Sultanes Top Oaxaca 5-1 in Game 3 of the Serie del Rey

STRONG START BY JOSE DE PAULA AND TIMELY HITTING BY MONTERREY

Jose De Paula

Jose De Paula did just what the Sultanes de Monterrey needed in game 3 of their playoff series with the Guerreros de Oaxaca, he threw 6 strong innings. De Paula held Oaxaca to 1 run on 5 hits and struck out 6 in picking up the win.

Although they had chances, Oaxaca was unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position. The Guerreros were 0 for 8 in such opportunities. The 1 through 4 hitters for Oaxaca were a combined 2 for 15 on the night.

The hurlers for Oaxaca, on the other hand, had control problems early, loading the bases on a single and 2 walks before issuing a walk to Chris Robinson to force in a run and give Monterrey the early 1-0 lead after the top of the 1st inning.

The Sultanes added 2 more runs in the 2nd on a single by Julio Borbon, who then stole second, a ground rule double down the right field line by Ramiro Pena that scored Borbon and a single by Agustin Murillo that drove in Pena for a 3-0 Monterrey lead.

Julio Borbon

Oaxaca scored their lone run in the bottom of the 2nd on a two out fielding error by the Sultane's third baseman that allowed Julian Ornelas to score from third.The Guerreros would not threaten again.

Agustin Murillo led off the top of the 8th for Monterrey by lining a 1-1 pitch to  left for a solo home run. A single, a hit batter, a sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk to Yadir Drake loaded the bases. The Guerreros brought in reliever Carlos Felix to replace Samuel Zazueta but Felix injured his throwing arm during warm ups and was replaced by Carlos Morales. Morales gave up a single to Ramon Rios that scored pinch runner Sebastian Elizalde to reach the final 5-1 score.

Ramon Rios

7,000 fans packed Parque Eduardo Vasconcelos in Oaxaca only to go home disappointed in the final outcome. Game 4 will be played in Oaxaca on Saturday the 6th of October with the Sultanes de Monterrey holding a 2 games to 1 advantage in their quest for the Copa Zaachila.

COPA ZAACHILA

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.