Monterrey Opens With 4-3 Win Over Monclova

SULTANES OPEN ZONA NORTE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND WITH ROAD WIN

If you are the type of person who loves to watch good baseball, pitching, hitting and defense, then last night's game between the Sultanes de Monterrey and the Acereros de Monclova was right up your alley. Plenty of offense, good pitching and a dramatic finish!

Julio Borbon

The game started off as if this was going to be an offensive game. The Sultane's lead off hitter, Julio Borbon took an 0-1 pitch deep to right center to give the Sultanes a quick 1-0 lead. Not to be out done, the Acereros responded with home runs from Erick Aybar and Francisco Peguero in their half of the 1st to take a 2-1 lead.

The pitching for both teams settled down but Monclova added a run in the bottom of the 3rd on a single by Jesus Castillo, a walk to Danny Espinosa and a Juan Perez double to left that scored Castillo. Acereros 3-1.

Ali Solis led off the top of the 6th for Monterrey with a single and went to third on a single by Julio Borbon. Solis scored on a double play ball off the bat of Ramiro Pena. The Sultanes trailed 3-2.

Leading off the top of the 8th inning, Solis singled again. Marco Guzman entered the game as a pinch runner for Solis. Julio Borbon hit a ball back up the middle that the Acereros second baseman got to but couldn't get to the shortstop in time for a force out. Pinch running for Solis paid off as the speedy Guzman was safe at second. Ramiro Pena laid down a sacrifice bunt that moved the runners up. Following an intentional walk to Felix Perez, Chris Roberson walked on 4 pitches to force in Guzman with the tying run. The Acereros pitchers only walked 3 batters all night but these two were costly.

Yadir Drake launched a long fly ball to left in the top of the 9th inning that appeared to glance off of the glove of the Acereros left fielder before landing over the wall for the home run and a 4-3 lead for the Sultanes.

Yadir Drake

The Acerero's Rodolfo Amador singled off of Wirfin Obispo in the bottom of the 9th and stole second. Amador was stranded as Cade Gotta struck out to end the game.

Anthony Vasquez started the game for the Sultanes and gave up all 3 Monclova runs on 6 hits, including 2 home runs, walking 2 and striking 1 in 5 innings. Nick Struck (1-0) worked the 8th to get the win and Wirfin Obispo pickup the save, although not without drama.

Andre Rienzo pitched well for the Acereros, going 6 1/3 innings, scattering 6 hits but did not figure in the decision. Mario Morales was charged with a blown save for giving up the run in the 8th and Zack Segovia (0-1) took the loss, allowing the home run to Drake in his inning on the mound.

Julio Borbon was 3 for 5 with a home run, Ali Solis 2 for 3 and Yadir Drake had the home run in his 4 trips to the plate.

Erick Aybar went 2 for 4 with a home run and team mate Francisco Peguero 1 for 3 with his 1st inning home run.

Oaxaca Need 11 Innings to Beat Leones de Yucatan 5-2

GUERREROS ADVANCE TO ZONA SUR CHAMPIONSHIP WITH EXCITING GAME 7 WIN

The Guerreros de Oaxaca needed 11 innings to overcome the Leones de Yucatan but the wait, and the excitement were worth it. With the 7th game win, the Guerreros move on to face the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in the Zona Sur Championship round of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol  (LMB)

The teams combined used 16 pitchers, 7 by Oaxaca and 9 by Yucatan. These pitchers threw 368 pitches (240 for strikes), gave up 21 hits, surrendered 2 doubles, a triple and 2 home runs while striking out 25 opponents. They had good control of those pitches, walking just 5 over 22 innings.

Carlos Felix

Carlos Felix was the beneficiary of the runs scored by Oaxaca in the 11th inning, having worked the final 2 1/3 innings, holding the Leones hitless while striking out 2.

Andres Meza (0-1) took the loss. He worked the final 1 2/3 innings for the Leones and allowed 3 runs on 3 hits, including a home run in the 11th inning.

Singles by Henry Urrutia and Dustin Geiger started the top of the 2nd inning for the Guerreros. Julian Ornelas' sacrifice bunt was misplayed by the Leones first baseman to load the bases. Samar Leyva hit a sac fly to left to drive in Urrutia and give the Guerreros a 1-0 lead. Oaxaca loaded the bases again in the inning but were unable to score.

Julian Ornelas singled to begin the top of the 4th, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single by Alejandro Gonzalez. Oaxaca led 2-0.

The Guerreros loaded the bases again in the top of the 5th but couldn't push any runs across.

Leo Heras hit a 330' home run to right just inside the foul pole to start the bottom of the 5th for Yucatan that cut the lead to 2-1.

Leo Heras

Ricardo Serrano singled in the bottom of the 7th. Diego Madero was inserted as a pinch runner for Serrano. Madero moved to second on a sacrificed bunt and scored on a single to right by Heras.

There was no scoring by either team until the 11th inning.

Samar Leyvetripled to lead off the top of the 11th for Oaxaca. One out later Leyva scored on a single by Alan Sanchez. Following a strikeout by Yordanys Linares, Jay Austin, hitting just .200 for the series, launched a 2 run home run to right center that put the icing on the cake for Oaxaca and a dagger to the heart of the Leones.

Jay Austin

Oaxaca took this hard fought series from the Leones in 7 games and will now face the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in a best of 7 series for the Zona Sur Championship and the right to face the winner of the Zona Norte series between the Acereros de Monclova and the Sultanes de Monterrey.

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

EXCITING GAME 7...NEXT UP ACEREROS de MONCLOVA

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

Nick Struck

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

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

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

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

Ali Solis

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

Leones Win Game 6 Over Guerreros 2-0

EVEN 1st ROUND ZONA SUR SERIES AT 3 GAMES APIECE

Jorge Reyes

Four Leones pitchers, from starter Jorge Reyes (1-0) to Chad Gaudin shut down the Guerreros de Oaxaca for 9 innings on 5 hits with no runs for the 2-0 win. The game was not without drama though. The top of the 9th was quite nerve wracking for the 6,049 fans in attendance at Parque Kukulkan in Merida.

Chad Gaudin, although earning the save, made things interesting for the Leones in the inning. Gaudin caught Jay Austin looking for the 1st out. Yuniesky Betancourt singled with a single. (Betancourt had 3 of the 5 hits for Oaxaca) Henry Urrutia doubled to left with Betancourt stopping at third. Dustin Geiger then waited out a base on balls, loading the bases with 1 out. Orlando Pina then popped up to second, the infield fly rule was called. for the 2nd out. Samar Leyva struck out swinging for the 3rd out that ended the threat and the game.

Sebastian Valle gave the Leones pitching all the run support they would need with one swing of the bat. Eric Aguilera led off the bottom of the 4th for Yucatan with a single to center. Jose Aguilar laid down a sacrifice bunt that moved Aguilera to second. Valle then took an 0-2 pitch from Delgado deep to left center, scoring Aguilera and giving Yucatan a 2-0 lead.

Sebastian Valle

Irwin Delgado (0-1) pitched a complete game for Oaxaca allowing the 2 runs on 8 hits with a walk and 3 strikeouts in taking the loss.

These two teams meet again on Wednesday for the deciding 7th game of their 1st round Zona Sur playoffs to determine who will face the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in the Zona Sur Championship round.

Oaxaca Tops Yucatan 5-1 as Alex Delgado Tosses 3 Hitter

GUERREROS TAKE COMMAND OF ZONA SUR BATTLE 3 GAMES TO 2

Alex delgado

The Guerreros scored all the runs they would need in the first 2 innings on Sunday's game against the Leones de Yucatan to win game 5 of their series. With that run support, Alex Delgado (2-0) carried Oaxaca on his back through 6 innings, allowing 3 hits and a run while striking out 8 to get the win.

Delgado's counterpart, Leones starter Yoanner Negrin (0-1) was responsible for all 5 Guerrero runs. Negrin was tagged for 10 hits, including a 2 run home run by Henry Urrutia in the 1st inning. Negrin went 6 innings, striking out 3 and walking none in taking the loss.

Yoanner Negrin

Jay Austin stroked a one out single for Oaxaca in the bottom of the 1st and came around to score ahead of Urrutia's long home run to center for the 2-0 Guerreros lead.

Samar Leyva was hit by a pitch to start the bottom of the 2nd inning. Erick Rodriguez singled with Leyva stopping at second. Alejandro then hit what should be called a swinging bunt that forced Rodriguez at second. With runners at first and third, Yordanys Linares singled to center scoring Leyva as Gonzalez stopped at second. Jay Austin singled to plate Gonzalez and advance Linares to third. Yuniesky Betancourt hit a fly ball to right that scored Linares but a 9-2-6-3-6 relay caught Austin between first and second for the back end of a double play.

Yucatan scored their lone run in the top of the 6th, With 1 out, Ricardo Serrano singled to left. A wild pitch put Serrano on second. With 2 outs, Walter Ibarra singled to left to score Serrano. When Leo Heras struck out, the threat and the inning were over for the Leones.

And then the rains came. After a 2 hour and 41 minute rain delay, play resumed and the pitching took over. Neither team was able to mount any offense over the remaining 3 innings and the score stood  5-1 Guerreros.

The winner of this Zona Sur 1st round series will face the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in the Zona Sur Championship round. The Diablos took their series from the Pericos de Puebla 4 games to 1 on Sunday.

Henry Urrutia

Diablos Take Suspended game From Pericos 7-3

COMMANDING LEAD FOR MEXICO IN 1ST ROUND SERIES 3 GAMES TO 1

Yeison Asencio in the middle

In the completion of game 4, suspended by rain in with Mexico leading 4-2 in the 8th inning, The Diablos scored 3 times in the 9th and survived a scare in the bottom half of the inning to beat he Pericos de Puebla 7-3 and take a commanding 3 games to 1 lead in their Zona Sur 1st round series.

Mexico had scored first with a home run by David Vidal in the 2nd inning and added 3 more runs in the 3rd on a 2 run double by Yeison Ascencio and a run scoring single by Luis Jimenez.

Puebla scored twice in their half of the 3rd on singles by Antonio Lamas , that drove in Daniel Sanchez, and Delmon Young, driving in Sergio Perez.

The rains came in the top of the 8th with Mexico leading and threatening to score.

Upon resuming the game, the Diablos were unable to capitalize. Likewise, Puebla take advantage in the bottom of the inning. With runners on first and second, Michael Crouse popped up to short and Mexico caught Young too far off second for the final out of the inning.

Vidal led off the top of the 9th for Mexico with a walk and came around to score on singles by Emmanuel Avila and Michael Choice. Jesus Fabela sacrificed both runners a base. Avila scored on a wild pitch and Choice raced home on a single to left by Carlos Figueroa. 7-2 Diablos.

Carlos Figueroa

Bernardo Heras led off the bottom of the 9th for Puebla with a single and went to third on a double by Oscar Soto. One out later, Heras scored on a ground out to first by Sergio Perez but Alberto Carreon skyed out to right to end the threat and the game.

Mexico starter Carlos De Leon (1-0) got the win the day after began his game and Manny Acosta was credited with the save. Puebla starter, Daniel Flores (0-1) was tagged with the loss, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits, walking 3 and striking out 5 in 5 innings on the mound.

Yeison Ascencio was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored on the day for Mexico while team mate Carlos Figueroa went 2 for 5 with an RBI. The 1 through 6 hitters in the Diablo's lineup are all hitting above .353.

Delmon Young

Delmon Young went 4 for 4 with an RBI and Sergio Perez 2 for 5 with an RBI  and a run scored in the loss

Monterrey Takes Control of Zona Norte 1st Round Series with 10-4 Win Over Tijuana

8 RUN 7TH INNING TOO MUCH FOR TOROS

The Sultanes used an 8 run outburst in the bottom of the 7th inning to regain the lead and demolish the Toros de Tijuana 10-4 and take charge of the best of 7 Zona Norte 1st round playoff series.

Monterrey scored twice in the bottom of the 1st inning. Augustin Murillo, the hero of game 4, stroked a 2 out single. Felix Perez was hit by a pitch and Jose Amador singled to left to drive in Murillo. Ramon Rios followed with a single to right to plate Perez. 2-0 Monterrey.

Ramon Rios

Tijuana clawed their way back with single runs in the 4th, 5th and 7th innings. Junior Lake scored on a force out in the 4th. Anadeo Zazueta homered in the 5th and Juan Perez singled to drive in Gabriel Gutierrez in the top of the 7th to give the Toros a temporary 3-2 lead.

Monterrey scored all 8 of their runs in the bottom of the 7th inning with 2 outs. A Ramiro Pena double scored Sebastian Elizalde and Julio Bourbon. Augustin Murillo singled to score Pena. After an intentional walk, Lose Amador singled to score Murillo/ Felix Perez scored on a fielding error and the scoring was complete when Chris Roberson launched a towering 3 run home run to right.   10-3 Sultanes.

Junior Lake led off the top of the 8th inning with a home run for Tijuana but that would be the last of the scoring for the Toros and the final was 10-4 Sultanes.

Jose Amador went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Monterrey. Chris Roberson had the home run and 3 RBIs in 4 trips to the plate while Augustin Murillo was 2 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored.

Junior Lake

Junior Lake was 2 for 4 with a home run and Frederich Cepeda was 2 for 3 for the Toros.

Nick Struck (1-0) got the win in relief of Anthony Vasquez. Between the two, they struck out 8 while walking 3.

Daniel Moskos (0-2) allowed 2 runs on one hit and a walk without recording an out. Aaron Kurcz was charged with a blown save, allowing 5 runs on 3 hits in 2/3 of an inning for the Toros

Monclova Doubles up Dos Laredos 8-4

LATE SCORING BY ACEREROS DO IN THE TECOLOTES

The Acereros de Monclova scored 3 times in the 5th, once more in the 6th and added 2 runs in the 7th inning to pull away from and double up the Tecolotes 8-4.

Domonic Brown

Dos Laredos took a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Juan Apodaca and Enrique Osorio led off with back-to-back singles. Johnny Davis then laid down a sacrifice bunt for a force out, but, after a challenge by the Tecolotes the runner was ruled safe and Dos Laredos had loaded the bases. Juan Martinez followed with a sac fly to right that scored Apodaca. Domonic Brown then hit a 3 run home run to right to give Dos Laredos the lead.

Monclova's Juan Castillo launched a 3 run home run to right in the 5th inning to bring home Cade Gotta and Erick Aybar and the Acereros had regained the lead 5-4.

Cade Gotta homered in the top of the 6th to increase Monclova's lead to 6-4.

After a Jesus Castillo single and a pop fly out from Francisco Peguero, Danny Espinoza hit his 3rd  home run of the series to right center to add the last 2 runs and make the score 8-4.

Castillo was 3 for 5 with a home run, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored, Cade Gotta 3 for 5 with a home run and 3 runs scored and Danny Espinoza 1 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for Monclova.

Domonic Brown went 1 for 4 with the home run and 3 RBIs for Dos Laredos.

Zack Segovia (1-0) picked up the win in relief of starter Rolando Valdez. Alex Sanabia (0-1) allowed 5 runs on 7 hits over 4 innings to take the loss for the Tecolotes.

Monclova leads the best of 7 1st round Zona Norte playoffs 3 games to 1 with the win.

Monterrey Evens Zona Norte 1st Round with Tijuana at 2 Games Apiece

Monterrey 4     Tijuana 3

Agustin Murillo

Augustin Murillo launched a 2 out, 2 run home run to left in the bottom of the 9th inning to overcome a 1 run deficit and help the Acereros de Monclova defeat the Toros de Tijuana. Ramiro Pena had tripled to right just before Murillo's home run.

Tijuana had taken the lead in the top of the 8th on 2 singles, a sacrifice bunt and a sac fly to center by Isaac Rodriguez.

Frederich Cepeda was 2 for 4 with his 3rd home run of the series, 2 RBIs and a run scored for the Toros.

Murillo raised his batting average for the series to .462 with a 3 for 5 night including the game winning, walk off home run.

Wirfin Obispo (1-0) was the beneficiary of Murillo's heroics holding the Toros hitless over the final 1 2/3 innings to pick up the win.

Wirfin Obispo

Daniel Moskos (0-1) was charged with a blown save and took the loss for Tijuana.

13,423 fans filled Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey to watch the local team win in exciting fashion and pull even with the Toros, at 2 game apiece, in their Zona Norte 1st round series battle.

Puebla Tops Diablos Rojos in Zona Sur Playoff Clash

WIN DECREASES DIABLOS LEAD TO 2-1

The Pericos de Puebla overcame a 2 run deficit with 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning and went on to defeat the Diablos Rojos del Mexico 7-6. Although the Diablos out hit the Pericos 15 to 6, Mexico managed only 2 extra base hits and were 3 for 14 with runners in scoring position. Peubla on, on the other hand, went 3 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Jesus Fabela

Mexico scored 4 times in the top of the 5th inning. Carlos Figueroa got things going with a lead off walk and came around to score on a double by Juan Carlos Gamboa. Two outs later David Vidal walked. Michael Choice followed with a single to right that scored Gamboa. Emmanuel Avila was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Ricardo Valenzuela waited out a walk to force in Vidal and Jesus Fabela drew a walk to bring home Choice. The Diablos led 6-4.

Puebla answered in the bottom of the 6th. Delmon Young walked. Ricky Rodriguez singled to right and when the Diablos right fielder misplayed the ball, Young scored and Rodriguez wound up on third. Michael Crouse drove in Rodriguez with a sac fly to right. Bernardo Heras followed with a home run to right and the Pericos had the lead and the game.

Juan Ramon Noriega (1-0) picked up the win in relief and Jeff Johnson notched his 1st save of the series. Patrick Johnson (0-1) gave up 7 runs in 5 1/3 innings on the mound, walking 1 and striking out 7 in the loss.

Ricky Rodriguez was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and Bernardo Heras had the home run in his 4 trips to the plate for the Pericos.

Juan Carlos Gamboa and Yeison Ascencio were both 3 for 5 for Mexico.

Mexico now leads the best of 7 Zona Norte 1st round with the games continuing with 2 more in Puebla and a return to Mexico City if necessary.

Leones de Yucatan Top Guerreros de Oaxaca 3-1 in LMB Zona Sur Playoff Matchup

AN EARLY GAME CAUSED BY RAINOUT ON THURSDAY

Yucatan 3     Oaxaca 1

The Leones took game 3 of their Zona Sur 1st round playoff series against the Guerreros de Oaxaca with a 3-1 victory in front of 3,000 fans in Oaxaca. The Guerreros now lead the best-of-7 series 2 games to 1,

Cesar Valdez

Cesar Valdez (1-0) went 7 innings on the hill for Yucatan, surrendering 1 run on 6 hits with 1 walk and 5 strikeouts. Chad Gaudin pitched a perfect 9th inning to record his 1st save of the playoffs.

Ruddy Acosta (0-1) gave up 2 runs on 6 hits over 5 2/3 innings to take the loss for Oaxaca.

Yucatan scored in the 3rd inning on a walk to Jose Aguilar, a single by Hector Hernandez one out later and a run scoring single by Walter Ibarra with 2 outs.

The Leones added a run in the 5th on a single by Aguilar and a double by Sebastian Valle for the 2-0 lead.

Oaxaca scored their lone run in the bottom of the 6th inning on a single by Yordanys Linares, a ground ball out that moved Linares to second, a single by Yuniesky Betancourt and a ground ball out by Dustin Geiger that scored Linares from third.

An error by the Guerreros 3rd baseman allowed Jonathan Jones to score from third with an insurance run for the Leones in the 8th inning. That was all that was needed as Gaudin set the Guerreros down in order in the 9th to preserve the win.

Jonathan Jones

Dos Laredos and Toros de Tijuana Win 1st Round Playoff Games

ONLY 2 GAMES PLAYED ON THURSDAY AS RAIN POSTPONES LEONES V. GUERREROS

Dos Laredos 7     Monclova 2

Josh Rodriguez

Josh Rodriguez, the Tecolotes shortstop, launched a long 3 run home run ti right center in the bottom of the 1st inning to put Dos Laredos on top and Jose Oyervides pitched 4 hit ball over 6 innings as the Tecolotes took the win over the Acereros 7-2. Every starter in the Dos Laredos lineup had at least 1 hit in the 13 hit attack. Jose Felix went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Monclova. Oyervides (1-0) walked 3 and struck out 1 in the win while Wilmer Rios (0-1) gave up 4 earned runs on 7 hits in 2 2/3 innings on the mound in taking the loss, 4,876 fans crowded Estadio Nuevo Laredo to see the home team win and pull within 1 game of the Acereros in this Zona Norte 1st round playoff series.

Jose Oyervides

Tijuana 6     Monterrey 3

Frederich Cepeda and Jorge Cantu each hit 2 run home runs for Tijuana as the visiting Toros doubled up the Sultanes and take a 2 games to 1 lead in the best-of-7 Zona Norte playoff series. Junior Lake and Xorge Carrillo added RBIs for Tijuana in the win. Jose Amador homered with Ali Solis and Felix Perez driving in the 3 runs for Monterrey. Cesilio Pimental (1-0) picked up the win in relief of Toro's starter Horacio Ramirez. Jose De Paula (0-1) allowed 4 runs on 5 hits in his 4 2/3 innings on the mound in the loss. 10,327 fans came to Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey only to see their home town heros lose.

Tijuana's Frederich Cepeda

Yucatan at Oaxaca (postponed due to weather)

The 1st round playoff battle between the Leones de Yucatan and the Guerreros de Oaxaca has been postponed due to weather. There has been no notification as to when the game will be made up.

Diablos Rojos del Mexico Take Suspended Game From Pericos 12-4

DIABLOS GO UP 2 GAMES TO ONE IN ZONA SUR 1st ROUND PLAYOFFS

What a difference a day makes. When the game between the Pericos de Puebla and the Diablos Rojos del Mexico was suspended on Tuesday, the Pericos had a 3-0 lead with 1 out. Ricky Rodriguez and Michael Crouse had hit home runs and Wirkin Estevez seemed to be in charge.

Upon resuming the game, the Diablos scored twice in the 3rd inning, once in the 5th, which was the end of Estevez, and then exploded for 9 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to secure the win and go up 2 games to none in the 1st round of the LMB Zona Sur playoffs.

Michael Crouse had launched his second home run of the game in the top of the 7th to put the Pericos up 4-3 before the roof caved in and the Diablos decimated the Perico's pitching staff in the bottom of the inning.

David Reyes (1-0) was the recipient of the offensive output, pitching 1 2/3 innings to get the win.

David Reyes

Fernando Cruz (0-1) lasted just 2/3 of an inning for the Pericos, walking 2, surrendering 5 hits and being tagged for 5 runs in taking the loss. Jeff Johnson, who relieved Cruz, didn't fare any better against the Diablo's bats, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits in 1/3 of an inning on the mound.

Luis Jimenez went 4 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored and Carlos Figueroa was 2 for 4 with a walk, 2 RBIs and 4 runs scored for the Diablos.

Michael Homers in an LMB Game

Michael Crouse was 2 for 3 with 2 home runs, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored for the Pericos.

The playoffs now shifts to Oaxaca, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo and Puebla for game 3. The Guerreros, Acereros and Diablos all boast a 2 games to one advantage with the Sultanes and Toros tied at 1 game apiece.

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Liga Mexicana de Beisbol 1st Round Summary

FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE SECOND GAMES OF THE PLAYOFFS

MONCLOVA 7     DOS LAREDOS 4

The Tecolotes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning on a 2 run double from Daniel Mayora, but a 5 run outburst, in the 5th, by the Acereros gave Monclova the lead for good as the Acereros won the game 7-4 increasing their lead in the 1st round series to 2-0. Jesus Castillo and Danny Espinosa hit 2 run home runs in the explosive 5th inning. The Tecolotes scored twice in the top of the 9th inning but it was a case of "too little, too late". Juan Martinez and Domonic Brown were both 3 for 5 for Dos Laredos. Andre Rienzo (1-0) got the win and Josh Lueke picked up the save. Alexis Candelario (0-1) took the loss for the Tecolotes.

Andre Rienzo

OAXACA 6     YUCATAN 3

Oaxaca took the lead for good in the top of the 8th inning and doubled up the Leones 6-3 to go up 2 games to none in the best of 7 first round of the playoffs. 7,292 fans crowded Parque Kukulkan but were not enough to help Yucatan. Dustin Geiger went deep for the Guerreros while Jose Aguilar and Walter Ibarra did the same for the Leones. Although charges with a blown save, Samuel Zazueta (1-0) earned the win and Carlos Felix recorded his 2nd save in as many tries. Maikel Cleto (0-1) was charged with the loss.

Jose Guadalupe Chavez

TIJUANA 6     MONTERREY 3

The Toros de Tijuana had 13 hits, 7 for extra bases, in their 6-3 defeat of the Sultanes. Fernando Perez was 3 for 4 with a home run, Jose Chavez 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and Junior Lake 2 for 4 with a triple for Tijuana. The Sultanes had a 3-0 lead after 4 innings but couldn'thold off the Toros offense in the loss. Ramon Rios was 3 for 3 for the Sultanes. Jeff Ibarra (1-0) earned the win and Daniel Moskos notched his 1st save of the series. Marco Tovar (0-1) gave up 2 runs in 1/3 of an inning of relief to take the loss.

PUEBLA 3     MEXICO 0  (game suspended-rain)

The Pericos de Puebla jumped on top of the Diablos in the top of the 2nd, following home runs by Ricky Rodriguez and Michael Crouse. The rains fell hard with no respite in sight when the Umpires, and the League, suspended the game. The contest will resume at 1 PM (CDT) on the 12th of September with 1 out in the top of the 2nd and Alberto Carreon at the plate.

Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Championship Series

SLATE OF GAMES FEATURE 8 LMB TEAMS

The 1st round of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) playoffs began last night, September 10th, with the Sultanes de Monterrey taking on the Toros de Tijuana and the Acereros del Norte de Monclova facing the Tecolotes de Los Dos Laredos in the Zona Norte. The Diablos Rojos del Mexico square off against the Pericos de Puebla and the Leones de Yucatan meet the Guerreros de Oaxaca in the Zona Sur. Each is a best of 7 series.

Here is an encapsulated review of last night's games.

MEXICO 8     PUEBLA 4

Michael Choice

The Diablos tied the game at 4 all in the 4th and went on to beat the Pericos 8-4 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Michael Choice, the Diablos DH, was 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, a home run and 5 RBIs for Mexico.Puebla managed 12 hits but a double by Antonio Lamas was their only extra base hit. Octavio Acosta (1-0) picked up the win in relief of starter Luis Mendoza, while Josh Outman (0-1) was charged with the loss.

OAXACA 4     YUCATAN 1

The Guerreros scored 4 times in the op of the 8th inning and cruised to a 4-1 victory over the Leones. Oaxaca leads this 1st round series 1 game to none. Yuniesky Betancourt went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs for the Guerreros while Leo Heras was 2 for 4 for Yucatan in a losing effort. Alex Delgado (1-0) got the win and Carlos Felix was credited with a save. Arcenio Leon (0-1) took the loss for the Leones.

MONTERREY 7     TIJUANA 4 

Ramiro Pena was 2 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs for the Sultanes as they took a 1-0 lead in the Zona Norte playoff battle. Chris Roberson, Augustin Murillo and Jose Amador also went deep for Monterrey. Frederich Cepeda went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for the Toros. Rafael Ordaz (1-0) picked up the win in relief of starter Anthony Vasquez and Wirfin Obispo garnered a save. Carlos Hernandez (0-1) was charged with the loss.

Rafael  Ordaz

MONCLOVA 11     DOS LAREDOS 10 (10 innings)

The visiting Tecolotes scored 8 runs in the top of the 7th inning but couldn't hold on and fell to the Acereros 11-10 in 10 innings.Francisco Peguero hit the 1st pitch he saw with 2 outs in the bottom of the 10th inning to give Monclova the walk off win. Peguero was 3 for 5 with the home run and 4 RBIs. Josh Rodriguez, the Tecolotes shortstop, homered in the 9th inning to force extra innings. Rodriguez went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs in a losing cause. Mario Morales (1-0) earned the win while Tyson Perez (0-1) was charged with a blown save and took the loss. Monclova takes a 1-0 lead in the Zona Norte playoff series.

Japhet Amador Suspended 6 Months by the Nippon Professional Baseball League

DRUG TEST IN JUNE FOUND 2 BANNED SUBSTANCES

Japhet Amador, the power hitting 1st baseman of the Charros de Jalisco and
current player for the Rakuten Eagles, has been suspended by the Nippon
Professional Baseball League.

Amador underwent a drug test on the 13th of June following a game against
the Chunichi Dragons. He tested positive for the drugs chlorthalidone and
furosemide. These two substances are included under diuretics and masking
agents on a list of prohibited drugs on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s website.

Japhet was informed of the test results on the 23rd of June and given a chance
to defend himself. He denied knowingly or intentionally taking any banned
substance. The league retested his sample, at Amador’s request, on the 1st of
August. The results were the same.

“I have never committed an act of doping in my baseball life up to this point,”
Amador said in a statement released by the Eagles. “I have never intentionally
taken any banned drugs.

“I haven’t used stimulants or anything to increase muscle, or thought about
using diuretics or masking agents. I’ve been given many doping tests in the
past and they’ve all been negative.”

On a tweet at noon Guadalajara time on Thursday the 9th of
August, Amador announced the results of the test saying that
he “assumes responsibility” and that he would “announce his
retirement”.

Amador with the Rakuten Eagles

In an 11 year career, Japhet has hit 312 homeruns and driven
in 1057 runs while hitting for a .296 average. In 3 years with the
Rakuten Eagles of the Nippon League, Amador hit .250 with 52
homers.

In 4 years with the Charros, Amador drive in 145 runs while
hitting 40 home runs.

The one-time product of the Houston Astros organization,
“El Gigante” from Mulege Mexico, played in Oklahoma City of
the Pacific Coast League and Peoria of the Arizona fall League.

Leones de Yucatan Weekly Update - April 3rd 2017

LEONES IN GOOD FORM TO BEGIN THE SEASON

Leones Started Off Strong

The Leones have started off the 2017 season of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol in fine fashion. Having swept the Tigres de Quintana Roo in Merida, the Leones find themselves alone atop the Division Zona Sur with a 3-0 record.

With an offensive display that produced 29 runs and 45 hits in the 3 games, it’s hard to imagine the hitters continuing at such an explosive rate. The pitching staff was equally as impressive during the series with the Tigres, giving up 6 runs and 22 hits in the 3 game set. Are the Leones this good or are the Tigres that bad? Only time will tell.

The boys from Merida have a .398 team batting average (2nd in the league), led the LMB in hits but fall behind the Pericos de Puebla in most other categories. It should be noted that the Pericos played the Bravos de Leon, a reincarnation of the Broncos de Reynosa, who finished 24-88 in 2016...last in the Zona Norte while the Tigres finished 68-45 in Zona Sur.

2nd in the LMB in Batting Average

Our pitchers rank 3rd in the LMB in ERA, 4th in hits allowed, 4th on walks allowed and tied for 3rd in the WHIP category. For those of you not aware of the term WHIP, it is a statistic for

Walks+Hits per Inning Pitched. The Leones pitching staff, which includes starters and relievers allow 1.11 hits and walks per inning. A number this low bodes well for the season, if sustainable.

Aguilar's Gold Glove

On Sunday, the final game of the 3 game set with the Tigres, the Leones showed off their individual fielding prowess from the 2016 season as they presented league Gold Glove Awards to Kevin Flores, Jose Aguilar and Ricardo Serrano

Based on what I have seen so far, I will stand by my prediction of the Leones finishing with a 75-36 record, champions of the Zona Sur and a good chance to bring the Serie del Rey trophy home to Merida.