Monterrey Defeats Monclova 7-3 in Game 2 of Zona Norte Championship

4 RUN 4TH SPELLS DOOM FOR ACEREROS, GIVES SULTANES 2-0 LEAD IN SERIES

Agustin Murillo

Agustin Murillo got things going for Monterrey, hitting the first pitch he saw from Acerero's starter Josh Lowey over the left field fence to give the Sultanes an early 1-0 lead in game 2 of the Zona Norte Championship round of the LMB Playoffs.

With one out in the bottom of the 2nd, the Acereros struck back. Juan Perez drove a ball deep to left for a solo home run to tie the game. After Jesus Arredondo walked, Cesar Tapia lined a 2 run home run to left as Monclova regained to lead 3-1.

In the top of the third, with singles by Yadir Drake and Ali Solis putting runners on first and second with no outs, the rains came causing a 2 hour delay. When play resumed, Julio Borbon's sacrifice bunt got Solis at second but put runners on the corners. Borbon stole second and both runners scored on a single by Ramiro Pena to tie the game at 3. After a strikeout, Felix Perez hit a 2 run home run to left to give Monterrey a 5-3 lead.

The Sultanes added 2 runs in the top of the 4th. With one out, Yadir Drake was hit by a pitch. One out later, Julio Borbon lofted a long home run to right that scored Drake and gave Monterrey a 7-3 lead.

Julio Borbon

Over the last 6 innings, the Sultanes relief pitchers held the Acereros to 3 hits and no runs to give Darin Downs (1-0) the win. The Acereros starter, Josh Lowey (0-1) gave up all 7 Monterrey runs on 7 hits, including 3 home runs, in 4 innings of work to take the loss.

The series moves to Monterrey with game 3 scheduled for Sunday the 23rd of September with the Sultanes ahead 2 games to none.

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.