Mexicali Tops Navojoa 4-3 in 16 Innings

WILL FACE MAZATLAN IN LMP CHAMPIONSHIP

Let the Cebration Begin in Mexicali

CJ Retherford's successful squeeze bunt in the bottom of the 16th inning scored Chris Roberson from third for the winning run as the Aguilas de Mexicali defeated the Mayos de Navojoa 4-3 to take game 7 of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico semifinal round and advance to the Championship series against the Venados de Mazatlán. This game was the longest in the history of the LMP Playoffs.

The Aguilas had tied the game at 3 in the bottom of the 6th inning when Retherford was hit by a pitch with 2 outs and scored in front of a home run to center by Luis Juarez. Those would be the last runs scored by either team for the next 10 innings.

19 pitchers were used in the game, 9 by the Mayos and 10 by the Aguilas. Yair Lozoya pitched the final 2 innings for Mexicali to pick up the win while Tomas Solis was charged with the run in the 16th and took the loss for Navojoa.

The teams combined to use 28 position players, 15 by the Aguilas and 13 by the Mayos. The Mexicali substitutes went 3 for 7 while the Mayos pinch hitters were 0-5. Navojoa was 1 for 9 and Mexicali 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position.

Another sellout crowd of 17,000 in Mexicali sat through a game that lasted 6 hours and 2 minutes. There is no mention of how many fans were around at the end of the game that started at 8PM (local time) on the 18th of January and finished at 2:02 AM (local time) on the 19th of January.

Both teams scored in the 1st inning. Carlos Moncrief led off the top of the 1st for Navojoa by drawing a walk. 2 batters later, Jesus Castillo waited out a walk to put runners on first and second. A double by Jose Amador scored Moncrief for the early 1-0 lead.

Mexicali answered in their half of the inning when Chris Roberson singled with 2 outs, stole second and scored on a single to left by Yuniesky Betancourt to tie the game at 1.

Navojoa added a run in the 3rd inning on a lead off single by Moncrief, a double by Nate Tenbrink and a sac fly to right by Quincy Latimore. The Mayos had a 2-1 lead after 3 innings.

In the top of the 5th inning, Tenbrink reached on a 1 out single, Latimore's single to center moved him to third and Castillo hit a sac fly to left that scored Tenbrink for a 3-1 Navojoa lead.

Luis Juarez'  home run in the bottom of the 6the inning, with Retherford aboard, tied the game at 3 all. There would be no more scoring for 10 innings.

There are several choices for Most Valuable Player (MVP) in this series. Luis Juarez won game 1 for the Aguilas with a 2 out single in the bottom of the 9th and his home run in this game tied the score. CJ Retherford's ability to lay down the squeeze after 6 hours of play in this game, his .318 batting average for the playoffs and his consistent play at first base is certainly worthy of consideration. Although he didn't make the splashy plays as did Juarez and Retherford, Xorge Carrillo hit .382 and was solid behind the plate for Mexicali.

The LMP Championship Series has the Aguilas facing the Venados de Mazatlán with the series set to begin on Wednesday the 20th of January.

Mayos 1-0 Over Aguilas In 10 Innings; Tie Series at 3 All

GAME 7 TO BE PLAYED ON MONDAY WITH WINNER ADVANCING

What a game! There's nothing like a pitcher's duel, extra inning affair in playoff baseball. Hector Velazquez tossed a 2 hitter over 7 innings allowing no runs and striking out 7 for the Mayos. Hector Rodriguez allowed just 3 hits, walked 1 and struck out 6 in 6 1/3 innings on the mound for the Aguilas. Neither pitcher allowed a run. Neither pitcher figured in the decision. Neither team deserved to lose.

Mayos Battery Celebrates The Win

Mexicali had scoring opportunities in the 2nd, 8th and 10th innings but their hitters went 0 for 3 with runners in scoring position. The Mayos had runners in scoring position in the 3th, 5th and 10th innings and their hitters were 0 for 7.

Mauricio Lara began the bottom of the 10th inning as the Aguilas reliever and gave up a single to Jesus Castillo. Jose Chavez reached safely on a bunt back to the mound that Lara threw away and the Mayos had runners on first and second with no outs. This was the only error by either team in the game. Nate Tenbrink laid down a sacrifice bunt to third that advanced the runners. After a pitching change by the Aguilas, pinch hitter Fernando Flores hit a sac fly to center that scored Castillo with the only run of the game and the 1-0 win for Navojoa.

Castillo Scores The Lone Run

The Aguilas had a chance to score in the bottom of the inning. CJ Retherford beat the throw on a soft ground ball to second for a single to lead off the inning. Pinch runner Jon Del Campo moved to second, one out later, on a single to left by Xorge Carrillo. As the hometown crowd of 17,000 fans cheered wildly with anticipation, their hopes were crushed when DH Luis Juarez hit into a double play to end the game.

Game 7 will be played on Monday with the winner moving on to play either the Yaquis de Obregon or the Venados de Mazatlán in game 1 of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Championship round of the playoffs set to begin on Wednesday the 20th of January.

The Mayos battled back from a 2 games to none deficit to tie the series at 3 games.

Aguilas Top Mayos 4-3 In LMP Playoffs

TAKE 3 GAMES TO 2 LEAD BACK TO MEXICALI

The Aguilas de Mexicali scored 2 runs in the 8th inning and held on to beat the Mayos de Navojoa 4-3. Jake Sanchez picked up the win in relief and closer Esmailin Caridad worked out of a 2 on, one out jam in the bottom of the 9th inning to preserve the win. Carlos Bustamante was charged with a blown save and took the loss for Navojoa.

Mexicali took the lead in the top of the 5th inning when Xorge Carrillo doubled to left with 2 outs and scored as Ricky Alvarez reached base safely on a fielding error by the Navojoa shortstop to give the Aguilas a 1-0 lead.

The Mayos responded quickly in their half of the 5th. Jose Amador was hit by a pitch leading off and went to third on a double to right by Carlos Moncrief. Both runners scored on a double by Fernando Flores for a 2-1 lead with no outs. After a coaching visit to the mound, Diego Madero singled on a bunt back to the pitcher that scored Flores when the Aguilas pitcher threw the ball away and the lead was 3-1 Mayos.

The Aguilas scored again in the to of the 6th inning. Chris Roberson singled and went to third on a single by Yuniesky Betancourt that deflected off the glove of the Navojoa shortstop. CJ Retherford followed with a single that scored Roberson and the Mayos lead was cut to 3-2.

Roberson led off the top of the 8th inning for Mexicali by drawing a walk. Carlos Bustamante was brought in to face Betancourt who singled to put runners on first and second with no outs. Retherford's sacrifice bunt moved both runners up a base. Wellington Dotel reached base on a fielder's choice that scored Roberson and got Betancourt to third. Betancourt scored on a wild pitch to give the Aguilas the 4-3 lead and the win.

Betancourt was 3 for 4 with  run scored, Retherford 1 for 3 with an RBI, Ramon Urias 2 for 5 and Xorge Carrillo 2 for 4 with a run scored for the Aguilas.

Fernando Flores went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs and a run scored for Navojoa while Carlos Moncrief was 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Game 6 will be played in Mexicali on Sunday the 17th and game 7, if necessary, will be played on Monday the 18th,

Mexicali Overwhelms Mayos 10-1

4 RUN 1ST INNING PORTENDS OF THINGS TO COME

The Aguilas de Mexicali batted around in the bottom of the 1st inning, sending 9 men to the plate and scoring 4 runs on 4 hits with 2 walks thrown in for good measure. All the runs were scored with 2 outs as the Mayos de Navojoa faced the offensive juggernaut that was awakened in the late innings of game 1.

Aguilas Score 2

CJ Retherford's double to deep center field was the big blow of the inning, driving in Luis Juarez and Yuniesky Betancourt for a quick 2-0 lead. After a walk to Wellington Dotel on a wild pitch, Retherford scored on a single by Ricky Alvarez with Dotel moving to third. Dotel scored on a single to center by Xorge Carrillo and the Aguilas led 4-0.

Carrillo led off the bottom of the 4th with a double and scored one out later on a single to right by Chris Roberson. After Walter Ibarra flew out to center, Luis Juarez singled to score Roberson. Betancourt singled to put runners on first and second. Retherford walked to load the bases. Dotel singled to left to score Juarez and Betancourt and Mexicali had an 8-0 lead after 4 innings.

Daniel Rodriguez, the Aguilas starter, held the Mayos hitless through 4 innings but lost the no hitter and the shutout when Jose Amador hit a 2-2 fastball over the wall in left center for a solo home run that cut the Mexicali lead to 8-1. Rodriguez picked up the win, giving up the one run on 1 hit while walking 1 and striking out 7 over 6 innings of work.

Jorge Castillo, the Mayos starter, lasted just 2/3 of an inning allowing 4 runs on 4 hits with 2 walks in being charged with the loss.

The Aguilas scored single runs in the 5th and 6th to put the game away with the final score of 10-1.

Luis Juarez was 2 for 4 on the night with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Betancourt, 2 for 4 with an RBI and 3 runs scored. CJ Retherford went 1 for 3 with the 2 run double, Dotel 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs and 2 walks and Xorge Carrillo was 2 for 3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Aguilas.

Nate Tenbrink, Genaro Andrade and Quincy Latimore were all 1 for 3 for Navojoa. Jose Amador went 1 for 4 with the home run.

The Aguilas, counting the sweep of the Charros in round 1, are 6-0 in the playoffs. Game 3 will be played on Wednesday in Navojoa with Mexicali staked to a 2 games to none lead in the semifinal round. The winner of this series will face the winner of the Yaquis/Venados series for the LMP Championship.

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Aguilas Pull Off Improbable Win in Game 1 of LMP Playoffs

TOP MAYOS WITH WALK OFF RUN WITH 2 OUTS IN 9TH INNING

The Aguilas de Mexicali, down 6-5 entering the bottom of the 9th inning, got a bases loaded 2 out single from Luis Juarez to beat the Mayos de Navojoa 7-6 in game 1 of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico playoffs.

Juarez Walk Off Single

The walk off single completed a comeback from a 6-0 deficit that began with a 5 run outburst in the 7th inning. Jose Oyervides, arguably the ace of the Mayos pitching staff, had scattered 5 hits and struck out 9 Aguilas in 6 complete innings on the mound. Faced with a 97 pitch night by Oyervides, the Mayos manager opted to bring on Luis de La O to start the 7th inning. O lasted just 1/3 of an inning and 3 more relievers gave up 5 runs on 5 hits.

Carlos Bustamante, on in the closer role for the Mayos in the bottom  of the 9th was charged with a blown save, and the loss, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and walking 2 batters.

The Aguilas closer, Esmailin Caridad, picked up the win in relief, pitching a perfect top of the 9th for Mexicali.

The Mexicali starter, Javier Solano, lasted 4 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs on 5 hits, striking out 4 and hitting 2 batters.

Fernando Flores and Nate Tenbrink were both 2 for 5 for Navojoa. Jesus Castillo and his replacement at 1B, Victor Mendoza, combined to go 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored on the night. Jose Amador and Carlos Orrantia were each 1 for 3 with RBIs for the Mayos.

Chris Roberson went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs for Mexicali. Luis Juarez was 2 for 5 with the game winning RBI. Ramon Urias was 2 for 5 from the leadoff spot with 2 runs scored. Yuniesky Betancourt, Xorge Carrillo and CJ Retherford all went 2 for 4 for the Aguilas. Retherford and Betancourt each drove in a run while Carrillo scored a run. Pinch hitter Ramon Rios was 1 for 2 with an RBI and  run scored.

Game 2 of the series continues on Monday, the 11th in Mexicali with games 3 and 4 scheduled for the 13th and 14th in Navojoa.

Aguilas Celebrate in Mexicali


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Charros Swept by Aguilas; Lose game 4 by a 7-4 Score

AGUILAS SCORE 6 RUNS IN THE 7th TO PUT AWAY CHARROS

The Charros de Jalisco were officially eliminated from the Liga Mexicana del Pacifco playoffs on Wednesday night. The Aguilas de Mexicali used a 6 run outburst in the 7th inning to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 7-3 lead from which the Charros would not recover.

Terance Marin on the Mound

Terance Marin, the Jalisco starting pitcher, took the loss working 6 innings and left the game after scattering 5 hits, giving up 1 run and striking out 2. Marin had thrown 83 pitches in those 6 innings.

I give these stats because the Charros manager, Homer Rojas, replaced Marin with reliever Manuel Flores to start the 7th inning. Flores walked the first batter he faced and gave up singles to Jon Del Campo and Roman Urias that allowed the Aguilas to cut the Charros lead to 3-2. Rojas replaced Flores with reliever Ivan Salas. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners up a base, Salas unleashed a wild pitch that scored Del Campo and tied the score at 3 all. Mexicali went on to score 4 more runs in the inning to bury the Charros.

Should Rojas have left Marin in the game? The answer is a resounding yes! Marin had thrown 83 pitches in 6 innings, an average of 14 pitches per inning, and held the Aguilas in check. Even using a 110 pitch count, Marin should have been able to pitch 8 innings. This was an elimination game. Lose and go home. Rojas should have allowed Marin to pitch until he proved ineffective. Marin could not have pitched worse than Flores and Salas. He deserved the chance as did the 8,800 plus fans that hoped for a victory to extend the Charros season.

Cacao Scores the 1st Run

Jalisco jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the 1st inning. Cacao Valdez drew a 2 out walk and moved to second on a one hop fly ball to center by Alex Liddi. Valdez scored on a single to center by Agustin Murillo and Liddi came home on a single to left by Miguel Olive that gave the Charros a 2-0 lead.

Liddi Scores on a Single by Olivo

Asael Sanchez singled to lead off the 4th for Jalisco, stole second, went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Luis Medina and scored on a throwing error by the Aguilas catcher to extend the Charros lead to 3-0.

Mexicali struck back in the top of the 5th inning on a walk to Luis Juarez, a single by Xorge Carrillo and a line drive single to center by Chris Roberson that scored Juarez and cut the Charros lead to 3-1.

The Aguilas scored all the runs they would need in the 7th inning and the Charros entered the bottom of the 9th inning behind 7-3. Asael Sanchez doubled to lead off the inning and scored, one out later, on a double by pinch hitter Ivan Araujo. That would be all the scoring and the Aguilas move on to the next round of the LMP playoffs with the 4 game sweep of the Charros under their belts.

Ex Charros player, CJ Retherford, went 3 for 5 on the night for Mexicali while teammate Wellington Dotel was 2 for 4.

Jesus "Cacao" Valdez and Miguel Olivo were both 2 for 4 for the Charros and Asael Sanchez was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored.

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Aguilas Take Game 2 Over Charros 5-2

TAKE TWO GAMES TO NONE LEAD TO GUADALAJARA

Agustin Murillo Picked Off at 1st

The offensive woes that plagued the Charros in 2015 continue in the playoffs of 2016. On Friday Jalisco scored 1 run, on a solo home run, and went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position. Saturday was better in that the Charros scored 2 runs and had more scoring opportunities but went 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position. Terance Marin pitched very well in game 1 and Michael Nix, with the exception of the home run, was adequate in game 2 but the offense was unable to respond.

Mexicali takes a 2 games to none lead in the best of 7 playoff series before heading to Guadalajara for games on Monday and Tuesday. A game 5, if necessary, will be played at the stadium in Guadalajara on Wednesday. All games in the Estadio Panamericano begin at 7:30 PM.

Cacao Doubles in the 1st

Jalisco jumped in front early on a 2 out double by Cacao Valdez in the 1st inning. Valdez scored on a single to left by Alex Liddi. Miguel stranded Liddi at second on a swinging strikeout.

Cacao Scores on Liddi Single

Yuniesky Betancourt singled to lead off the Aguilas half of the 2nd and trotted home in front of a home run by former Charros' player, CJ Retherford that gave Mexicali a 2-1 lead. After a walk to Wellington Dotel, Xorge Carrillo hit a one out single that moved Dotel to third. Carrillo stole second and both runners scored on a single by Ramon Rios for a 4-1 lead.

Mexicali added a run in the 6th inning on a lead off double by Retherford and an RBI single by Dotel putting the Aguilas up 5-1.

The Charros would cut the lead to 5-2 in the top of the 7th, Agustin Murillo, obtained in the Leo Heras trade with the Yaquis, doubled to lead off the inning. Asael Sanchez walked. A passed ball moved the runners to second and third. Murillo scored on a ground ball out by Ivan Araujo.

Esmailin Caridad set the Charros down in order in the top of the 9th to get the save and preserve the win for the Aguilas starter, Hector Rodriguez.

Add caption

Michael Nix took the loss for the Charros giving up 4 runs on 8 hits, striking out 5 but walking 3.

Charros Drop Game 3 To Aguilas 9-7

LEO HERAS HOMERS IN LOSS

On a night when neither team pitched very well, the Aguilas de Mexicali scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 4th inning and held off the Charros 9-7 in front of 13,783 hometown fans.  The Charros had 10 hits including 3 doubles, a triple and the home run by Heras but could not overcome the Mexicali 4th.

The Charros are now 8-6 following a 6-1 start to the year while the Aguilas improved to 11-3.

The Aguilas jumped on top in the bottom of the 1st inning. Wellington Dotel led off the inning with a solo home run to right. Walter Ibarra and Yuniesky Betancourt followed with singles and CJ Retherford hit a sac fly to center to score Ibarra for the 2-0 Mexicali lead.

Heras Home Run at bat

Leo Heras got the Charros on the board with a one out solo home run to cut the lead to 2-1 Mexicali.

The Aguilas exploded for 6 runs in their half of the 4th. CJ Retherford was hit by a pitch to get things started. One out later, pinch hitter Ramon Ruiz doubled to center as pinch runner Ramon Urias scored from first. Pinch hitter Francisco Cordoba became the second player for the Aguilas to be hit by a pitch in the inning. Missael German doubled to score Rios and after a fly ball out, Dotel singled to score Cordoba and German. Walter Ibarra followed with a home run and the Aguilas led 8-1.

The Charros' Marquez Smith hit a one out single in the top of the 5th inning and went to second as Amadeo Zazueta reached on a fielding error by the Mexicali shortstop. Edson Garcia singled sharply to left to load the bases with 2 outs. Fernando Valenzuela Jr. waited out a walk to bring home Smith as the Charros cut the lead to 8-2.

Jesus "Cacao" Valdez hit a one out single in the 6th inning and went to third on a double by Alex Liddi. Marquez Smith then tripled to drive in Valdez and Liddi. Angel Chavarin hit a sac fly to center to score Smith and get the Charros to within 3 runs at 8-5.

The Aguilas answered with a run in their half of the 6th. Missael German singled, stole second, went to third on a ground out and scored on a single by Dotel. 9-5 Mexicali.

Edson Garcia doubled to lead of the Charros' 7th inning, went to third on a single by Valenzuela Jr. and scored on a passed ball to make the score 9-6.

Zazueta Double

Amadeo Zazueta doubled in the 9th for Jalisco, got to third on a fly ball to right by Garcia and scored on a ground ball to first for the final score of 9-7 Mexicali.

Orlando Lara (1-1) lasted 3 innings on the mound, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits to take the loss. Carlos Vazquez, who relieved Lara, threw 2/3 of an inning and gave up 5 runs on 4 hits including the 2 run home run to Ibarra.

Charros Starter Orlando Lara

Stephen Landazuri (2-1) went 5 1/3 innings for the Aguilas to get the win and Jake Sanchez picked up his 2nd save.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Los Mochis 4, Ciudad de Obregon 3

The Caneros scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning, 2 on a triple by D'Arby Myers, to take a 4-2 lead and held on to beat the Yaquis 4-3 for a sweep of the 3 game series. Tomas Solis (1-0) gave up all 3 Yaquis runs on 5 hits but benefited from the 3 run 4th for the win. Andres Avila pitched a perfect 9th inning to pick up his 6th save. Ramon Delgado (2-1) took the loss. Juan Carlos Gamboa hit a home run in 4 trips to the plate and Gilberto Galavis was 2 for 3 with an RBI for the Caneros. Luis Urias was 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs for the Yaquis.

Navojoa 3, Hermosillo 2 (1st game, 8 innings)

Navojoa tied the game in regulation on a 2 run home run by Jose Chavez and got a walk off single by Carlos Rodriguez in the bottom of the 8th for the win. Carlos Bustamante (2-0) picked up the win in relief and Ronnie Shaban (0-1) suffered the loss. Chavez was 1 for 4 with the home run and Rodriguez 2 for 2 with the game winning RBI for the Mayos. Roberto Ramos was 1 for 2 with an RBI and Jose Cardona 1 for 1 with an RBI for the Naranjeros.

Navojoa 1, Hermosillo 0 (2nd game, 7 innings)

Hector Velazquez (2-0) pitched 5 1/3 innings of 3 hit shutout baseball, Oscar Felix threw 2/3 of an inning of scoreless ball and Luis De La O picked up his 1st save in the 1-0 win. The Mayos swept the double header in front of 7,312 delighted hometown fans. Alan Sanchez was 1 for 2 with a double, driving in the lone run of the game for Navojoa. Jerry Owens, Sebastian Elizalde and Jose Amador were all 1 for 3 for the Naranjeros in the loss. Marcos Rivas (0-1) took the loss for Hermosillo.

Mazatlán 6, Culiacan 3

The Venados took 2 of 3 from the Tomateros with the 6-3 win on Sunday. Mazatlán got home runs from Carlos Munoz and Esteban Quiroz as the Venados pounded out 13 hits, 6 for extra bases. Luis Heredia (1-0) picked up the win in relief and Felipe Arredondo (0-2) gave up 5 runs on 7 hits in just 3 innings on the mound to take the loss for the Tomateros. Quiroz was 2 for 5 with the home run, Munoz 2 for 3 with the home run and 2 RBIs and Erick Rodriguez 3 for 4 with an RBI for Mazatlán. Ryan Lollis and Jaime Pedroza were both 2 for 4 for the Tomateros and Jorge Cantu had the lone RBI for Culiacan. (their other 2 runs were unearned)

Tomateros Defeat Charros 8-4

TAKE 3RD GAME OF THE SERIES

The Tomateros de Culiacan salvaged 1 game 3 of the series with the Charros on a blustery Sunday in Guadalajara with an 8-4 win. For the first time this season, the Charros pitching had a rough outing. William Oliver (1-1) started for Jalisco and gave up 6 runs on 5 hits in 2 1/3 innings of work, including a bases clearing triple by Carlos Alvarez.

William Oliver on the Mound

Marco Camerena (1-0) scattered 9 Charros hits over 5 innings allowing 3 runs while striking out 2. The Charros had 11 hits in the game but just 1 extra base hit, a double by Fernando Valenzuela.

With the score 1-0 Culiacan in the top of the 3rd, Nick Buss bunted for a single and moved to second on a walk to Oscar Robles. Jorge Cantu was hit by a pitch to load the bases. One out later, Joey Meneses singled to shallow right field to drive in Buss. Carlos Alvarez hit a 2-2 fastball to the wall in right center that cleared the bases. A relay throw trying to catch Alvarez at third got by Alex Liddi for an error as Alvarez scored. The Tomateros had taken a 6-0 lead.

Zazueta Singles

Gabriel Gutierrez and Amadeo Zazueta singled to lead off the bottom of the 3rd for the Charros. Eduardo Arredondo singled to load the bases with no outs. Manny Rodriguez grounded into a force out as Gutierrez scored. Cacao Valdez then hit a sac fly to plate Zazueta. Japhet Amador singled to put runners at the corners with two outs. Alex Liddi came through with a single to center that plated Rodriguez as the Charros cut the Tomatero lead to 6-3.

The Tomateros could have scored a run in the 4th. Ali Solis tripled to lead off the inning. Nick Buss then hit a fly ball to right for an out. Solis, tagging on the play, slid hard and short as he wound up 2 feet shy of home for the easy 9-2 double play.

Zazueta singled to lead off the bottom of the 7th for the Charros, stole second and scored when Valdez reached safely on a throwing error by the Culiacan second baseman. The Charros had pulled to within 2 runs at 6-4.

Valenzuela Jr. Double

Al Solis doubled for Culiacan with two outs in the 8th inning to score Carlos Alvarez to increase the Tomateros lead to 7-4.

Culiacan added their final run in the 9th inning on a single by Oscar Robles, a double by Jorge Cantu (the Charros challenged the fair/foul call claiming fan interference but the play was upheld) and a sac fly by Ryan Solis for the final 8-4 win.

Culiacan improved to 2-6 on the year with both victories against the Charros and Jalisco fell to 6-2, tied with the Aguilas de Mexicali atop the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico standings.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Mexicali 10, Los Mochis 7

The Aguilas scored 10 runs on 15 hits including home runs by CJ Retherford and Ricky Alvarez in the 10-7 win in Los Mochis. Reynier Romero and Sergio Garcia homered for the Caneros in the loss. Alvarez was 2 for 5 with 4 RBIs for the Aguilas. Ramon Orantes, Jesus Arredondo and Garcia were all 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Los Mochis. Edgar Gomez (1-0) picked up the win in relief and closer Adam Reifer recorded his 4th save for the Aguilas. Juan Noriega (1-1) was charged with a blown save and the loss for the Caneros.

Mazatlán 5, Hermosillo 4 (10 innings)

Venados Celebrate Walkoff Win

In the second straight extra inning game between these two teams, The Venados executed a squeeze bunt in the bottom of the 10th for the walk off 5-4 win over the Naranjeros. Pinch hitter Hector Paez pulled off the squeeze as Erick Rodriguez scored the winning run. The Venados closer, Steven Hensley (1-0), got the win and Derek Eitel (0-1) suffered the loss. Hermosillo committed 4 errors in the game leading to 2 unearned runs for the Venados. Mario Santana was 1 for 5 with a bases clearing double for Mazatlan. The Venados improved to 4-4 on the year while the Naranjeros fell to 1-7.

Navojoa 9, Ciudad de Obregon 4

The Mayos exploded for 5 runs in the 3rd inning to take a 7-3 lead and added 2 more runs in the 9th to top the Yaquis 9-4 in front of 8,230 Obregon fans. The Mayos and Yaquis are now both 4-4 on the year. Eddie Gamboa (1-0) picked up the win despite giving up home runs to Roger Bernadina and Said Gutierrez. David Reyes (0-1) lasted just 2 1/3 innings on the mound, allowing 7 runs on 8 hits.
Obregon reliever Mark Hamburger gave up home runs to Quncy Latimore and Jesus Castillo in the top of the 9th. Latimore was 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored for the Mayos while Gutierrez went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs for the Yaquis.

Charros Idle; Aguilas, Caneros And Yaquis Win

MEXICALI TROUNCES NARANJEROS 14-3

The game between the Aguilas de Mexicali and the Naranjeros de Hermosillo was close until the 5th inning. CJ Retherford provided Mexicali with a 2 run cushion with a 2 run home run in the top of the 2nd inning. The Aguilas would score 4 times in the 5th, 5 runs in the 6th and added 3 more in the 7th as they manhandled Hermosillo in a 14-3 win.

The Aguilas manager substituted liberally and got 15 position players in the game. Only starting catcher Xorge Carrillo failed to get a hit. Retherford and Walter Ibarra hit home runs and drove in 5 runs while scoring 5 times. Ricky Avarez went 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs while lead off hitter Wellington Dotel scored 3 runs on a 2 for 6 night.

Jose Amador had a solo home run in 4 trips to the plate for the Naranjeros while Sebastion Elizalde was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs.

Edgar Osuna (1-0) worked 5 innings, allowing 4 hits in shutting down the Hermosillo batters to get the win. Juan Pablo Oramas (0-1) took the loss, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits, walking 3 and striking out 3.

IN THE REST OF THE LMP ACTION

Los Mochis 6, Mazatlán 4

The Caneros scored 4 times in the 5th inning and twice more in the 6th and held on to beat the Venados 6-4.

Saul Soto had a home run in 4 at bats and Jesus Arredondo drove in 2 with a double in 3 trips to the plate. Joan Pedroso went 2 for 4 with a run scored for the Caneros.

Esteban Quiroz was 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored for the Venados. Cyle Hankerd continued his hot hitting, going 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Los Mochis used 8 pitchers in the game with starter Luis Niebla (1-0) picking up the win and closer Andres Avila notching the save.

The Venados used 7 hurlers with Walter Silva (0-1) taking the loss.

Ciudad de Obregon 6, Navojoa 5

Villanueva Home Run

The Yaquis scored 3 times in the last 2 innings to overcome a 5-3 deficit and top the Mayos 6-5. Dean Anna and Christian Villanueva each homered for Obregon in the win.

Navojoa scored 4 times in the bottom of the 7th inning to take a 5-3 lead but closer Gene Escat (0-1) was charged with a blown save and the loss when he gave up 2 runs on 1 hit and walking 1 in the 9th inning. Mark Hamburger (1-0) worked just 2/3 of an inning but got the win and Josh Judy worked a perfect 9th inning to pick up the save.

Anna was 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs for the Yaquis with Reynaldo Rodriguez 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, Carlos Valencia 2 for 4 and Christian Villanueva hitting his second home run of the year in 3 trips to the plate.

Reynaldo Rodriguez Drives In 2

Designated hitter Quincy Latimore was 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs for the Mayos. Alejandro Gonzalez went 3 for 4 with a run scored and Diego Madero was 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Piratas Take Game 2 With Leones 3-1

EVEN SERIES AT 1-1

The Piratas de Campeche scored twice in the 1st inning and used excellent pitching to defeat the Leones de Yucatan 3-1 in the second game of the Zona Sur divisional playoffs.

Jorge Castillo / Leones Facebook

Jorge Castillo, who earned the win, and 3 relievers allowed the Leones 5 hits and 1 run over 7 1/3 innings before turning the game over to their closer Fernando Nieve. Nieve picked up his second save of the playoffs, shutting down the Leones over the final 1 2/3 innings

Marco Quevedo, the Leones starter, gave up 4 hits and 2 runs, walked 1 and struck out 4 in the loss.

Marco Quevedo / Leones Facebook

Carlos Colmenares drew a lead off walk to start the game for Campeche. A pick off attempt by Quevedo went wide of first and Colmenares wound up on third base. Ronny Paulino singled to drive in Colmenares and Paulino scored on a double by CJ Retherford. The Piratas had the early 2-0 lead.

Both pitching staffs were in control until the 7th inning. Fernando Flores doubled to left with two outs in the top of the 7th and scored on a single to left by Paul Leon to stretch the Piratas lead 3-0.

Yucatan got a run back in their half of the 7th. Jesus Valdez and Hector Gimenez both walked. Luis Garcia hit a ground ball to third that forced Valdez for the first out. Ricardo Serrano doubled to right to score Gimenez to cut the lead to 3-1 but the Leones would score no more as the Piratas won by that final score.

Both teams travel to Campeche today and will continue the best of seven series on Friday the 21st of August.

IN OTHER LMB PLAYOFF ACTION

Mexico 10, Tijuana 5

Cyle Hankerd after 1 of 2
home runs on the night
diablos Facebook

Cyle Hankerd powered the Diablos to victory on Wednesday, going 2 for 3 at the plate with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs. He also had a walk and scored 2 runs. Ivan Terrazas, the star on the first game of this series, continued his hot hitting with a 3 for 4 night to raise his average for the playoffs to .714. Terrazas drove in a run and scored twice in the Diablos 10-5 win over the Toros.

Steven Hensley picked up the win in relief for Mexico while Logan Duran, the Tijuana starter, gave up 6 runs on 5 hits in 2 innings on the mound to take the loss. The Toros pitchers walked 5 batters and 3 of them scored.

Enrique Trujillo was 3 for 3 at the plate for Tijuana with a run scored. Dustin Martin was 2 for 5 and Miguel Olivo went 1 for 4 with a solo home run.

The Diablos take a 2-0 lead into the travel day and will continue the series in Tijuana on Friday.

Monclova 1, Saltillo 0

Jose Oyervides allowed just 1 hit, walked 1 and struck out 9 Saraperos over 8 innings to get the win for the Acereros. Angel Ramirez pitched to one batter in the top of the 9th and Juan Noriega got the final 2 outs to record the save.

The Acereros are 2-0 in the divisional playoff series with Saltillo. The series now shifts to Saltillo for 3 games (if necessary) beginning on Friday the 21st of August.

The Saltillo pitchers matched the Monclova pitchers pitch for pitch except for the 4th inning. Olmo Rosario drew a one out walk for the Acereros and Brett Harper followed with a single. Jose Amador drew a base on balls to load the bases with one out. Jose Ruiz hit a grounder to first that scored Rosario with the only run of the game and the Monclova win.

Oaxaca 7, Quintana Roo 2

The Tigres dropped to 0-2 in the Zona Sur playoffs against the Guerreros with the 7-2 loss at home. Oaxaca took both games in Cancun, outscoring the Tigres 15-2 in the process. The Tigres are the #2 seed and the Guerreros the #3 seed in the Sur playoffs.

The series now moves to Oaxaca where the Guerreros have a chance to take the series in front of the home crowd.

Irwin Delgado
Guerreros Facebook

Irwin Delgado picked up the win for Oaxaca, going 5 innings, allowing 4 hits and a run while striking out 5 Tigres. Manny Corpas pitched his way into a save situation in the 9th before getting credit for the save. Pablo Ortega was roughed up for 5 runs on 6 hits in 3 2/3 innings to take the loss.

Yancarlo Angulo was 2 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs while Alan Sanchez went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs and Jaime Brena was 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs for the Guerreros.

Alan Sanchez
Guerreros Fcebook

Greg Goson and Alfredo Almezaga were 2 for 4 and Carlos Gastelum 2 for 5 with a run scored for the Tigres. Eugenio Velez and Jorge Vasquez drove in the runs for Quintana Roo.

Puebla Eliminated by Campeche in 3-2 Loss

PIRATAS TO FACE LEONES de YUCATAN ON TUESDAY

Watch the LMB highlights of the game here, courtesy of ITV and the LMB.

CJ Retherford scored from third on a single by Fernando Flores in the bottom of the 5th inning to break a 2-2 tie and the Piratas de Campeche went on to win the Zona Sur elimination game and keep their hopes of an LMB Championship alive.

The Piratas opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st when Adan Velazquez singled to left and scored on a double by Alfredo Silverio for the quick 1-0 Campeche lead.

Roberto Lopez, the Campeche 1st baseman, launched a lead off home run to left off of the Pericos starter, Hector Galvan, in the bottom of the 2nd inning to increase the Piratas lead to 2-0.

Puebla got a run back in the top of the 3rd inning on a solo home run by Miguel Tejada off of Evan Maclane, the Piratas starting pitcher.

Rolando Acosta drew a two out walk in the top of the 4th for Puebla and went to second on a sharply hit single to left by Mario Santana. Acosta scored when Roman Pena singled and when the Piratas failed to score in their half of the inning the score was tied at 2 all.

The Piratas took the lead in the 5th and 5 Campeche relief pitchers shut down the Pericos hitters on 1 hit over the final 3 1/3 innings, walking 1 and striking out 5. Evan Maclane got the win and Fernando Nieve recorded the save.

Edwin Salas took the loss for the Pericos, giving up 1 run on 1 hit while walking 2 and striking out 1 in his 1 1/3 innings on the mound.

Roberto Lopez was 1 for 1 with a home run and 2 walks for the Piratas while Fernando Flores added an RBI.

Miguel Tejada was 1 for 3 with a home run and an RBI while Mario Santana went 2 for 3 and Brent Clevlen was 2 for 4. Roman Pena drove in the other Pericos run.

The Piratas must get ready quickly as they travel to Merida on Tuesday to take on the Zona Sur champion Leones de Yucatan in a best of seven series to continue the LMB playoffs. The Guerreros de Oaxaca will be in Cancun to face the Tigres de Quintana Roo in the other Zona Sur series.

The Toros de Tijuana will face the Diablos Rojos del Mexico, in Mexico City and the Saraperos de Saltillo play the Acereros de Monclova, in Monclova for the Zona Norte playoffs.

Standings and Stastics for week 1 of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol

STANDINGS

Norte Division

TEAM                                Won/Loss     WP     GB
Toros de Tijuana                  7-1              .873          
Acereros del Norte              5-2              .714     1.5
Diablos Rojos de Mexico     4-4              .500     3.0
Rieleros de Aguascalientes    4-4              .500    3.0
Vaqueros de la Laguna          4-4              .500    3.0
Sultanes de Monterrey          3-5              .375     4.0
Saraperos de Saltillo             2-5              .286     4.5
Broncos de Reynosa             2-6              .250     5.0


Sur Division

TEAM                                         Won/Loss      WP      GB
Leones de Yucatan                        5-3                .625
Olmecas de Tabasco                     5-3                .625
Pericos de Puebla                         5-3                .625
Tigres de Quintana Roo                5-3                .625
Delfines de Ciudad del Carmen     4-4                .500     1.0
Rojos del Aguila de Veracruz        4-4                .500      1.0
Piratas de Campeche                    3-5                .375      2.0
Guerreros de Oaxaca                    1-7                .125      4-0


BATTING LEADERS THROUGH APRIL 12, 2015

Batting Average:
     Max Ramirez (MON) .538
     Ivan Terrazas (MEX) .519
     Jesus Castillo (AGS) .483

Hits:
     Max Ramirez (MON) 14
     Ivan Terrazas (MEX) 14
     Jesus Castillo (AGS) 14
     Saul Soto (AGS) 14

Doubles:
     Danny Richar (AGS) 6
     Francisco Mendez (LAG) 5
     Ruben Rivera (MEX) 5
     Randy Ruiz (REY) 5

Triples:
     Alejandro Gonzalez (OAX) 2
     13 tied with 1

Home Runs:
     CJ Retherford (TIJ) 4
     Saul Soto (AGS) 4
     6 tied with 3

RBIs:
     Saul Soto (AGS) 16
     CJ Retherford (TIJ) 12
     Cristhian Presichi (MVA) 11
     Jose Ruiz (MVA) 11

PITCHING LEADERS

Wins:
     7 tied with 2

ERA: (10+ innings)
     Cesar Valdez (TAB) 0.69
     Jose Oyervidez (MVZ) 0.82
     Jarrett Grube (TIG) 1.50
     Jon Leicester (YUC) 1.50

WHIP: (10+ innings)
     Jose Oyervidez (MVA) 0.36
     Jo-Jo Reyes (CAM) 0.62
     Tomas Solis (VER) 0.77

Toros de Tijuana Top Reynosa 10-6

The Toros de Tijuana improved to 7-1 on the young season with a 10-6 victory over the Broncos de Reynosa in Tijuana.

Jose Contreras pitched 6 innings allowing 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 4 to get the win. Jose Vargas took the loss, lasting just 2 2/3 innings and giving up 7 runs on 8 hits.

Reynosa scored in the top of the 1st without benefit of a hit. Daniel Hinojosa drew a lead off walk, stole second, went to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a sac fly to right by Frank Diaz.

The Toros answered in their half of the inning on a walk to Luis Suarez and a double by Oscar Robles as Tijuana tied the score at 1.

The Broncos retook the lead in the top of the 2nd on consecutive two out singles by Rodolfo Amador and Cristhian Presichi and a run scoring single to right  by Hector Paez. The Broncos led 2-1.

Tijuana exploded for 6 runs in the bottom of the 3rd. Bernardo Heras led off with a double, and following an Eduardo Arredondo single, scored on a single to left by Luis Suarez. Oscar  Robles connected on a single, the fourth hit in a row for the Toros, that scored Arredondo. Miguel Olivo ground into a 4-6-3 double play that scored Suarez. Adan Munoz and CJ Retherford singled and scored in front of Ramon Pena's home run to left center. The Toros were on top 7-2 after 3 innings.

Cole Garner  was hit hit by a pitch to lead off the Bronco's 6th inning. He would score on a sac fly to left by Cristhian Presichi to cut the Toros lead to 7-3.

Luis Suarez and Miguel Olivo singled in the bottom of the 7th for the Toros. Suarez scored on a ground out and Olivo scored when CJ Retherford hit his fourth home run in eight games to increase the Tijuana lead to 10-3.

Randy Ruiz doubled to lead off the 8th inning for the Broncos and scored on a double to left center by Rodolfo Amador. Cristhian Presichi singled to score Amador and Hector Paez followed with a double. Daniel Hinojosa singled to score Presichi but the Broncos would score no more and the Toros won by the final score of 10-6.

Luis Suarez was 3 for 4 and CJ Retherford went 2 for 4 with the home run and 2 RBIs. Roman Pena also had a home run and 3 RBIs for the Toros. Oscar Robles was 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs.

Rodolfo Amador went 3 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored  while Cristhian Presichi was 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs for the Broncos.

In other LMB action:

Monterrey 6, Mexico 2
The Sultanes de Monterrey scored 3 runs in the 8th inning and 1 more in the 9th to top the Diablos Rojos del Mexico 6-2. Ricky Alvarez was 1 for 2 with a home run for the Sultanes while Cory Aldridge went 3 for 5 and Agustin Murillo was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles. Carlos Figueroa was 2 for 4 and Ramon Urias 3 for 4 for the Diablos.

Monclova 8, Saltillo 1
In the 1st game of a scheduled double header with the Saraperos de Saltillo, The Acereros del Norte scored 4 times in the 3rd inning and twice more in the 4th to beat the Saraperos 8-1. The second game was rained out. Hernando Arredondo was 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for Monclova and Luis Terrero was 1 for 3 with an RBI for Saltillo.

Quintana Roo 13, Oaxaco 2
The Tigres de Quintana Roo scored 8 times in the first 3 innings and coasted to a 13-4 win over the Guerreros de Oaxaca. The Tigres hit 6 home runs in the game. Justin Cristian went 4 for 4 with a home run while Jesus Espinoza had 2 home runs while going 2 for 4 at the plate with 3 RBIs for the Tigres.

Campeche 4, Veracruz 1
The Piratas de Campeche got a home run by Eliseo Aldazaba and 2 doubles from Dave Sappelt to beat the Aguilas Rojos de Veracruz 4-1. Jo-Jo Reyes got the win for Campeche and Ricardo Gomez picked up his 2nd save of the year. Tomas Solis took the loss for the Aguilas.

Aguascalientes 7, Laguna 4
The Rieleros de Aguascalientes' Saul Soto had 2 home runs and 5 RBIs in the Rieleros 7-4 victory over the Vaqueros de la Laguna. Leobardo Arauz also homered for the Rieleros. Francisco Mendez went 2 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBIs for the Vaqueros.

Yucatan 12, Puebla 6
The Leones de Yucatan scored 5 times in the 2nd inning and 4 more times in the 8th to put away the Pericos de Puebla 12-6. Jesus Valdez was 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored for the Leones. Israel Nunez was 1 for 4 with a home run. Marco Quevedo won the game to improve to 2-0 on the young season. Brent Clevlin went 3 for 4 with a home run and Luke Scott had a home run and 2 RBIs for the Pericos.

Ciudad del Carmen 6, Tabasco 5
the Delfines de Ciudad del Carmen got a lead off, walk off home run by Ruben mateo to top the Olmecas de Tabasco 6-5. Josh Lueke got the win in relief while Jose Cobos took the loss for the Olmecas. Mateo was 1 for 4, Carlos Morales was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and Francisco Lugo was 1 for 3 with a home run for the Delfines. Wilson Batista went 2 for 3 with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs for Tabasco

Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Results for Saturday, 11 April

Following are the recaps of games played in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol on Saturday the 11th of April.

Monterrey 5, Mexico 4
The Sultanes de Monterrey rallied for 3 runs in the 6th inning to overtake the Diablos Rojos del Mexico 5-4. Oscar Villarreal was the winning pitcher while Manny Corpas suffered the loss and Frederico Castaneda was charged with a blown save. Max Ranirez was 2 for 2 with 2 walks and 2 RBIs for the Sultanes and Cory Aldridge was 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs. Ivan Terrazas went 4 for 5 for the Diablos. Ruben Rivera was 1 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs.

Monclova 8, Saltillo 1
The Acereros del Norte scored 3 times in the 4th inning on a home run by Jesus Amador and a 2 run single by Antonio Lopez and coasted to as 8-1 victory over the Saraperos de Saltillo. Amador was 4 for 5 on the evening. Jose Ruiz was 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and Lamas went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Monclova. Genaro Andrade was 2 for 3 with an RBI for the Saraperos.

Laguna 7, Aguascalientes 6
A 5 run 8th inning put the Vaqueros de la Laguna up 7-5 and Tony Pena Jr., although giving up a run in the bottom of the 9th, picked up the save for Laguna. Julian Arballo took the loss for the Rieleros. Santiago Gonzalez went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Juan Miranda had a solo home run and Jose Orozco was 3 for 5 for the Vaqueros. Carlos Rodriguez had a home run on a 3 for 4 night while Saul Soto was 2 for 5 and Domingo Castro and Carlos Orrantia both went 2 for 4 for the Rieleros.

Peubla 6, Yucatan 3
The Pericos de Puebla built up a 6 run lead and held on for a 6-3 win as the Leones de Yucatan rallied for 3 runs in the final 3 innings. Miguel Tejada was 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs for the Pericos and 1B Luke Scott went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Carlos Mendivil was 2 for 3 for the Leones. Hector Galvan got his second win of the year and JC Romero picked up his 2nd save for Puebla. Jonathan Castellanos suffered his 2nd loss of the year.

Quintana Roo 5. Oaxaca 0
The Tigres de Quintana Roo scored 5 runs on 9 hits while Jesus Barraza and 4 Tigres pitchers held the Guerreros to just 6 hits in the 5-0 shutout. Carlos Valencia had a 2 run home run for the Tigres and Jorge Cantu went 2 for 3 with an RBI. Mike Jacobs was 3 for 4 in a losing effort for Oaxaca.

Tabasco 6, Ciudad del Carmen 1
Pedro Diaz hit a 2 run home run in the 1st inning and the Olmecas de Tabasco never looked back as they beat the Delfines de Ciudad del Carmen 6-1 behind 7 strong innings from starter Cesar Valdez, who struck out 7 Delfines. Donell Linares added a solo home run for the Olmecas while going 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Alex Valdez was 2 for 4 for the Delfines.

Campeche 7, Veracruz 1
The Piratas de Campeche scored 4 runs in the 5th inning on their way to a 7-1 victory over the Aguilas Rojos de Veracruz. Dave Sappelt had a double, a home run and 2 RBIs on a 3 for 4 night for the Piratas while Roberto Lopez was 1 for 3 with a 3 run home run. Ian Gac went 3 for 3 for the Aguilas. Francisco Campos got the win for Campeche while Manuel Flores suffered the loss for the Aguilas.

Tijuana 7, Reynosa 4
The Toros de Tijuana used a 2 run home run by Roman Pena while scoring 5 times in the 1st inning to beat the Broncos de Reynosa 7-4. Cj Retherford was 1 for 3 with a double and 3 RBIs for the Toros and Adan Munoz went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Cristhian Presichi had 2 solo home runs for the Broncos and Frank Diaz added a solo home run on a 3 for 4 night with 2 RBIs. Miguel Ramirez got the win and Ramon Ranirez notched his 3rd save of the year. Cesar Carrillo was saddled with the loss for the Broncos.

Toros Top Diablos Rojo 9-2 In Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Season Opener

TOROS POWER 3 HOME RUNS

Dennys Reyes, the 38 year old former MLB lefty, picked up the first win of the year of the 2015 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol season with 2/3 of an inning of relief work for the Toros de Tijuana. Jonathan Albaladejo was saddled with the loss as the Toros de Tijuana bested the Diablos Rojos del Mexico, 9-2, in the season opener of the LMB.

The game was scoreless until the top of the 4th. Eduardo Arredondo, 4 for 5 on the night, doubled to lead off the inning, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a fielding error by the Diablos shortstop to stake the Toros to an early 1-0 lead.

Japhet Amador led off the bottom of the 4th for the Diablos with a single but was thrown out at second trying to stretch the single into a double. Ruben Rivera followed with a double to left center and scored on a single by Emmanuel Avila to tie the score at 1.

Juan Carlos Gamboa doubled to lead off the bottom of the 5th, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single by Carlos Figueroa to give the Diablos a 2-1 lead.

CJ Retherford hit a one out solo home run to left in the top of the 7th as the Toros tied the game at 2 apiece.

CJ Retherford HR / Toros Facebook

The flood gates opened for the Toros in the top of the 9th. CJ Retherford and Roman Pena drew walks and moved up on a sacrifice bunt. After a pitching change for the Diablos, Jesus Valenzuela singled to score Retherford. Pena scored on a bunt single by Eduardo Arredondo and Luis Suarez followed with a 3 run home run to left that upped the Toros lead to 7-2. Oscar Robles singled and, with two outs, scored in front of a home run to right by Adan Munoz.

The score would remain 9-2 as the Diablos were unable to score in the bottom of the 9th and the Toros had the first win of the 2015 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol season.

Eduardo Arrendo was 4 for 5 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Toros while Luis Suarez had the big 3 RBI home run. The Toros had 3 home runs on the night.

Carlos Figueroa went 2 for 5 with an RBI for the Diablos while Juan Carlos Gamboa was 3 for 4. Emmanuel Avila had 2 hits in his 4 trips to the plate with an RBI.

Video Highlights

Tomateros Win LMP Championship 4 Games To 1

TOP CHARROS 4-3 IN GAME 5

With the exception of the first game, where the Tomateros de Culiacan used an offensive explosion, they used very good pitching to shut down the Charros' potent offense. Culiacan outscored the Charros in the series 28-17. It is often said that good pitching wins over good hitting in a seven game series. That adage holds true for this series.

Culiacan started the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd. Sergio Gastelum led off with a single to right, went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Ramiro Pena and scored when Rico Noel singled to center. Maxwell Leon followed with a single that moved Noel to third. Leon stole second and both runners scored when Eric Farris singled to right. The Tomateros led 3-0 after three innings.

Issmael Salas homered to left for the Tomateros in the bottom of the 4th to stretch the Culiacan lead to 4-0.

The Charros got on the board in the top of the 5th when Marquez Smith hit a solo home run to left to lead off the inning. The Culiacan lead was 4-1.

Jalisco scored again in the 6th. With one out, Eduardo Arredondo drew a base on balls and went to third on a single by Manny Rodriguez. Leo Heras grounded into a 4-6 fielder's choice to drive in Arredondo and narrow the Tomateros lead to 4-2.

CJ Retherford pinch hit for Amadeo Zazueta to lead off the 8th inning for the Charros and hit a long home run to deep center field to bring the Charros to within a run at 4-3.

Oscar Villarreal pitch a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the Tomateros to pick up the save and preserve the win for the Culiacan starter, Anthony Vasquez. Marco Tovar took the loss for the Charros.

The season was an exciting one for the fans of the Charros. They finished with the best record in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico and Manny Rodriguez stands a very good chance to be named the MVP of the league. Japhet Amador tied for the league lead in home runs and led the league in RBIs. Congratulations on a fine season! Todos Somos Charros!

The Tomateros de Culiacan move on now to the Caribbean Baseball World Series to be played in Puerto Rico.  Congratulations to the Tomateros and the fans of the Charros wish you well in the World Series.

Tomateros de Culiacan Defeat Charros 3-1

TAKE COMMANDING 3 GAMES TO 1 LEAD

The Tomateros de Culiacan hold a 3 games to 1 lead in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Championship Series with their 3-1 victory over the Charros on Sunday.

The Charros had multiple opportunities to score as they loaded the bases 3 separate times during the game but were unable to capitalize. As a team, the Charros were 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 runners.

The Charros loaded the bases, with one out, in the top of the 1st on singles by Manny Rodriguez, Leo Heras and Marquez Smith. Japhet Amador then lofted a fly ball to left for the second out and Rodriguez was thrown out at home trying to score.

Culiacan took advantage of the Charros failure to score in their half of the 1st. Rico Noel bunted for a hit and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Maxwell Leon. Noel stole third and scored when Eric
Farris launched a home run to left. Culiacan went up 2-0 after one inning.

The Tomateros added to their lead in the bottom of the 4th. Dave Sappelt drew a lead off walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Issmael Salas. Arturo Rodriguez grounded out to the pitcher as Sappelt took third. Sergio Gastelum walked and went to second on a wild pitch by Charros starter Orlando Lara. Ramiro Pena reached base safely on a fielding error by CJ Retherford as Sappelt scored. The lead was 3-0 Culiacan.

Jalisco mounted a threat in the top of the 9th. CJ Retherford walked with one out and moved to second on a wild pitch. Sebastien Valle grounded out to second to advance Retherford to third. Pinch hitter Jesus Cota singled to drive in Retherford. The Charros loaded the bases with two outs but Leo Heras lined out to second to end the game and the Tomateros took the 3-1 win.

One game remains to be played in Culiacan. Should the Tomateros win, they become the League Champions. If the Charros win, the series returns to Guadalajara for game 6 and, if necessary, game 7.

Charros Into Finals With 5-3 Win Over Obregon

TAKE SERIES 4 GAMES TO 2

12,347 Attended The 6th Game / Bonnie Garrison Photo

The Yaquis de Obregon got to the Charros starter, Ben Koslowski in the top of the 2nd. With one out, Sergio Contreras was hit by a pitch and Said Gutierrez hit a ball deep up the middle that the Charros shortstop threw away and the Yaquis had runners on second and third. Contreras scored on a sac fly to center by Esteban Quiroz and Gutierrez scored on a single by Daniel Castro to give Obregon the early 2-0 lead.

Israel Nunez led off the 3rd for Jalisco with a double and went to third on a single by Eduardo Arredondo. Manny Rodriguez then hit a ground rule double to center that scored Nunez with Arredondo forced to stop at third. CJ Retherford hit into a 6-4-3 double play that scored Arredondo and the game was tied at 2.    

Manny Rodriguz Double In The 3rd / Bonnie Garrison Photo

Jalisco added a run in the 4th on a double by Jon Weber, a single by Marquez Smith and a sac fly to left by Jesus Lopez. The Charros had the 3-2 lead.

Manny Rodriguez led off the 5th with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Leo Heras. Rodriguez scored on a sac fly to right by CJ Retherford for the insurance run and a 4-2 lead.

CJ Retherford Drives In The 4th Run / Bonnie Garrison Photo

With one out in the Charros 8th, Jon Weber tripled to deep right center and scored on a sac fly to right by Marquez Smith for a 5-2 Charros lead.

Obregon got a run back in the top of the 9th when Corey Wimberly singled, stole second and scored on a single to center by JC Linares but it wasn't enough as Charros closer, Manny Acosta, got the final two outs for the save and the Charros were into the finals against either the Tomateros de Culiacan or the Aguilas de Mexicali that begins on Wednesday night.

During the year, the Charros were 4-5 against the Tomateros and 6-5 against the Aguilas.

Terence Marin picked up the win in relief of starter Ben Koslowski and Manny Acosta got the save. Arturo Lopez was saddled with the loss for the Yaquis. 

Starter Ben Koslowski / Bonnie Garrison Photo

Manny Acosta Picks Up The Save / Bonnie Garrison Photo

     

Charros take 3 Games to 2 Lead in Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Semifinals

JALISCO TAKES NAILBITER FROM OBREGON 5-3

Obregon jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st inning. Corey Wimberly singled and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Jose Chavez. Wimberly stole third and scored on a single to right by Brad Nelson.

CJ Retherford tied the game for Jalisco in the top of the 2nd with his second home run of the postseason, a solo shot to left to bring the Charros back 1-1.   

CJ Retherford's Home Run in 2nd / Charros Facebook Page

=Obregon retook the lead in the 5th on a solo home run to left by Corey Wimberly, his second of this playoff series and his third hit of the evening.

Jalisco took the lead again in the top of the 6th on a single by Leo Heras and a single to right by CJ Retherford. Heras scored on a throwing error by the Yaquis right fielder as Retherford advanced to third. After Jon Weber popped out to second, Japhet Amador singled to center to score Retherford as the Charros took a 3-2 lead.

The Yaquis tied the game in the bottom of the 8th on a walk to JC Linares to begin the inning, a single by Brad Nelson and a ground out to second by Yunesky Sanchez that scored Linares to tie the game 3-3.

With two outs in the 9th for Jalisco, Eduardo Arredondo singled and went to third on a single to right by Manny Rodriguez. Leo Heras then singled to right to score Arredondo with the go ahead run and CJ Retherford singled to left to score Rodriguez with an insurance run. When Manny Acosta, who picked up the win, set the Yaquis down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 9th, the Charros had the 5-3 win and a 3 games to 2 lead in the semifinals.

Manny Acosta Warming Up / Charros Facebook

The series returns to Guadalajara on Sunday afternoon for game 6 of the series and a game 7 if necessary.