Monterrey Wins 4-3 Over Tijuana to Advance to Zona Norte Championship

EXCITING GAME 7...NEXT UP ACEREROS de MONCLOVA

The Sultanes scored first and held on through an exciting bottom of the 9th inning to beat the Toros de Tijuana 4-3 and now move on to face Monclova in the Zona Norte Championship round of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol playoffs.

Nick Struck

Nick Struck (2-0) picked up the win in relief of starter Jose De Paula. Struck went 2 2/3 innings, giving up a hit while striking out 2, Wirfin Obispo earned his second save of the series although over 2 innings he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, including a home run in the bottom of the 9th.

Horacio Ramirez (0-1) was tagged for 2 runs on 3 hits over 4 1/3 innings on the mound in taking the loss. Although Ramirez took the loss, the Toros relievers were responsible for the overall damage. Aaron Kurcz gave up a home run to Ali Solis in the top of the 7th and closer Jake Sanchez allowed what would be the winning run to score on a home run to Chris Roberson in the top of the 9th.

Tijuana made things interesting in the bottom of the 9th inning. Trailing 4-1, Frederich Cepeda singled to begin the inning. Jorge Cantu followed with his 3rd home run of the series, and his 3rd hit of the game, to plate Cepeda and pull the Toros to within a run at 4-3. With 2 outs, Xorge Carrillo singled to center and Juan Perez was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Jose Guadalupe Chavez struck out to end the exciting 9th inning and the game.

Monterrey had just 6 hits in the game with Solis and Roberson getting 5 of them and driving in all 4 runs for the Sultanes.

Ali Solis

Jorge Cantu went 3 for 4 with the home run and all 3 RBIs for the Toros.