Tijuana Tops Puebla in Game 1 of Serie del Rey

6 RUN 6TH CRUSHES PERICO'S HOPES

Toros Celebrate Game 1 Win

In the first game of the Serie del Rey, played in Tijuana, the Toros broke a 2 all game wide open with a 6 run 6th inning to take game 1 by an 8-2 score.

The Toros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd when Roberto Lopez hit a sac fly to center, on a full count, that scored Juan Apodaca. Tijuana took the early 1-0 lead.

A wild pitch by losing pitcher Josh Roenicke in the 4th scored Cyle Hankerd from third to give the Toros a 2-0 lead.

Tijuana Scores on Pericos Wild Pitch

Puebla narrowed the score to 2-1 in the top of the 5th. Sergio Perez hit a one out single to left and raced home on a double to the right field corner by Alberto Carreon.

The Pericos tied the score, at 2 all, in the top of the 6th inning. Issmael Salas reached safely, and advanced to second, on an fielding/throwing error by the Toros second baseman. Salas went to third on a single by Jesus Arredondo and scored on a single by Ricky Rodriguez. But Cesar Tapia flew out to center and Hector Garanzuay  hit into a 6-4-3 double play to end the Pericos threat and get Tijuana out of a jam.

The house of cards the Pericos had built came tumbling down in the home half of the 6th. Dustin Martin drew a one out walk and promptly stole second. Juan Apodaca singled to score Martin for the 3-2 lead but the Toros were not done. After a pitching change, Isaac Rodriguez drew a walk to put runners on first and second with 2 outs. Following yet another Puebla pitching change, Jose Guadalupe Chavez singled to center to drive in Apodaca while taking second on the throw home.

Yet again the Pericos opted for a pitching change but the result would be the same. Roberto Lopez doubled to left to score Rodriguez and Chavez. Corey Brown followed with a single to plate Lopez. Brown stole second and scored on a Cyle Hankerd single to center to complete the scoring and give the Toros the 8-2 win.

Puebla was unable to mount a threat over the remaining 3 innings and find themselves at an 0-1 disadvantage leading into game 2 of the series.

Jo-Jo Reyes picked up the win, pitching 2/3 of an inning for Tijuana. Josh Roenicke took the loss. Roenicke looked solid for 5 innings giving up 5 hits while striking out 7 and walking 4 but he set the table for the Toro's hitters in the 6th inning and the Puebla relievers were unable to keep the runners from scoring.

Cyle Hankerd went 3 for 5, Juan Apodaca 3 for 4 and Roberto Lopez 1 for 4 with 3 RBIs for Tijuana.

Jesus Arredondo was 2 for 3 for Puebla. Ricky Rodriguez and Alberto Carreon were both 1 foe 3 with an RBI for the Pericos.

Game 2 will be played on Wednesday night in Tijuana before the series moves to Puebla for game 3 on Friday the 8th of September. 

Serie del Rey Comenzará en Tijuana el martes

Can Puebla Defeat Tijuana in the Serie del Rey

Los Pericos de Puebla entran en la Serie del Rey de 2017 como ligeros aficionados a los Toros de Tijuana. Los Oddsmakers dan a los Pericos un 47% de posibilidades de repetir como campeones de la Liga Mexicana de Beisbol.

Estadio Gasmart

El camino para llevar a casa la Copa Zaachila (el Trofeo del Campeonato LMB) comienza en Tijuana. Los Toros, con un mejor récord de la temporada regular de la liga de 76-34, obtienen los dos primeros partidos en casa. Los amistosos confines del Estadio Gasmart, el hogar de los Toros, vieron a los Toros ganar 40 partidos y caer 16. Los juegos 3, 4 y 5 se jugarán en el estadio de Pericos, Estadio de Beisbol Hermanos Serdan. Puebla no se ha ido tan bien en casa, pasando sólo 24-27 en Puebla. Si es necesario, los juegos 6 y 7 se jugarán bajo las luces de Tijuana.

Estadio de Beisbol Hermanos Serdan

Ganar en casa para los Toros fue fácil este año, pero los Pericos eran sólo 24-27 en casa. Se podría decir que Estadio de Beisbol Hermanos Serdan ha sido todo menos amistoso con Puebla. A pesar de los fanáticos fanáticos rabiosos y temerosos de los locales, los Pericos no lanzaron bien en casa. Da ventaja aquí a Tijuana.

Los lanzadores de Tijuana lideraron la liga en la ERA con una marca de 3.52. Los Pericos por el contrario terminaron 11º en la liga permitiendo 5.02 carreras por partido. Esta es la clave para Puebla. Si permiten que muchos corran un juego, las victorias serán difíciles de conseguir.

Golpear sabio aunque los Pericos tienen el borde. Su promedio de bateo de .305 fue el segundo de los .307 de Monterrey. Aunque el Toros logró golpear .281 que sólo fue bueno para un lugar 11 º lugar.

Tijuana tiene el borde en lanzar mientras que Puebla consigue el cabeceo para golpear.

Edny Chavez

Edny Chávez lideró a los Pericos en bateo, compilando un promedio de .343 (6º en la liga) con su compañero de equipo Jesús Arredondo bateando .332 y Alberto Carreon siguiendo con un promedio de .317.

Cyle Hankerd bateó .321 en el año con 17 jonrones y 69 remolcadas por Tijuana. José Guadalupe Chávez fue el único otro Toro con un promedio de bateo por encima de .300.

El equipo de pitcheo de Toros dio p sólo 971 hits en 975 ⅔ entradas, eliminando a 753 bateadores y caminar 278. Este 3 a 1 strikeout a caminar ratio puede ser la caída a un equipo que fracturó 675 veces en 110 juegos.

Cyle Hankerd

Los lanzadores de Puebla por otro lado permitieron 1144 hits en 965 ⅔ entradas, dando 85 cuadrangulares y tuvieron un strikeout a pared de razón de poco menos de 2 a 1.

Les he dado los hechos. Ahora usted puede hacer su propia mente. Pero antes de elegir recuerda esto. La experiencia cuenta. Los Pericos fueron los Campeones del LMB en 2016. Los Toros han estado en la final una sola vez (2016 contra estos mismos Pericos) desde que ganaron el título de LMB como los Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos en1989.

Dar el borde de los Pericos.

Si eso todavía no te dice quién ganará, lo diré de nuevo. Los Pericos ganarán en 6 partidos.

Me estoy pegando el cuello, pero recuerda a los Piratas de Pittsburgh 1979, por 3 juegos a 1 que volvieron a vencer a los Orioles de Baltimore 4 partidos a 3 y ganar la Serie Mundial.

Los Medias Rojas de Boston de 2004 en el Campeonato ALCS 2004 cayeron detrás de los Yankees 3 partidos a ninguno, barrió los cuatro partidos restantes y pasó a barrer el St. Louis Cardinals 4 juegos a ninguno para ganar la Serie Mundial.

Cosas extrañas suceden que usted realmente tiene que jugar los juegos!

Serie del Rey Set to Begin in Tijuana on Tuesday

Can Puebla Defeat Tijuana in the Serie del Rey

The Pericos de Puebla enter the 2017 Serie del Rey as slight underdogs to the Toros de Tijuana. Oddsmakers give the Pericos a 47% chance of repeating as champions of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol.

Estadio Gasmart

The road to taking home the Copa Zaachila (the LMB Championship Trophy) begins in Tijuana. The Toros, with a league best regular season record of 76-34, get the first two games at home. The friendly confines of Estadio Gasmart, the home of the Toros, saw the Toros win 40 games and drop 16.  Games 3, 4 and 5 will be played on the Pericos home turf, Estadio de Beisbol Hermanos Serdan. Puebla hasn’t fared as well at home, going just 24-27 in Puebla. If necessary, games 6 and 7 will be played under the lights back in Tijuana.

Hermans Serdan

Winning at home for the Toros came easy this year but the Pericos were just 24-27 at home. One could say that Estadio de Beisbol Hermanos Serdan has been anything but friendly to Puebla. Despite rabid, raucous hometown fans the Pericos didn’t pitch well at home. Give edge here to Tijuana.

Tijuana pitchers led the league in ERA with a 3.52 mark. The Pericos on the other hand finished 11th in the league allowing 5.02 runs per game. This is the key for Puebla. If they allow that many runs a game, wins will be hard to come by.

Hitting wise though the Pericos have the edge. Their .305 batting average was second to Monterrey’s .307. Although the Toros managed to hit .281 that was only good for an 11th place finish.

Tijuana has the edge in pitching while Puebla gets the nod for hitting.

Edny Chavez

Edny Chavez led the Pericos in hitting, compiling a .343 average (6th in the league) with teammate Jesus Arredondo hitting .332 and Alberto Carreon following with a .317 average.

Cyle Hankerd hit .321 on the year with 17 home runs and 69 RBIs for Tijuana. Jose Guadalupe Chavez was the only other Toro with a batting average above .300.

The Toros pitching staff gave p just 971 hits in 975 ⅔ innings, striking out 753 batters and walking 278. This 3 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio may be the downfall to a team that struckout 675 times in 110 games.

Cyle Hankerd

Puebla pitchers on the other hand allowed 1144 hits in 965 ⅔ innings, giving up 85 home runs and had a strikeout to wall ratio of just under 2 to 1.

I’ve given you the facts. Now you can make up your own mind. But before you choose remember this. Experience counts. The Pericos were the 2016 Champions of the LMB. The Toros have been to the finals just once (2016 versus these same Pericos) since winning the LMB title as  the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos in1989.

Give the edge to the Pericos.

If that still doesn’t tell you who will win, I will say it again. The Pericos will win in 6 games.

I’m sticking my neck out but remember the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates, down 3 games to 1 they came back to beat the Baltimore Orioles 4 games to 3 and win the World Series.

The 2004 Boston Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS Championship fell behind the Yankees 3 games to none, swept the remaining four games and went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals 4 games to none to win the World Series.

Strange things happen we you actually have to play the games!

5 LMB Jugadores Suspendido Para Partes de la Temporada 2017

Dos mas jugadores revision medica de prueba positiva

La Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) ha dado a conocer los nombres de 5 jugadores que dieron positivo. Después de la temporada 2016, para sustancias prohibidas y será suspendido para partes de la temporada 2017. Además, para estos jugadores, no se les permitirá participar en la postemporada si su equipo llega a los playoffs.

Carlos Valencia, Olmo Rosario y Miguel Ángel González de los Toros de Tijuana tuvieron anfetaminas descubiertas en sus pruebas de drogas.

El gerente de Toros, Pedro Mere, ha sido citado diciendo que se mantiene al lado de sus jugadores "... dando pleno apoyo en su 'supuesto dopaje' 'Aunque no está de acuerdo con los resultados, dice que" espera los resultados de la prueba " B"

.
Cada uno de los jugadores de Toros fueron suspendidos por 50 juegos.

Olmo Rosario, quien bateó .313 con 6 HRs y 73 impulsadas para los Toros en 2016, ha firmado para jugar en la Liga Atlántica para los Patriotas de Somerset en 2017.

Carlos Valencia bateó .244 con 7 HR y 46 RBIs, mientras que el lanzador derecho Miguel González tuvo una efectividad de 5.89 en 18 entradas de,, dando 28 hits, ponchando 15 y caminando 10.

Hassan Pena, descubierto con marihuana en su prueba fue suspendido por 50 juegos. Jugó para los Sultanes de Monterrey en 2016. Primero un relevista, Pena tuvo un récord de 5-1 con 5 salvamentos. Lanzó 30 entradas de,, eliminando a 22 y caminando sólo 2.

Albino Contreras, de los Leones de Yucatán, ha sido suspendido por 100 juegos para el análisis positivo de anfetaminas. Esta fue la segunda prueba positiva de Contreras. En 2016, Contresas bateó .208 sin jonrones y 8 remolcadas en tiempo de juego limitado para los Leones.
Además de estos 5 jugadores.

Cyle Hankerd y Travis Blackley tendrán sus resultados positivos, para un producto no especificado, revisado por una comisión basada en una exención medicinal solicitada. La comisión tiene el poder de permitir los resultados o rechazar la solicitud de medicamentos y suspender a los jugadores.

La firma de pruebas de drogas usada por el LMB previamente, CONADE, ya no realiza pruebas de drogas para la liga y por lo tanto la liga se ve obligada a encontrar una instalación de prueba alternativa. Con el fin de mantener un acuerdo de trabajo con la Liga Mayor, que le da a la LMB una calificación Triple A League, una fuente de prueba adecuada debe encontrarse al principio de la temporada.
Actualmente la liga está explorando opciones como la Universidad de California y laboratorios tanto en Cuba como en México.

Seguir mi blog en: www.wdbarrsports.blogspot.com

5 LMB Players Suspended For Parts Of The 2017 Season

2 MORE TO HAVE MEDICAL REVIEWS

The Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) has released the names of 5 players who tested positive. following the 2016 season, for banned substances and will be suspended for parts of the 2017 season. Additionally, for these players, they will not be allowed to participate in the postseason should their team reach the playoffs.

Carlos Valencia, Olmo Rosario and Miguel (Michael) Angel Gonzalez of the Toros de Tijuana had amphetamines discovered in their drug tests.

The Toros manager, Pedro Mere, has been quoted as saying that he stands by his players “...giving full support in their ‘supposed doping’’ While not agreeing with the results he says he “looks forward to the results of test “B”.

Each of the Toros players were suspended for 50 games.

Olmo Rosario, who hit .313 with 6 HRs and 73 RBIs for the Toros in 2016, has signed to play in the Atlantic League for the Somerset Patriots in 2017.

Carlos Valencia hit .244 with 7 HRs and 46 RBIs while right handed pitcher Miguel Gonzalez had a 5.89 ERA in 18 ⅓ innings, giving up 28 hits, striking out 15 and walking 10.

Hassan Pena, discovered with marijuana in his test was suspended for 50 games. He played for the Sultanes de Monterrey in 2016. Primarily a reliever, Pena had a 5-1 record with 5 saves. He pitched 30 ⅔ innings, striking out 22 and walking just 2.

Albino Contreras of the Leones de Yucatan has been suspended for 100 games for testing positive for amphetamines. This was Contreras’ second positive test. In 2016, Contresas hit .208 with no home runs and 8 RBIs in limited playing time for the Leones.

In addition to these 5 players, Cyle Hankerd and Travis Blackley will have their positive results, for an unspecified product, reviewed by a commission based on a requested medicinal exemption. The commission has the power to allow the results or reject the medicinal request and suspend the players.

The drug testing firm used by the LMB previously, CONADE, no longer performs drug testing for the league and thus the league is forced to find an alternate testing facility. In order to maintain a working agreement with Major League, which gives the LMB a Triple A League rating, a suitable testing source must be found by the beginning of the season.

Currently the league is exploring options such as the University of California and laboratories in both Cuba and Mexico.

Jalisco Rolls in 10-4 Romp Over Culiacan

MURILLO AND CHARLES HOMER IN POWER SURGE
Watch the Art Charles home run here

In a reverse of previous games, the Charros jumped out in front early and coasted to a 10-4 win over the Tomateros de Culiacan.

Figueroa Scores The 1st Run

Carlos Figueroa got the ball rolling, pun intended, with a lead off single in the bottom of the 1sr inning. Figueroa went to second on a wild pitch and scored when Amadeo Zazueta reached safely on an error by the Culiacan second baseman. The Charros were quickly up 1-0.

The Charros sent 11 men to the plate in the bottom of the 2nd and exploded for 6 runs. 5 singles, a double, a walk, a hit batter, a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch later and Jalisco led 7-0.

In the top of the 3rd inning Iker Franco struck out but reached first when the pitch got away from the Charros catcher. That mistake turned into a Culiacan run on consecutive singles by Rico Noel and Ronnier Mustelier and the Tomateros had cut the lead to 7-1.

Agustin Murillo continued his hot hitting with a 2 out solo home run to left center in the top of the 4th to put the Charros up 8-1.

Culiacan scored twice in the top of the 5th inning on a single by Irving Wilson, a double by Noel and a sac fly to center by Sebastian Elizalde. Charros 8, Tomateros 3.

Art Charles added 2 runs for Jalisco in the 6th inning on an opposite field 2 run home run for the last of the Charros scoring and a 10-3 lead.

A lead off walk to Noel in the top of the 7th and a double by Mustelier gave the Tomateros their final run and the 10-4 result.

Bruce Kern (1-1) pitched 5 strong innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 5 in the win.

Bruce Kern

Salvador Valdez (1-1) lasted just 1 1/3 innings and gave up 6 runs on 5 hits in the loss.

Manny Rodriguez was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored, Charles 2 for 5 with the home run and 2 RBIs and Agustin Murillo 1 for 3 with the home run for the Charros.

Mustelier went 2 for 5, Noel 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and Elizalde 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Culiacan.

Japhet Amador Back From Japan

The final game of the series with Culiacan is set to begin at 3 PM on Sunday. Monday is a travel day and the Charros will begin a 3 game set against the Aguilas de Mexicali on Tuesday the 25th of October.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Mexicali 6. Navojoa 3

Chris Roberson homered and Ramon Rios went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored as the Aguilas doubled up the Mayos 6-3. The Aguilas starter, Marco Duarte, gave up 3 runs early but Jose Mezar (1-0) picked up the win in relief. Jake Sanchez notched his 2nd save of the season. Salvador Robles (0-1) allowed 4 runs on 6 hits in 4 innings to take the loss.

Los Mochis 8, Mazatlán 5

The Caneros got home runs from Isaac Rodriguez, Emmanuel Avila and JC Linares as Los Mochis topped the Vanados 8-5. Linares' home run was his league leading 5th of the year. Cyle Hankerd homered for Mazatlán. Rodriguz was 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs, Linares 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs and Avila 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Caneros. Hankerd was 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and Corey Brown 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Mazatlán. Manny Barreda (1-1) picked up the win with Andres Avila getting his first save for the Caneros. Arturo Barradas (1-1) took the loss.

Obregon 8, Hermosillo 4

The Yaquis scored 3 runs in the 4th and 4 runs in the 5th to put away the LMP league leading Naranjeros de Hermosillo 8-4. Matt Juengel was 3 for 4 with a home run, 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored for Obregon, Roberto Ramos homered on a 2 for 4 night and Jose Aguilar went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for the Naranjeros. Gerado Reyes (1-0) picked up the win in relief while Edgar Torres (0-1) took the loss.

Caneros Take Series From Charros With 5-1 Win

AGUSTIN MURILLO'S HR ONLY BRIGHT SPOT IN LOSS

The Caneros de Los Mochis took the 3 game series with the Charros, 2 games to 1, with the 5-1 win on Thursday.

Poor starting pitching was a problem again for Jalisco as Marco Tovar gave up 3 runs on 6 hits in 3 innings on the mound.

But there were other problems too. The relief pitchers walked three Caneros (2 of which scored), threw a wild pitch that led to a run and hit a batter.

The Charros hitters struck out 10 times and were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position. They were also caught stealing twice.

Jalisco Manager Homar Rojas

Homar Rojas, the Jalisco manager, had Michael Choice and Cacao Valdez, arguably the slowest runners on the offense, try to steal second (each time with 1 out) and behind just 3-0. In the 4th inning, Choice was caught stealing and Art Charles followed with a double. Instead of at least runners at second and third with 1 out, the Charros were left with a runner at second and 2 outs. Rojas tried it again in the 5th inning with the same result.

Choice Caught Stealing

The Charros fell to 3-5 on the year. They have been shut out twice and held to 1 run in two other games.

Los Mochis loaded the bases with 1 out in the top of the 1st and scored their first run on a sac fly to right by Emmanuel Avila. Leandro Castro then doubled to drive in Juan Carlos Gamboa for the 2-0 Caneros lead.

Cacao Valdez Out at Second

Gamboa added to the Caneros lead in the 2nd inning with a single to left that scored Sergio Garcia, who had doubled earlier. Los Mochis led 3-0.

JC Linares and Leandro Castro both walked in the top of the 7th and moved up a base on a wild pitch by Jalisco reliever Victor Gonzalez. Ramon Orantes singled to drive in Linares and Castro scored when Gilberto Galaviz reached on a fielding error by the Charro's shortstop. The Caneros lead was now 5-0.

Agustin Murillo's sole home run leading off the bottom of the 7th was the lone run scored by Jalisco and cut the lead to 5-1.

Julian Arballo on the Mound

Julian Arballo (2-0) pitched 5 innings for the Caneros striking out 6 and holding the Charros to 5 hits in the win. Jon Sintes struck out 2 in the 9th to pick up his 2nd save of the year.

Tovar (0-2) lasted 3 innings. He threw 60 pitches in those 3 innings giving up 3 runs and 6 hits in taking the loss.

The Tomateros arrive in Guadalajara today to begin a 3 game weekend series against Jalisco.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Culiacan 6, Mexicali 5

Sebastian Elizalde hit a walk off single in the bottom of the 9th inning to drive in Jose Orozco as the Tomateros beat the Aguilas 6-5. CJ Retherford hit 2 home runs and drove in 3 for Mexicali but it wasn't enough. Joey Meneses homered for Culiacan. Derrick Loop (1-1) picked up the win in relief while Adrian Garza (0-1) took the loss.

The 2nd of Retherford's HRs

Mazatlán 3, Hermosillo 1

The Venados scored twice in the first inning and held on to beat the Naranjeros 3-1, Hermosillo had pulled to within a run on a sac fly by Eric Young Jr. in the 3rd but Cyle Hankerd homered in the bottom of the inning to put Mazatlán up 3-1. Jesus Sanchez (1-1) allowed 1 run on 4 hits in 5 1/3 innings to get the win and Benino Pruneda walked 2 and struck out 2 in the 9th to record his 1st save of the year. Tim Melville (0-1) took the loss.

Obregon 11, Navojoa 8

No pitching contest here as the Yaquis scored 11 runs on 10 hits and the Mayos 8 runs on 13 hits. Sergio Contreras was 2 for 4 with 5 RBIs and Justin Greene 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for the Yaquis. Jesus Castillo went 1 for 3 with a 3 run home run and 4 RBIs, Humberto Sosa 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs and Randy Arozarena 4 for 5 for the Mayos. Arturo Lopez (2-0) got the win and Zack Dodson (0-1) took the loss. 

Jalisco Avoids Sweep Defeat Obregon 4-3

AGUSTIN MURILLO DRIVES IN 2 IN TOP OF THE 9TH

Agustin Murillo Drives in 2

Tonight the Charros finally put it all together. Timely hitting, error free fielding, excellent pitching and a little power helped to overcome some bad luck and bring the team back to Guadalajara on a high note.

Jalisco scored a run in the 1st inning and might have had more but for the first bit of bad luck. With runners on first and third and one out, Manny Rodriguez hit a sac fly to center that scored Carlos Figueroa. Amadeo Zazueta, trying to go from first to third, was caught when the Yaquis first baseman cut off the throw home and nailed Zazueta at third. The Charros led 1-0.

Leo Heras' Home Run

It was still 1-0 when Leo Heras hit a lead off home run for Obregon in the bottom of the 5th to tie the game. The next bit of bad luck happened one out later. With runners on first and third, Justin Greene grounded into what appeared to be an inning ending double play. Obregon challenged the out at first. When the umpires reversed the call on the field, Sergio Contreras had scored and the Yaquis led 2-1.

Disputed Double Play

Art Charles tied the game at 2 all in the top of the 7th with a two out home run to deep right center.

Cacao Valdez hit a 2 out single to right in the top of the 9th that the right fielder misplayed for a two base error and Valdez wound up on third. Art Charles was intentionally walked bringing Agustin Murillo to the plate. Murillo singled to right scoring Valdez. Charles, running with the crack of the bat, scored when the Yaquis second baseman threw wildly to third. The Charros were back on top 4-2.

The Jalisco closer, Aaron Kurcz, made things uncomfortable in the bottom of the 9th. Kurcz got the first 2 batters out but gave up a double to Leo Heras and a run scoring single to Carlos Valencia that cut the lead to 4-3. Kurcz struck out Sergio Contreras to end the game.

Edwin Salas got the win in relief for the Charros and Kurcz picked up the save. Manuel Flores, the Charros starter, did a good job over 4 2/3 innings of work allowing 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 5.

The Yaquis starter, Marco Carillo went 6 innings giving up a run on 3 hits while striking out 3. Ryan Kelly gave up the 2 runs in the top of the 9th to take the loss.

The 2-3 Charros now return to Guadalajara to face the Caneros de Los Mochis for 3 games beginning on Tuesday the 18th of October.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GAME

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Mazatlán 9, Mexicali 6

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GAME HERE

The Aguilas started off quickly, scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 1st but the Venados Didn't give up and battled back to top Mexicali 9-6. Cyle Hankerd was 4 for 5 with a home run, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored for Mazatlán. Heber Gomez, who entered the game as a pinch hitter in the 2nd inning was 4 for 5 with 4 RBIs for the Venados. Ricky Alavrez was 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs for the Aguilas. Arturo Barradas worked 6 innings to get the win while Marco Quevedo gave up 5 runs on 7 hits in the loss.

Culiacan 8, Los Mochis 1

The Tomateros exploded for 6 runs in the 6th inning on their way to the 8-1 win over the Caneros. Sebastian Elizalde was 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs and Jose Orozco 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs for Culiacan. Yadir Drake hit his 4th home run in 5 games for the Caneros. Salvador Valdez pitched 6 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits in the win. Manny Barreda struck out 7 in 5 innings in the loss.

Navojoa 3, Hermosillo 2 (12 innings)

VIEW THE HIGHLIGHTS HERE

Humberto Sosa singled to left in the top of the 12th inning to drive in Randy Arozarena with the go ahead run. Jesus Garcia retired the first two batters in the bottom of the inning and Oscar Felix recorde the last out in the Mayos win. Kyle Grana picked up the win in relief and Felix got the save. Heriberto Ruelas took the loss for the Naranjeros. Sosa was 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs for Navojoa. Fernando Perez went 3 for 4 for Hermosillo/

Charros Shut Out By Tomateros 4-0

Unlike the opening game where the Charros scored 18 runs, their bats went silent in the second game against the Tomateros de Culiacan, played in Culiacan.

Opening Day Ceremonies in Culiacan

The game started as a pitchers duel of sorts until the bottom of the 5th inning with both teams searching for an offense and depending on the defense to keep the game close.

Bruce Kern, the Jalisco starter, had flirted with danger in the 3rd and 4th innings, putting runners in scoring position both innings. The defense came to his aid both times, turning double plays to end the inning with no damage done.

Elizalde's Home Run

Kern's luck ran out in the bottom of the 5th. After getting the first two Tomateros out, he hit Rico Noel with a pitch. Noel stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. Kern then walked Ronnier Mustelier. Sebastian Elizalde then took a 2 ball no strike pitch deep to right for a 3 run home run that broke up the scoreless game and gave Culiacan a 3-0 lead.

Culiacan would add an insurance run in the bottom of the 8th. After Mike Carp hit into a force out, Jose Orozco, the pinch runner, stole second. The Charros reliever, Ivan Salas, then unleashed a wild pitch that put Orozco on third. Orozco scored on a ground ball to third for the 4-0 lead and the game.

Bruce Kern on the Mound

Bruce Ken pitched 5 innings in the loss, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits, including the home run in the 5th inning, to fall to 0-1 on the young season.

Daniel Rodriguez picked up the win, working 5 2/3 innings, striking out 5, walking 1 and holding the Charros scoreless on 4 hits.

It's on to Obregon tonight to begin a 3 game series against the Yaquis before returning home on Tuesday the 18th of October to face the Caneros de Los Mochis for three games.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Navojoa 6, Los Mochis 4

Yadir Drake hit 2 home runs for the Caneros but Los Mochis fell to the Mayos 6-4. Navojoa scored 2 runs in the 6th and 3 more in the 7th to secure the win and move to 2-0 on the year. Cole Garner was 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs for the Mayos while Yadir Drake went 2 for 4 with the 2 home runs for the Caneros. Carlos Felix picked up the win in relief with Kyle Grana notching his 2nd save. Thomas Melgarejo took the loss for Los Mochis.

Kyle Grana with the Save

Hermosillo 4, Obregon 2

Carlos Valencia and Dave Sappelt homered for the Yaquis but it wasn't enough to offset Jose Amador's 2 run home run for the Naranjeros in the 4-2 win for Hermosillo. Juan Pablo Oramas got the win with Paul Seward picking up his 2nd save of the season. David Reyes took the loss for Obregon.

Mexicali 9, Mazatlán 4

Ramon Rios went 4 for 5 and Ricky Alvarez 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for the Aguilas in the 9-4 win over the Venados. Luis Juarez was 3 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBIs for Mexicali. Cyle Hankerd went 1 for 3 with a home run for the Venados. Javier Solano picked up the win while Sergio Valenzuela took the loss for Mazatlán.

Aguilas Lineup Card

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Venados Bounce Back With 4-2 Win In Game 2

TIE SERIE FINAL AT 1 GAME APIECE

The Venados de Mazatlán tied the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Serie Final against the Aguilas de Mexicali at 1 game each last night with a 4-2 win in Mexicali.

Winning Pitcher Alejandro Soto

3 runs in the 4th inning by the Venados gave them the 3-1 lead and the Mazatlán relief pitchers did the rest. Alejandro Soto, the starter for Mazatlán went 5 innings for the win, scattering 4 hits (2 hits after the 1st inning), allowing 1 run, walking 1 and striking out 2. Steven Hensley struck out 1 batter while working a 1-2-3 ninth inning to pick up the save...his 4th of the playoffs.

Terance Marin, the Aguilas starter, took the loss giving up 4 runs on 5 hits although only 1 of the runs was earned. Marin walked 2 and struck out 1.

Agustin Murillo went 2 for 4 at the plate for the Venados with an RBI. Justin Greene, Esteban Quiroz, Cyle Hankerd and Olmo Rosario were all 1 for 4 on the night with Quiroz and Rosario driving in runs. Mike Jacobs had a sac fly RBI for Mazatlán.

Chris Roberson was 2 for 4 for the Aguilas with a run scored. Wellington Dotel had a pinch hit double with a run scored. Yuniesky Betancourt had a triple with an RBI for Mexicali and Luis Juarez had an RBI on a sac fly.

Roberson led off the bottom of the 1st for the Aguilas with a single, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Roman Urias and scored on a triple to left center by Betancourt as Mexicali took a quick 1-0 lead.

Mazatlán struck back in the top of the 4th inning With one out, Esteban Quiroz reached base safely on a fielding error by the Aguilas third baseman. Cyle Hankerd followed with a double to left that put runners at second and third with 1 out. Murillo singled to score Quiroz and put runners on the corners. Mike Jacobs, the Venados DH, hit a sac fly to center that scored Hankerd as Murillo took second on the throw. Rosario singled to score Murillo and the Venados led 3-1.

The Venados added an insurance run in the 6th on a one out single by Greene that was too tough for the shortstop to handle. Greene stole second and scored on a double by Quiroz and the 4-1 Mazatlán lead.

Mexicali would score a run in the bottom of the 7th when pinch hitter Wellington Dotel hit a double to center and went to third as the Venados center fielder misplayed the bounce for an error. Juarez drove in Dotel with a sac fly to right that cut the lead to 4-2 but the Aguilas could muster no more offense and the Venados took game 2 of the Serie Final by that score.

The win in Mexicali ensures that all 3 games scheduled for Mazatlán will take place. After a travel day on Friday, the series resumes with game 3 on Saturday. Game 4 of the series will be played on Sunday with game 5 scheduled for Monday the 25th of January. 

Venados Tie Series at 3 With 6-3 Win In Obregon

YAQUIS 0 FOR 7 WITH RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION

Andres Meza gave up 3 Yaquis runs on 6 hits to get the win for the Venados on Sunday as Mazatlán battled back to tie the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico semifinal playoff round at 3 games apiece. Sergio Valenzuela pitched the final 1 1/3 innings to pick up the save. Rolando Valdez went 4 1/3 innings allowing 5 runs on 8 hits to take the loss for the Yaquis.

Agustin Murillo singled to lead off the 4th inning for Mazatlán, stole second an scored on a single by Cyle Hankerd for a 1-0 Venados lead. Carlos Munoz singled to left to put runners on first and second. Olmo Rosario singled to score Hankerd and a 2-0 Mazatlán lead.

Paul Leon began the 5th inning for Mazatlán with a single and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jeremias Pineda. Murillo followed with a single to deep short. Leon and Murillo both scored on a double to left center by Esteban Quiroz. With 2 outs, Carlos Munoz drew a walk. Ball 4 was a wild pitch that got Quiroz to third. Rosario singled to score Quiroz and the Venados led 5-0.

Carlos Valencia Home Run

The Yaquis closed the gap to 5-1 on a solo home run to left by Carlos Valencia in the bottom of the 5th inning.

Justin Greene singled to lead off Yaquis half of the 6th inning and scored on a triple by Leo Heras. Alex Liddi followed with an RBI ground out to second that scored Heras and the Yaquis were down 2 at 5-3.

With 1 out in the top of the 7th inning, Cyle Hankerd doubled to left center and scored when the next batter, Munoz, singled to center for the final run of the game and the 6-3 win for Mazatlán.

Game 7 will be played on Monday with the winner advancing to the Championship round of the LMP Playoffs to face either the Mayos de Navojoa or the Agulas de Mexicali. That series is set to begin on Wednesday the 20th of January.

Rosario was 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Munoz 2 for 4 with an RBI, Quiroz 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored and Cyle Hankerd 2 for 5 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Venados.

Valencia went 1 for 3 with the home run, Heras 1 for 4 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored and Greene 2 for 4 for the Yaquis.

Leo Heras Triple

Mazatlan Doubles Up Yaquis 8-4

EVEN SERIES AT 1 GAME APIECE

The Venados got home run from Agustin Murillo, Cyle Hankerd and Esteban Quiroz to top the Yaquis de Obregon by an 8-4 score. Mazatlán broke open a close game with 4 runs in the 4th inning that put them in front 7-2 and the pitching did the rest.

Andres Meza shook off a rocky 1st inning, in which he gave up 2 runs, to work 5 2/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. Meza seemed to be in trouble each inning but got the outs when needed to pick up the win for the Venados.

Rolando Valdez took the loss for the Yaquis, going 3 2/3 innings giving up 6 runs on 8 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts.

Liddi Out At Home

Obregon made some poor decisions on the base paths in the 1st inning. Alex Liddi tried to score from first on a double by Max Ramirez and was thrown out at home for the second out. Dustin Martin was thrown out at second trying to stretch a single to left into a double. Maybe these chances, if not taken, change the complexion of the game or maybe not but this is playoff baseball. It was the 1st inning and the Yaquis had a 1-0 lead with 1 out. It wasn't the 9th inning down a run.

The Venados scored 8 runs on 14 hits. The 1 through 4 hitters went 7 for 19 with 6 RBIs and 6 runs scored with 3 home runs. Agustin Murillo was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Esteban Quiroz 2 for 5 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Cyle Hankerd 2 for 5 with a home run, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Yunesky Sanchez was 3 for 5.

Max Ramirez, before being pulled for a pinch runner, was 1 for 2 with 2 walks, an RBI and a run scored for the Yaquis. Alex Liddi was 1 for 3 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored. Carlos Valencia had an RBI for Obregon as did Dustin Martin.

The series continues in Mazatlán on Wednesday with the Venados tied with the Yaquis 1 game to 1. Mazatlán is ensured of 3 games at home before returning to Obregon if a game 6 is necessary. The winner of this semifinal series will face the winner of the Aguilas/Mayos series for the LMP Championship.

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Mayos de Navojoa Advance In LMP Playoffs

TOP VENADOS 5-4 WITH A CARLOS MONCRIEF HR

The Mayos went up 5-3 on a solo home run by Carlos Moncrief in the top of the 9th and withstood a Venados rally in the bottom of the inning to best Mazatlán 5-4 and advance in the 2016 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Playoffs.

After Navojoa had taken a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning, the Venados scored 3 times in their half of the inning. Jeremias Pineda singled, stole second, went to third on the throwing error by the catcher and scored 1 out later on a single by Cyle Hankerd. Mike Jacobs followed with a single and both runners advanced on a ground out. Edwin Salas drew an intentional walk to load the bases. Erick Rodriguez waited out a walk that scored Hankerd. Heber Gomez hit a slow roller to short that scored Jacobs for the 3-1 lead. The Mayos challenged the play at first but the "safe" call was upheld.

Navojoa got a run back in the 3rd inning on a singles by Genero Andrade, Jose Chavez and Quincy Latimore to cut the Venados lead to 3-2.

Pinch hitter Victor Mendoza hit a leadoff single for the Mayos in the top of the 7th inning and moved to second on a balk by the Venados pitcher. Diego Madero was brought in to run for Mendoza and scored 1 out later on a single by Alan Sanchez. The score was tied 3-3.

Carlos Moncrief doubled to lead off the Mayos half of the 8th inning and scored on a single to center by Jose Amador to give Navojoa their 1st lead of the night at 4-3.

Moncrief's solo home run to left, in the top of the 9th inning, put the Mayos up 5-3.

Jeremias Pineda singled with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th for Mazatlán and went to third on a wild pitch by the Mayos closer, Daniel Moskos. With 2 outs, Cyle Hankerd singled to right to score Pineda but Mike Jacobs struck out swinging to end the game.

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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.