Engel Beltre 3 for 5 with a run scored for the Piratas. Sergio Burruel was 2 for 3 with a home run and Abel Martinez 1 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for the Olmecas. Jose Marquez Jr. (1-0) got the win in relief and Jose De La Torre picked up his 1st save of the year. Heriberto Ruelas (0-1) was saddled with the loss.

Saltillo 7, Monterrey 3

Frankie De La Cruz (1-0) scattered 6 hits over 6 1/3 innings, struck out 3 and walked 2 while allowing 2 runs to get the win. Javiar Solana (0-1) gave up 4 runs on 4 hits while striking out 6 in taking the loss.Jose Ruiz, Christian Zazueta and Jonathan Aceves were all 2 for 4 on the night for the Saraperos. Chris Roberson went 3 for 4 for the Sultanes.

Tijuana 16, Laguna 5

The Toros exploded for 16 runs on 14 hits to thrill 18,000 hometown fans in the season opening win over the Vaqueros. Dustin Martin was 2 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs, Alex Liddi 1 for 2 with a home run, 4 RBIs and 2 walks and Jorge Cantu went 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs for Tijuana. Jaime Pedroza went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Laguna, Dustin Crenshaw (0-1) took the loss while Alex Sanabia (1-0) worked 5 innings for the win.