Aguilas de Mexicali Make Roster Move

LET GO EXTRANJERO PITCHER SCOTT McGOUGH

Scott McGough Stock Photo

I'm rather curious about the timing on this move...or maybe not. McGough was the reliever brought in by the Aguilas on Wednesday night to pitch the 9th inning against the Caneros de Los Mochis. To say the least, McGough wasn't effective. He gave up 2 runs on 3 hits that allowed the Caneros to tie the game at 4 runs apiece. The next reliever, Adrian Martinez gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in the 10th as the Caneros came from behind to win the game.

The Aguilas deactivated McGough leaving the possibility of return to the team by 11/1.

In addition, the Aguilas activated Catcher Jibran Castro to fill the roster spot.

I do not see the Aguilas releasing Adrian Martinez in the near future.

The Aguilas also announced that DH/OF Nick Evans will be replaced by P Colin Evans. Evans was batting just .067 (1 for 15) with no home runs and no RBIs in 5 games.

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Transactions for 10/25

The Aguilas de Mexicali and the Yaquis de Obregon both made roster moves on the 24th of October

Aguilas de Mexicali     Deactivate   P Miguel Aguilar     Possible recall 10/31
                                      Activate   P Daniel flores

                                      Deactivate   OF Chuck Taylor     Possible return 10.29
                                      Activate   OF Jason Bourgeois

                                      Deactivate   P Jose Meraz     Possible return 10/27
                                      Activate  P Rudolfo Aguilar

Yaquis de Obregon       Deactivate   P Dustin Antolin   Possible return 10/31
                                      Activate   INF Richard Pedroza

Mexicali Over Culiacan 4-1

CJ RETHERFORD'S 2 RUN DOUBLE IN 6th THE DIFFERENCE MAKER

The Aguilas de Mexicali starter, Vinny Nittoli (1-0), scattered 5 hits over 6 scoreless innings while striking out 7. The 5 relievers who followed Nittoli allowed a run on 2 hits over the final 3 innings. Scott McGough set down the Tomateros in order in the 9th to earn the save. Newly acquired Andres Meza (0-1) gave up a run on 4 hits in 3 innings in taking the loss.

Mexicali scored a run in the 1st on a single, a stolen base, a walk and a single by David Harris that scored Juan Perez.

CJ Retherford

The Aguilas added 2 runs in the bottom half of the 6th. With 2 outs, Chuck taylor reached base safely on a fielding error, taking second on the play. David Harris drew a walk and both runners scored on a double by CJ Retherford over the head of the center fielder for the 3-0 Mexicali lead.

Mexicali added an insurance run in the 7th on a walk and 3 consecutive singles for a 4-0 lead.

Culiacan loaded the bases with 1 out in the top of the 8th on 2 singles and a walk. Antonio Lamas scored on a sac fly but Ryan McBroom struck out looking to end the threat and after going quietly in the 9th, Mexicali had the win.

16,357 fans packed Estadio B-Air on a hot sunny Sunday afternoon to see the Aguilas improve to 4-3 and the Tomateros fall to 5-3.

Roster Moves Within the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

TRANSACTIONS IN THE LAST 2 DAYS


The following teams have made roster moves during the last 2 days:

Aguilas de Mexicali     Deactivated P Jake Sanchez   Possible return 10/27
                                      Activated P Jose Alvarado #28


Tomateros de Culiacan   Deactivated P Gonzalo Sanudo   Possible return 10/22
                                        Activated P Andres Meza #22

Yaquis de Obregon     Deactivate P Alberto Leyva
                                    Activate P Ernesto Frieri #55

Tomateros Edge Aguilas 3-2

JOSE OROZCO'S GO AHEAD RBI IN THE TOP OF THE 9TH WINS IT

Jose Orozco

Although neither starting pitcher was around for the finish, both pitched well. Culiacan's Aldo Montes allowed 1 run on 3 hits through 5 2/3 innings and the Aguilas' starter, Javier Solano gave up 2 runs on 5 hits in his 5 2/3 innings on the mound. Derrick Loop (1-0) was charged with a blown save but got the win in relief with Casey Coleman earning the save. Jake Sanchez, (0-1), the Aguilas closer, gave up the winning run and was charged with the loss.

Culiacan scored first, in the top of the 4th, on a double by Ryan McBroom and a run scoring single by Issmael Salas for the 1-0 lead.

A one out solo home run by Ricky Alvarez in the bottom of the 5th for Mexicali tied the game.

Ricky Alvarez

Rico Noel reached on a hot shot single to third in the top of the 6th, went to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single by Salas as Culiacan retook the lead 2-1.

Juan Perez singled with 2 outs in the Mexicali half of the 8th inning, stole second and scored on a single by Misael German and the game was tied yet again setting up the 9th inning.

Salas got things going for Culiacan with a lead off single in the top of the 9th. Salas advanced on a sacrifice bunt and went to third on a single by Antonio Lamas. Pinch hitter Jose Orozco singled to left on a 1-1 pitch to score Salas for the 3-2 Tomatero lead.

Casey Coleman set the Aguilas in order in the bottom of the 9th to preserve the win for Culiacan.

The Tomateros improved to 4-2 on the season while the Aguilas fell to 3-2 after the loss.

Aguilas de Mexicali to Compete in 2018 Mexican Baseball Fiesta

1ª de una serie de 4 partes sobre los equipos que compiten

Cuatro equipos de la Liga Mexicana del Pacifico (LMP) competirán en la Fiesta de Béisbol Mexicana de este año en Tucson, junto con el equipo de béisbol salvaje de Arizona y las jóvenes estrellas de los Royals de Kansas City. Esta serie de artículos se centrará en los equipos de la LMP.

En primer lugar están las Aguilas de Mexicali. Con una población de 689.000, Mexicali, la ciudad capital de baja California, se encuentra a unos 60 kilómetros al oeste de Yuma, AZ y a pocos kilómetros al sur de Calexico, CA. La ciudad ha sido un semillero de la tradición del béisbol desde su fundación en 1976. El equipo ha ganado el Campeonato LMP cuatro veces y ha competido en la serie del Caribe cada vez, ganando todo en 1986.

Enterestingly, el equipo es propiedad del gobierno del estado de baja California. Aunque la mayoría de los equipos mexicanos son apoyados por los gobiernos locales, las Aguilas son propiedad de lock, stock y barril por el gobierno del estado. La obra de Aguilas es estadio B'Air, sede de 17.000 asientos en el centro de Mexicali. Para la temporada de invierno 2017-18, las Aguilas dibujaron un promedio de 13.242 ventiladores por noche. Compare eso con el expreso de Round Rock de la Liga de la costa pacífica que tenía 8.809 aficionados aparecen cada noche.

Ha habido unas cuantas futuras ligas mayores juegan a la pelota de invierno en México. Algunos de los que jugaron para las Aguilas fueron, Mike Piazza, John Kruk, Fernando Valenzuela, Sergio Romo y Jeff Samardzija.

El equipo de este año tendrá algunos extranjeros jugando para ellos. 

CJ Retherford

CJ Retherford, nacido en Homestead, FL, asistió al estado de Arizona y ha jugado para las Aguilas durante 3 temporadas, bateando 31 jonrones, conduciendo en 112 carreras mientras bate. 282.

Yuniesky Betancourt hit. 261, acumuló 80 jonrones y condujo en 477 mientras jugaba para 4 equipos en la MLB.

Chris Roberson, de 39 años de edad, apareció en 157 juegos para los Philos de Filadelfia y ha jugado durante 13 temporadas en las ligas mexicanas. Roberson ha alcanzado 146 jonrones y conducido en 668 carreras mientras compilando un. 280 promedio.

Las Aguilas son un equipo ofensivo explosivo y debe ser divertido para ver en la fiesta de este año de béisbol mexicano. 

Usted puede comprar los boletos en www.mexicanbaseballfiesta.com  

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Aguilas de Mexicali to Compete in 2018 Mexican Baseball Fiesta

1st OF A 4 PART SERIES ON THE TEAMS COMPETING

Four teams from the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico (LMP) will be competing at this year's Mexican Baseball Fiesta in Tucson, along with the Arizona Wildcats baseball team and the young stars of the Kansas City Royals. This series of articles will focus on the teams from the LMP

First up are the Aguilas de Mexicali. With a population of 689,000, Mexicali, the capital city of Baja California, is located about 60 miles west of Yuma, Az and just a few miles south of Calexico, CA. The city has been a hotbed of baseball tradition since it's founding in 1976. The team has won the LMP Championship four times and competed in the Serie del Caribe each time, winning it all in 1986.

Interestingly, the team is owned by the State Government of Baja California. Although most Mexican teams are supported by the local governments, The Aguilas are owned lock, stock and barrel by the state government. The Aguilas play is Estadio B'Air, a 17,000 seat venue in downtown Mexicali. For the 2017-18 winter season, the Aguilas drew an average of 13,242 fans per night. Compare that to the Round Rock Express of the Pacific Coast League who had 8,809 fans show up each night.

There have been quite a few future major leaguers play winter ball in Mexico. Some of those who played for the Aguilas were, Mike Piazza, John Kruk, Fernando Valenzuela, Sergio Romo and Jeff Samardzija.

Luis Sojo, who played in the MLB for several seasons, will pilot the Aguilas for the 2018-19 season.

This year's team will have some "extranjeros", or foreigners, playing for them.

Retherford at the plate

CJ Retherford, born in Homestead, FL, attended Arizona State and has played for the Aguilas for 3 seasons, hitting 31 home runs, driving in 112 runs while batting .282.

Yuniesky Betancourt hit .261, accumulated 80 home runs and drove in 477 while playing for 4 teams in the MLB.

39 year old Chris Roberson appeared in 157 games for the Philadelphia Phillies and has played for 13 seasons in the Mexican leagues. Roberson has hit 146 home runs and driven in 668 runs while compiling a .280 average.

Roberson safe at home on a close play

The Aguilas are an explosive offensive team and should be fun to watch at this year's Mexican Baseball Fiesta.

You can buy tickets at www.mexicanbaseballfiesta.com

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Vamos aTucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta

Mexican Baseball returns to Tucson in October with the 8th Annual Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta.

There are 3 other sites in Arizona and Mexico that will be hosting games, Mesa and Douglas Arizona and Nogales, Mexico.

Four teams from the Liga Mexicana del Pacifica (LMP) will be participating in this year's event along with the Arizona Wildcats baseball team and the Young Stars of the Kansas City Royals. The Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Yaquis de Obregon, Caneros de Los Mochis and the Aguilas de Mexicali will represent the LMP.

The games kick off in Nogales the 22nd, 23rd and 28th of September, move to Mesa, AZ for games from the 28th through the 30th, switch ton Douglas, AZ on the 3rd and 4th of October and wind up in Tucson, at Kino Stadium, for games from the 4th through the 7th of October.

Rated as a Triple A baseball league by Major League Baseball, the teams from the LMP play exciting baseball. Having covered the league in Guadalajara, Mexico, I can attest to the fact that Mexicanos love their baseball. The 8 teams of the LMP averaged 7,722 fans per game. Pick any Triple A league in the US and see how their top 8 teams compare to that figure. Mascots on the field during play, hexes placed on opposing players by the fans, cheerleaders, crazy between innings games and no arguing with the umpires! If you love baseball, you have to love this pure baseball entertainment.

On Thursday, October 4th, the double header begins at 5 PM with the Aguilas taking on the YSKC. There is a $1 dollar beer promotion during this game. The 2nd game features the Arizona Wildcats taking on the Naranjeros.

Friday's double header, starting at 5:30 features the Aguilas against the Caneros in the 1st game and the Naranjeros facing off against the Yaquis in the nightcap. This is eegee's Kids Night with free tickets at eegees locations.

The Aguilas face the Caneros again in game 1 on Saturday the 6th at 5:30 with a repeat of the Narajeros versus the Yaquis in the 2nd game.

Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta winds up on Sunday the 7th of October with a double header on Family Day. There are $10 dollar Family Vouchers available at Vantage West locations throughout Tucson. The Yaquis face the Caneros in the opener while the Naranjeros take on the Aguilas in the nightcap.

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I would recommend this series of games to all of those who love baseball. You will not be disappointed.

There will be updates on the individual teams playing in the series  as the 4th of October arrives.

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Aguilas Shutout Charros 7-0

OFFENSE HELD IN CHECK BY MEXICALI PITCHING

"El Capitan" Rodriguez

Efren Delgado (2-1) scattered 7 Charros hits over 7 innings on the mound for Mexicali, walking 2 and striking out 4 to get the win in the 7-0 shutout of Jalisco in front of 15,721 raucous hometown fans.

Jalisco Starter Bruce Kern

Bruce Kern (1-2) took the loss. Kern and 3 relief pitchers all allowed at least 1 run.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the 7th inning. Dave Sappelt hit a solo home run to left leading off the inning. With 1 out, Xorge Carrillo doubled and scored on a double by Chris Roberson to give Mexicali a 2-0 lead.

The Aguilas broke the game open in the bottom of the 8th, scoring 5 runs. They were aided in the inning by the Charros pitchers who issued 4 walks.

Homar Rojas Argues Balls and Atrikes

Dave Sappelt went 3 for 4 with the home run, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored for the Aguilas. JC Linares was 3 for 5 with an RBI.

Carlos Figueroa had a 2 for 4 night at the plate for the Charros.

It's on to Mazatlán for a 3 game weekend series against the Venados. Monday is a travel day and the Charros return home to face the Naranjeros de Hermosillo on Tuesday the 1st of November.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Culiacan 3, Los Mochis 1

The Tomateros took their 1st lead of the game with 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning and closer Javy Guerra gave up a hit but struck out the side in the 9th to preserve the win for Jose Sanchez (1-0) and earn his 1st save. Raul Barron (0-1) gave up the go ahead run in the 7th to take the loss. Maxwell Leon, appearing in his 1st game for Culiacan, was 2 for 3 with a double, 2 RBIs and a run scored and Joey Meneses 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Culiacan. Jose Aguilar was 2 for 3 and Jorge Flores 2 for 4 for the Naranjeros.

Obregon 3, Los Mochis 1

The Yaquis scored all of their runs on a 3 run Joey Wendle home run in the bottom of the 2nd and went on to beat the Caneros 3-1. Isaac Rodriguez was 3 for 4 with a run scored and Leandro Castro 3 for 3 with an RBI for Los Mochis. Irwin Delgado (1-0) gave up a run on 5 hits in 5 innings for the win and Ryan Kelly notched his 4th save of the season. Guillermo Trujillo (0-1) took the loss.

Mazatlán 3, Navojoa 2 (10 innings)

Watch the walk off single here.

Brian Hernandez hit a walk off single in the bottom of the 10th inning to score Tito Polo with the winning run in the 3-2 win for the Venados. Jesus Barraza (1-0) worked the 10th inning to get the win. The Mayos used 9 pitchers in the game. Jesus Garcia was charged with a blown save and Oscar De La O (1-1) took the loss. Corey Brown went 2 for 3 and Cyle Hankerd 2 for 4 for the Venados while Yosmany Guerra was 1 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored for Navojoa.

Jalisco Tops Mexicali 5-4

MICHAEL CHOICE HOMERS IN THE WIN

Octavio Acosta on the Mound

The Charros got good pitching from starter Octavio Acosta, although Acosta did not figure in the win he allowed a single run on 2 hits and struck out 5 over 4 1/3 innings, and offense from Michael Choice to beat the Aguilas 5-4.

Julio Felix (1-0) got the win in relief and Aaron Kurcz notched his 4th save of the year, pitching the last 1 1/3 innings for Jalisco.

Miguel Pena (0-1) worked 2 2/3 innings for Mexicali giving up 3 runs on 3 hits, walking 4 and striking out 3. The Charros struck out 11 times against the Aguilas pitchers.

Choice sent a 1 out fastball deep to left center for a solo home run in the top of the 2nd inning that gave the Charros an early 1-0 lead.

Choice Homers in the 2nd

With 2 outs Jalisco loaded the bases in the 3rd inning on a walk to Carlos Figueroa, a single by Manny Rodriguez and an Agustin Murillo hit by pitch. Choice then drew a base on balls to plate Figueroa. Cacao Valdez followed that with the second of his four walks on the night to bring in Rodriguez for the 3-0 Charros lead.

Mexicali got a run back in the bottom of the 4th on an Adan Munoz double and a ground ball double play by Dave Sappelt that scored Munoz and cut the lead to 3-1.

Yunesky Betancourt hit a solo home run for the Aguilas in the bottom of the 6th inning to narrow the gap to 3-2.

Art Charles singled with 1 out in the top of the 7th and advanced to second on a fielding error by the Aguilas shortstop. After the second out, Cacao Valdez singled to drive in Charles. Jonathan Aceves walked to load the bases. The Mexicali pitcher then uncorked a wild pitch that got Murillo in for the 5-2 lead.

A walk to Humberto Cota started things off for the Aguilas in the bottom of the 7th. Ramon Urias followed with a double to left. Chris Roberson singled to drive in Cota and Ricky Alvarez hit a sac fly to score Urias. The lead was down to 5-4 but the Aguilas' bats fell silent over the last 2 innings and the Charros were 5-4 winners.

Charros Celebrate the Win

Agustin Murillo raised his batting average to .468 with a 2 for 4 night at the plate, Michael Choice was 1 for 4 with the home run and 2 RBIs and Cacao Valdez 1 for 1 with 4 walks and 2 RBIs for the Charros.

Adan Munoz went 1 for 3 with an RBI and Yunesky Betancourt 1 for 3 with a home run for the Aguilas.

This is the 1st series win in 4 attempts for the Charros. One more game in Mexicali and then a weekend series against the Venados in Mazatlán.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Hermosillo 6, Culiacan 3

Mallex Smith, Jose Amador and Jorge Flores homered for the Naranjeros as Hermosillo doubled up the Tomateros 6-3. Iker Franco homered for Culiacan. Fernando Miranda (1-0) got the win in relief and Paul Sewald earned his 5th save of the year while Francisco Campos (0-1) took the loss for the Tomateros. Matt Skole was 2 for 2 with 2 walks and a run scored for Hermosillo while Joey Meneses and Issmael Salas were both 2 for 4 for Culiacan.

Los Mochis 6, Obregon 5

The league leading Caneros' Leandro Castro went 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs in the 6-5 win over the Yaquis. Obregon got a home run from Carlos Valencia and a triple from Leo Heras in the loss. Santiago Gutierrez (2-0) picked up the win in relief and Jon Sintes earned his 5th save of the season. Miguel Aguilar (0-2) took the loss.

Navojoa 6, Mazatlan 5

The Venados fell to the bottom of the LMP standings at 3-10 with the 6-5 loss to the Mayos. Navojoa scored 3 times in the top of the 9th inning to overcome a Mazatlán 5-3 lead. Luis De La O (1-0) got the win and Esteban Haro picked up his 1st save of the year. Benino Prueda (0-1) was charged with a blown save and the loss. Carlos Moncrief was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored for the Mayos. Corey Brown had a home run and 3 RBIs in 3 trips to the plate for Mazatlán.

Charros Get 8-2 Win in Mexicali

SCORE 5 IN 5TH TO BREAK THE GAME OPEN

The Charros used a 5 run 5th inning to break open a close game and went on to beat the Aguilas de Mexicali 8-2 in the opening game of a 3 game series. The Charros improved to 6-6 on the year and reached .500 for the first time since game 2 of the season.

At the same time the offense was hitting on all cylinders, the pitching, led by starter Daniel Guerrero, was humming along nicely. Guerrero (1-1) worked 6 innings giving up a run on 3 hits and 2 K's in picking up the win.

Javier Solano (1-1), the Aguilas starter, lasted 4 1/3 innings on the mound while being tagged for 7 runs on 6 hits and walking 4 in taking the loss.

Figueroa and Rodriguez Score

Jalisco jumped out early, taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning. Carlos Fugueroa singled to lead off the game and went to second on a single by Manny Rodriguez. With 2 outs, Agustin Murillo drew a base on balls to load the bases. Michael Choice came through with a single that scored Figueroa and Rodriguez for the lead.

Amadeo Zazueta hit a sac fly to right to score Jonathan Aceves, who had singled, in the 2nd inning to build a 3-0 Charros lead.

The Aguilas scored in the bottom of the 3rd on a single by Yordany Linares who went to second on a walk to Xorge Carrillo. Linares scored on a double play ball by Ramon Urias to cut the Jalisco lead to 3-1.

Walks are the bane of every manager's existence. Mexicali's Solano walked Figueroa and Rodriguez to start the 5th inning. Art Charles doubled to right to score both Figueroa with Rodriguez stopping at third. Murillo followed with a single to drive in both runners and that was all for Solano. Cacao Valdez doubled off of reliever Juan Espinoza to score Charles. Fernando Valenzuela single to drive in Murillo and Valdez for the 8-1 Charros lead.

Charles and Rodriguez Score

Ricky Alvarez and Dave Sappelt singled for the Aguilas in the bottom of the 7th. After a double play, Xorge Carrillo struck out but strike 3 was a wild pitch that allowed Sappelt to score from second to make it an 8-2 game. After 2 singles loaded the bases, Charros reliever Adrian Guzman got Ramon Rios to pop up to second to end the threat and wrap up the Jalisco 8-2 win.

Agustin Murillo, Michael Choice and Fernando Valenzuela were all 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Jalisco.

Ricky Avarez was 2 for 4 for the Aguilas.

Two more games with the Aguilas before heading to Mazatlán for a weekend series with the Venados.

Choice and Aaron Kurcz Watch

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Culiacan 3, Hermosillo 2 (11 innings)

Jose Manuel Orozco hit a 2 out walk off home run to right in the bottom of the 11th inning to lift the Tomateros to a 3-2 win over the Naranjeros. Antonio Lamas hit a solo home run for Culiacan in the 6th. Jose Amador was 3 for 4 and Carlos Gastelum 2 for 4 for Hermosillo. Francisco (1-0) picked up the win in relief while Demetrio Gutierrez (0-1) suffered the loss. Watch Orozco's home run here.

Los Mochis 5, Obregon 4

The Caneros scored all of their runs in the 5th inning and held on to beat the Yaquis 5-4. Roy Merritt (0-1) gave up 4 runs on 6 hits in 5 innings of work to get the win and Jon Sintes worked a perfect 9th inning to earn his 4th save of the year. David Reyes (0-3) gave up all 5 Caneros runs in the loss. The Naranjeros have lost 4 in a row after starting the season 6-1. Saul Soto was 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs and Juan Carlos 2 for 4 with an RBI for Los Mochis while Delino Deshields was 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs for Hermosillo.

Navojoa 9, Mazatlán 8

The Mayos scored 4 in the 3rd and 4 in the 5th while adding an insurance run in the 8th inning. They weathered a 2 run bottom of the 9th to outlast the Venados 9-8. Oscar Felix (1-0) picked up the win in relief and Kyle Grana got the save despite giving up 2 runs on 2 hits in the bottom of the 9th. Luis Heredia (0-1) lost in relief for Mazatlán. Alejandro Gonzalez was 1 for 4 with 3 RBIs for Navojoa while Esteban Quiroz went 4 for 5 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Venados.

Charros Come From Behind To Beat Tomateros 9-7

PITCHING STILL SUSPECT BUT OFFENSE BREAKS OUT

Lead Off Hitter Carlos Fifueroa

The Charros improved to 5-6 on the season as their offense erupted for 9 runs against the Tomateros de Culiacan. Their starting pitching still lacks the ability to get opposing batters out early but the batters came alive in the 9-7 win.

Jalisco fell behind 4-1 and then 5-1 in the 5th inning before scoring 4 runs in the 5th inning and 4 more in the 6th to take the lead and held on for the victory. The Charros were aided in their win by 4 Culiacan errors.

Tyler Alexander, the Charros starting pitcher, lasted just 1 1/3 innings giving up 4 runs on 3 hits with 3 walks. Ivan Rodriguez (1-0) picked up the win in relief and Aaron Kurcz worked the last out of the 8th and all of the 9th inning to earn his third save of the year.

Hector Navarro relieved Culiacan starter Edgar Gonzalez after 4 2/3 innings and gave up 2 runs on 2 hits to take the loss.

Rico Noel led off the game with a walk and stole second. He went to third on the errant pickoff throw. Ronnier Mustelier grounded out to first base to score Noel and the Tomateros were up 1-0 after just 2 batters.

Antonio Lamas walked to lead off the 2nd inning for Culiacan and went to third on a double by Jose Orozco. Oscar Robles walked to load the bases. Irving Wilson singled to score Lamas. Noel singled to deep short to drive in Orozco and Mustelier hit a sac fly to right to score Robles. The Tomateros led 4-0.

Art Charles Hustles Around 3rd

The Charros got on the board in their half of the 3rd. Art Charles walked to lead off the inning and scored on a double by Agustin Murillo to cut the lead to 4-1.

Jalisco again walked the leadoff batter, Sebastian Elizalde, in the top of the 5th who went to third on a single by Joey Meneses. Jose Orozco grounded into a force out that scored Elizalde and Culiacan led 5-1.

Carlos Figueroa singled to lead off the bottom of the 5th and went to second on a wild pitch. Two outs later, Art Charles reached safely on a throwing error by the Tomateros shortstop as Figueroa scored. Murillo singled to score Charles, who had advanced to second on the error. Michael Choice followed with a 2 run home run to left to tie the game at 5 all.
Check out the Michael Choice home run here.

Culiacan retook the lead in the top of the 6th inning. Irving Wilson doubled and scored, one out later, on a single by Ronnier Mustelier. The Tomateros led 6-5.

Fernando Valenzuela Jr. doubled to lead off the Charros half of the 6th. Israel Nunez singled to plate Valenzuela and tie the game at 6. Carlos Figueroa sacrificed pinch runner Alberto Carreon to second. After the second out of the inning, Manny Rodriguez reached base safely on yet another error by the shortstop as Carreon scored. An intentional walk to Art Charles brought Agustin Murillo to the plate and he delivered a double to score Rodriguez and Charles for the 9-6 lead.

With 2 outs in the 8th inning the Charros reliever, Edwin Salas issued two walks. Aaron Kurcz was called on to relieve Salas and promptly gave up a single to Sebastian Elizalde that scored Rico Noel to cut the lead to 9-7 but that was all Culiacan could muster and the Charros had the 9-7 win.

Charros Closer Aaron Kurcz

Agustin Murillo was 4 for 4 with 4 RBIs, Michael Choice 1 for 4 with the home run and 2 RBIs and Israel Nunez 1 for 3 with an RBI for the Charros.

Ronnier Mustelier was 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs and Irving Wilson 2 for 4 with an RBI for Culiacan.

An off day on Monday for the Charros before opening a 3 game series against the Aguilas in Mexicali on Tuesday the 25th of October.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Los Mochis 9, Mazatlán 1

Alexis Lara (1-0) tossed 5 innings of shutout ball against the Venados giving up just 3 hits while striking out 6 in the 9-1 pasting of Mazatlán. Walter Ibarra (1-2) was rocked for 8 runs on 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings in the loss. Jesus Arredondo was 2 for 4 with a home run for Los Mochis while Juan Carlos Gamboa went 2 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Hector Paez was 2 for 4 for the Venados.

Obregon 5, Hermosillo 4

The Yaquis got an RBI single from Christian Villanueva in the top of the 9th to pull ahead of the Naranjeros 5-4 and closer Ryan Kelly set the Hermosillo batters down in order in the bottom of the 9th. Kelly picked up his 3rd save and Carlos Fisher (1-0) picked up the win. Paul Sewald (0-1) gave up the run in the 9th to take the loss. Christian Villanueva was 4 for 5 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs for Obregon. Efren Navarro was 1 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for Hermosillo.

Mexicali 3, Navojoa 2

Wellington Dotel singled to right with 2 outs in the top of the 9th to score Xorge Castillo with the go ahead run in the Aguilas 3-2 win over the Mayos. Francisco Rodriguez (1-0) picked up the win in relief and Jake Sanchez earned his third save of the season. Kyle Grana (1-1) took the loss. Adan Munoz went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for Mexicali. Christian Zazueta had a home run and 2 RBIs in 3 trips to the plate for Navojoa.

Venados Comience Defensa de LMP Título 7-1 con Triunfo Sobre Mexicali

5 CORRER 6th ENTRADA MAZATLAN

La 2015-16 de la Liga Mexicana del Pacífico (LMP) Campeón Venados de Mazatlán comenzó la defensa de su título el 11 de octubre con un rotundo 7-1 derrota de los Águilas de Mexicali.

Que lleva las Águilas 2-1 entrar en la parte inferior de la sexta entrada, la ciudad natal Venados anotó 5 carreras a soplar abrir un partido cerrado.

Mazatlán saltó a una ventaja temprana en su mitad de la segunda entrada, en una caminata de Corey Brown y un jonron run 2 izquierdo y central por Brian Hernández. Venados 2, Aguilas 0.

El Águilas tiene una carrera de vuelta en la parte superior de la cuarta con un sencillo de Ramón Ríos, un doble por CJ Retherford, un bateador golpeado y una fuerza que a primera anotó Ríos. 2-1 Mazatlán.

Los Venados explotó en la parte inferior de la sexta entrada, el envío de 9 hombres al plato y anotó 5 veces. Heber Gómez y Samar Leyva se duplicaron en la entrada como la Venados construyó una ventaja de 7-1.

Walter Silva lanzó 5 entradas para los Venados que permiten la única Mexicali ejecuta en la escogencia de la victoria, mientras que del Aguila Edgar Osuna renunció a 2 carreras en 3 hits, incluyendo un jonrón, en sus 5 entradas de trabajo para asumir la pérdida.

Ramón Ríos fue de 3 por 4 con una carrera anotada para Mexicali mientras que Brian Hernández se fue 3 por 4 con un jonrón y 2 impulsadas para la Venados.

Los 6 equipos LMP restantes estarán en acción el 12 de octubre como el anfitrión Charros los Tomateros, los yaquis son en casa contra los Naranjeros y los Cañeros de Los Mochis visitar Navojoa a asumir los mayos.

Venados Begin Defense of LMP Title with 7-1 Win Over Mexicali

5 RUN 6TH INNING FOR MAZATLAN

The 2015-16 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico (LMP) Champion Venados de Mazatlan began the defense of their title on the 11^th of October with a resounding 7-1 defeat of the Aguilas de Mexicali.

Leading the Aguilas 2-1 entering the bottom of the 6^th inning, the hometown Venados scored 5 runs to blow open a close game.

Mazatlan jumped out to an early lead in their half of the 2^nd inning on a walk to Corey Brown and a 2 run home run to left center by Brian Hernandez. Venados 2, Aguilas 0.

The Aguilas got a run back in the top of the 4^th on a single by Ramon Rios, a double by CJ Retherford, a hit batter and a force out to first that scored Rios. 2-1 Mazatlán.

The Venados exploded in the bottom of the 6^th inning, sending 9 men to the plate and scoring 5 times. Heber Gomez and Samar Leyva doubled in the inning as the Venados built a 7-1 lead.

Walter Silva pitched 5 innings for the Venados allowing the only Mexicali run in picking up the win while the Aguila’s Edgar Osuna gave up 2 runs on 3 hits, including a home run, in his 5 innings of work to take the loss.

Ramon Rios was 3 for 4 with a run scored for Mexicali while Brian Hernandez went 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for the Venados.

The remaining 6 LMP teams will be in action on the 12^th of October as the Charros host the Tomateros, the Yaquis are at home against the Naranjeros and the Caneros de Los Mochis visit Navojoa to take on the Mayos.

Charros de Jalisco 2016-17 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Schedule

The Charros de Jalisco begin play in their 3^rd season with the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico (LMP) 2016-17 season with a home game against the Tomateros de Culiacan on the 12^th of October. Jalisco plays it’s home game in the Estadio de Beisbol in Zapopan by the TelMex Auditorio. According to the Charros’ home page, single game tickets will become open to the public on the 3^rd of October. Tickets will be available either on TicketMaster or at the stadium between the hours of 10AM and 3PM Monday through Friday

There will be 34 home games for the Charros and 34 games on the road.

In October, in addition to the home opener on the 12^th, the Charros play 3 games against the Caneros de Los Mochis, the 18^th-20^th and 3 games against the Tomateros the 21^st-23^rd.

November 1^st through the 3^rd, the Charros face the Naranjeros de Hermosillo. The 8^th-10 have the Aguilas de Mexicali in town. The Yaquis de Obregon arrive in Guadalajara for 3 games from the 11^th-13^th. The Aguilas return for 3 games November 21st-23^rd with the Venados de Mazatlan rounding out the November schedule with 3 games on the 24^th through the 26^th.

The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico will be reviving its All Star game this year. There has not been an all star game in the league for 20 years. The format for selecting the players has not been determined yet but the game will be held on the 27^th of November in Ciudad Obregon.

December finds the Charros at home the 2^nd-4^th against the Mayos de Navojoa. The 13^th-15^th brings the Yaquis back to town. The Naranjeros return from the 16^th-18^th and the season winds up with the Charros at home against the Tomateros de Culiacan on the 28^th, 29^th and 30^th of December.

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Liga Mexicana del Pacifico To Begin Season on October 11th

The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico (LMP) is set to begin another season of winter baseball in western Mexico.  Opening day is the 11^th of October with a game between last year’s Champion Venados de Mazatlan and the runner up Aguilas de Mexicali to be held in Mazatlán

Good Food at LMP Stadiums

Winter baseball in Mexico, and the LMP specifically, has been around, in some form or another, since 1947. Last year fans spun the turnstiles at a rate of 9,500 per game for a yearly total of 2,968,000, an increase of 12%. That number makes the LMP the best attended minor league outside of the US. They had more “fanaticos” per game than the 16 team Mexican summer league.

The fans took advantage of the cooler winter weather to watch their hometown heroes hit, pitch and field their way toward the LMP Championship and a chance to represent Mexico in the Serie Caribe. Last year the Venados de Mazatlan, representing Mexico,  won the Serie Caribe without losing a game.

Several notable Major Leaguers have played in the LMP. Cy Young Award winner Fernando Valenzuela, Vinny Castilla and Pedro Guerrero to name just a few.

The LMP season consists of 68 games divided into two halves of play. The first half is 35 games long and teams are awarded points based on their record. There are tie breakers such as runs scored to determine points for the half. The second half consists of 33 games with points awarded in a similar fashion.

6 of the 8 teams in the LMP make the playoffs.

A strange thing about the LMP is that after the season, the players on the eliminated teams can be “drafted” by the teams in the playoffs. This phenomenon occurs after the first and second round eliminations too.

A top player for the last place regular season team could find himself on the championship club and playing for Mexico in the Serie Caribe.

How does a 6 team playoff system work you ask? The six teams play a best-of-seven first round series with the three winners advancing to the semifinal round. Of the three losing teams in the first round, the team with the best record advances to the semifinal round. The “best loser” team cannot face the team that eliminated them in the first round. Last year’s champion Venados de Mazatlan came from the “best loser” category.

All playoff rounds are a best-of-seven format. The higher seeded team gets the first 2 games at home, travels for games 3-5 and returns home for games 6 and 7 if necessary.

The LMP is made up of 8 teams. The Charros de Jalisco (Guadalajara), Venados de Mazatlan, Tomateros de Culiacan, Caneros de Los Mochis, Mayos de Navojoa, Yaquis de Obregon, Naranjeros de Hermosillo and the Aguilas de Mexicali.

The stadiums are loud, filled with music and food and packed with dedicated fans who cheer for their team with enthusiasm and pride. Experiencing a game in this atmosphere is fun and exciting.

If you live in or around one of these cities, take a day or two to see what “Beisbol” in Mexico is all about. You won’t be disappointed.

Charros Drop Game 1 to Aguilas 2-1

ALEX LIDDI HOME RUN LONE JALISCO OFFENSE

In a pitchers duel worthy of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Championship playoffs, Terance Marin squared off against Javier Solano to produce one of the more entertaining games in the Charros season.

Charros starter Terance Marin

Marin pitched 7 strong innings for the Charros giving u just 2 runs while scattering 6 hits, striking out 6, walking 3 and throwing 1 costly wild pitch.

The Charros offense sputtered once again, getting just 5 hits, two of them by Liddi and scoring 1 run in support of Marin.

Jalisco had runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs in the 3rd inning but failed to score. They wouldn't get runners in scoring position again until Liddi led off the top of the 7th with a double. Again the Charros were unable to score.

Yunesky Betancourt, of the Aguilas, singled to lead off the bottom of the second, advanced to second on a fly ball to center, moved to third on a ground out by Wellington Dotel and scored on a wild pitch by Marin to put Mexicali up 1-0. Luis Juarez followed the wild pitch with a singl and scored on a double to left center by Xorge Carrillo with what proved to be the winning run and a 2-0 lead.

Alex Liddi, given the green light on a 3-1 pitch, drilled a fast ball over the wall in left center to cut the lead to 2-1 in the 4th inning but the Charros would score no more.

Liddi HR in the 4th

Marin was charged with the loss. Javier Solano went 7 innings for Mexicali allowing 1 run on 4 hits and striking out 7 Charros. Esmailin Caridad picked up the save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning in relief.

Game 2 of the first round series continues on Saturday the 2nd of January on Mexicali before returning to Guadalajara foe game 3 on Monday the 4th of January.

Hector Estrada - Rojos del Aguilas de Veracruz Manager 2015

Hector Estrada, the newest manager of the Red Eagles of Veracruz, began playing baseball in the Mexican League in 1986. Estrada played for 23 years as a catcher and 1st baseman for 11 different teams. In the years 2000-2007, Hector hit .255 with 57 home runs and 246 RBIs.

In 2000, Estrada hit 19 home runs and drove in 83 for the Leones de Yucatan. His .356 batting average in 1991 for the Diablos Rojo de Mexico was his best. Either the pitching was poor or the baseballs were juiced because Estrada finished 18th in the league in batting that year. 

Manager of the Aguilas de Mexicali

Estrada played for the Pericos de Puebla, Charros de Jalisco, Diablos Rojos de Mexico, the Pericos again, Langostenos de Quintana Roo, Acereros del Norte Monclova, Leones de Yucatan, Algodoneros de Torreon, Vaqueros de Laguna, the Cafeteros de Cordoba and the Piratas de Campeche during his career.

He began his managerial career while still a player for the Vaqueros de Laguna taking over the reigns late in the 2005 season. Estrada became the player-manager for the Piratas de Campeche in 2007, his last year as a player. He managed the Piratas until part way through the 2010 season when he assumed the duties as field boss for the Vaqueros de Laguna.

Hector was the 3rd base coach for the Diablos Rojo de Mexico for the 2011 and 2012 seasons prior to being named as the manager of the Guerreros de Oaxaca in 2013. Estrada would manage the Guerreros until the end of the 2014 season. He became the manager of the Rojos del Aguilas in the fall of 2014. 

Manager of the Guerreros de Oaxaca

The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico offered Estrada extra managerial experience in the winter league. He was a coach for the Yaquis de Obregon in 2013 when they won the Serie de Caribe in front of the home crowd in Hermosillo.

Estrada managed the Aguilas de Mexicali for the 2014-2015 season where he led the team to a 37-31 record. The Aguilas were defeated by the eventual League Champion Tomateros de Culiacan in the semi-final round.

Tomateros Reach Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Finals Against Charros

TOP AGUILAS de MEXICALI 9-8 IN ELEVEN INNINGS

The Tomateros de Culican are in the finals of the Liga de Mexicana del Pacifico against the Charros de Jalisco by virtue of their 9-8 win over the Aguilas de Mexicali in 11 innings last night. The Tomateros squandered an 8-3 lead but held on to win on a throwing error by the Aguilas pitcher in the bottom of the 11th.

The Aguilas scored two in the 1st on a walk to Gil Velazquez and a home run to left by Humberto Cota that got Mexicli off to a 2-0 lead.

John Lindsey led off the 2nd for Mexicali with a solo home run to left to up the Aguilas' lead to 3-0.

Joey Meneses singled to lead off the Tomateros half of the 2nd. Russell Branyan then singled to left with Meneses going to third. Meneses and Branyan both scored in front of Oscar Robles' home run to right that tied the score at 3.

In the bottom of the 3rd for Culiacan, Eric Farris led off with a single and went to second on a single by Russell Branyan. Issmael Salas sent a shot to left for a home run that scored Farris and Branyan and increased the Tomateros lead to 6-3.

Culiacan scored twice in the bottom of the 4th. A single by Eric Farris, with two outs, started things off. Joey Meneses followed with a single that moved Farris to third. Russell Branyan then singled to score Farris with Meneses going to third. A passed ball scored Meneses and the Tomateros were ahead 8-3.

Dave Sappelt hit a three run home run for the Aguilas in the top of the 5th that scored Chris Roberson and Gil Velazquez to narrow the Tomateros lead to 8-6.

Mexicali scored a run in the 8th on singles by Humberto Cota and Luis Juarez and a sac fly to center by Ricardo Serrano that scored Cota. The Aguilas were now 1 run back at 8-7.

The Aguilas tied the score at 8-8 in the top of the 9th on Dave Sappelt's second home run of the night, a solo blast to left that tied the game and forced extra innings.

The Tomateros won the game in the bottom of the 11th when, following a double by Joey Meneses, the Mexicali pitcher threw wildly to first on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Sergio Gastelum that scored Meneses with the winning run.

The Tomateros now face the Charros de Jalisco in a best of seven championship series that begins in Guadalajara on Wednesday night

Charros Out Pitch Aguilas 3-2 to Take Game Three of the Series

The Charros salvaged one win of the three game series with the Aguilas de Mexicali on a 3-2 win on Sunday afternoon. It was a pitchers duel on both sides as the Charros scored all of their runs in the bottom of the 5th and the Aguilas scored their runs in the top of the 6th.

CJ Retherford led off the bottom of the 5th for the Charros with a single to left. With one out, Mexicali starter, Marco Quevedo threw a wild pitch to move Retherford to second. Gabriel Gutierrez reached safely on an error by the Aguilas second baseman. Retherford and Gutierrez scored ahead of a 3 run home run by Amadeo Zazueta that put Jalisco up 3-0.

Mexicali came right back in the top of the 6th. Lead off batter Misael German struck out but reached first on a passed ball by the Charros catcher. Gil Velazaquez singled and German scored on a single by Dave Sappelt. Walter Ibarra followed with a single to load the bases. Adrian Ramirez relieved Charros starter Ben Kozlowski and got Luis Juarez to ground into a 5-2 fielder's choice that cut down Velazaquez at the plate. Carlos Vazquez replaced Ramirez on the mound for Jalisco and Josh Whitesell greeted him with a sac fly to center that scored Sappelt with the second and last run for the Aguilas.

Ben Kozlowski pitched 5 innings of 4 hit ball giving up the 2 runs while striking out 3. Adrian Ramirez, Carlos Vazquez, Mario Mendoza and Ivan Salas recorded holds and Brian Broderick pitched a perfect 9th to get his 14th save of the year.

The Charros improve to 29-21 overall and 8-7 in the second half standings. Mexicali is 28-22, one game behind the Charros overall, and 9-6 in the second half.