Monterrey Defeats Monclova 7-3 in Game 2 of Zona Norte Championship

4 RUN 4TH SPELLS DOOM FOR ACEREROS, GIVES SULTANES 2-0 LEAD IN SERIES

Agustin Murillo

Agustin Murillo got things going for Monterrey, hitting the first pitch he saw from Acerero's starter Josh Lowey over the left field fence to give the Sultanes an early 1-0 lead in game 2 of the Zona Norte Championship round of the LMB Playoffs.

With one out in the bottom of the 2nd, the Acereros struck back. Juan Perez drove a ball deep to left for a solo home run to tie the game. After Jesus Arredondo walked, Cesar Tapia lined a 2 run home run to left as Monclova regained to lead 3-1.

In the top of the third, with singles by Yadir Drake and Ali Solis putting runners on first and second with no outs, the rains came causing a 2 hour delay. When play resumed, Julio Borbon's sacrifice bunt got Solis at second but put runners on the corners. Borbon stole second and both runners scored on a single by Ramiro Pena to tie the game at 3. After a strikeout, Felix Perez hit a 2 run home run to left to give Monterrey a 5-3 lead.

The Sultanes added 2 runs in the top of the 4th. With one out, Yadir Drake was hit by a pitch. One out later, Julio Borbon lofted a long home run to right that scored Drake and gave Monterrey a 7-3 lead.

Julio Borbon

Over the last 6 innings, the Sultanes relief pitchers held the Acereros to 3 hits and no runs to give Darin Downs (1-0) the win. The Acereros starter, Josh Lowey (0-1) gave up all 7 Monterrey runs on 7 hits, including 3 home runs, in 4 innings of work to take the loss.

The series moves to Monterrey with game 3 scheduled for Sunday the 23rd of September with the Sultanes ahead 2 games to none.