Leones Top Guerreros 10-5 to even 1st Round Zona Sur Series at 2 Games Apiece

FINAL 3 INNINGS TOO MUCH FOR OAXACA

The Leones de Yucatan started early, with 2 runs in the top of the 1st innibg, and finished strong with 6 runs over the final 3 innings in beating the Guerreros de Oaxaca 10-5. With the win, the Leones evened their Zona Sur 1st round  playoff series at 2 games apiece.

Yucatan pounded out 17 hits in the contest, with each starter getting at least 1 hit. The 1 through 5 hitters were 11 for 21, a .524 clip, with 3 extra base hits and 6 RBIs.

Oaxaca held a 5-4 lead after 5 innings but Yucatan scored 6 unanswered runs over the last 3 innings to take the win.

Leo Heras Home Run

Walter Ibarra and Leo Heras homered for the Leones and accounted for 3 RBIs and 6 runs scored in the game. Heras also walked twice. The patient Yucatan hitters drew 6 walks in addition to their 17 hits in the game. Ibarra was 2 for 6 and Heras 2 for 4. Humberto Sosa went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs and a rub scored while Jose Aguilar and Everth Cabrera were both 2 fr 5 for Yucatan.

Samar Leyva saw his batting average rise to .308 on a 2 for 3 night with 3 runs scored for Oaxaca and Julian Ornelas was 2 for 5 with a run scored for the Guerreros.

The Leones, after falling behind 5-4, scored twice in the top of the 7th inning. With 1 out, Luis Juarez singled and Humberto Sosa doubled to put runners on second and third. Eric Aguilera struck out but Jose Aguilar singled to drive in Juarez. Sebastian Valle followed with a single  to score Sosa and the Leones had the lead for good at 6-5.

Two runs in the 8th inning and 2 more in the 9th put the game away.

Arcenio Leon (1-1) got the win in relief for Yucatan and Juan Lopez (0-1) took the loss for Oaxaca

Arcenio Leon

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.  

Leones Sweep Series From Tigres With 13-1 Drubbing

JOSE AGUILAR HITS 1ST LEONES HOME RUN

Aguilar's Home Run Swing

The Leones hitters feasted once again on the pitching of the Tigres. The 3 game series saw Yucatan score 29 runs on 45 hits while holding the Tigres to 6 runs on 22 hits. With this balance of pitching and hitting, the Leones should advance nicely towards the Zona Sur division championship of the LMB.

10,400 loyal fans braved the 102 degree temperatures at game time and had plenty to cheer about. To put this number of fans in perspective, 3,800 fans watched the Diablos lose to Monclova, 3,700 saw the Pericos de Puebla defeat the Bravos de Leon and 2,700 die hard Piratas fans witnessed the heart breaking loss of the home team to the Olmecas de Tabasco.

The Leones led 4-0 before Ramon Ramirez hit a lead off home run for the Tigres in the top of the 3rd inning. That was the only bad pitch that Leones starter Juan Delgadillo (1-0) threw in his 5 innings on the mound as he held the Tigres to 3 hits. Three Yucatan relievers shutout the Tigres on 1 hit over the last 4 innings. Juan Arballo (0-1) gave up 7 runs on 10 hits over 3 innings to take the loss.

Delgadillo on the mound

In the bottom of the 4th inning, Jose Aguilar hit a lead off home run, the 1st HR of the year for the Leones.

Delgadillo pitched out of a jam in the 5th inning. He gave up singles to Iker Franco and Ramon Ramirez that put runners on the corners with no outs. Delgadillo then uncorked a wild pitch that put Ramirez on second but Jose Felix and then Mario Vega flew out to shallow center and Delgadillo struck out Greg Golson to end the threat and the inning.

Jordany Valdespin triple

Jordany Valdespin tripled and drove in 4 while going 2 for 5 and Leo Heras was 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored to lead the Leones offensive attack.

Can the Leones de Yucatan keep this up over the course of the season? Is the pitching staff of the Tigres this bad? We'll know more as the Leones travel to Tabasco to take on the 1-2 Olmecas and the Tigres return home to face the 2-1 Piratas de Campeche.

The Leones return to Parque Kukulcan on Friday, April 7th, to begin a 3 game series with Campeche.

Todos Somos Leones!

IN OTHER LMB ACTION:

Monclova 4, Mexico 3

The Acereros scored twice in the 8th inning to tie the game and broke a 3-3 tie with a run in the 9th to beat the Diablos 4-3. Rodolfo Amador hit a sac fly to center that scored Josh Vargas with the go ahead run. Benny Suarez (1-0) pitched a scoreless to pick up the win and Chad Gaudin worked the 9th to earn his 1st save for Monclova. Nathanael Santiago (0-1) gave up the winning run in the 9th to take the loss. Ivan Terrazas was 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs in the losing effort for the Diablos.

Puebla 16, Leon 6

The Pericos scored 9 times in the bottom of the 8th inning to break open a close game. Puebla scored 16 runs on 16 hits in the win over the Bravos. Daniel Sanchez clubbed a pinch hit home run while going 2 for 2 with 3 RBIs, Cole Gillespie was 3 for 5 with 7 RBIs and Ceasr Tapia went 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored for Puebla. Niko Vasquez was 1 for 3 with a home run, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored for Leon.

Monterrey 9, Saltillo 5

Walter Ibarra was 2 for 4 with a home run a double and 3 RBIs in the Sultanes 9-5 win over the Saraperos. Heber Gomez went 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored for Saltillo. Marco Carrillo (1-0) got the win in relief while Saltillo's starter,Carlos Pimentel (0-1), gave up 7 runs on 5 hits in 2 1/3 innings to take the loss. 16,200 hometown fans, the largest LMB crowd on Sunday, watched the Sultanes take the rubber match from Saltillo and improve to 2-1 on the young season.

Aguasclientes 9, Durango 4

The Rieleros scored 5 runs in the 1st to innings and coasted to the 9-4 win over the Generales. Guillermo Trujillo (1-0) allowed 3 runs on 5 hits in 5 innings of work to get the win. Jon Sintes (0-1) was roughed up for 7 runs on 9 hits, including 2 home runs, in taking the loss. Saul Soto was 3 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs and Ricky Pedroza added a home run and 2 RBIs for the Rieleros. Henry Alejandro Rodriguez was 2 for 5 with an RBI and Daniel Nunez 2 for 4 with a triple for Durango.

Oaxaca 7, Veracruz 6

Guerreros Celebrate Walk Off Win

The Guerreros got a walk off single from Alejandro Gonzalez with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th to top Veracruz 7-6. Lauro Ramirez (1-0) worked 1/3 of an inning to get the win in relief. Joan Montero (0-1) gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in 1 inning of relief and was charged with the loss. Gonzalez was 3 for 5 with the big RBI and Jose Martinez 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for Oaxaca. Ivan Jimenez went  2 for 5 with 2 runs scored, Carlos Lopez 2 for 5 and Luis Suarez 2 for 3 for Veracruz.

Tabasco 2, Campeche 1

Both starting pitchers looked very good, with Angel Ariaza going 5 1/3 innings and allowing a run for the Olmecas while Francisco Campos was shutting out Tabasco for 5 innings but neither pitcher figured in the final decision. Heriberto Ruelas (1-1) got the win in relief with Ramon Troncoso earning the save. Derrick Loop (0-1) worked the 9th for the Piratas and took the loss. Loop's throwing error on a pick off attempt allowed Alex Romero to score from third with the go head run. Romero, Sandy Madera and Pedro Diaz were all 2 for 4 for the Olmecas.

Tijuana 6, Laguna 1

Alex Liddi homered in his 3rd consecutive game and Dustin Martin added his 2nd home run of the year in the Toro's 6-1 win over the Vaqueros. Liddi was 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs and Martin 2 for 3. Jaime Pedroza went 2 for 3 at the plate for Laguna. Miguel Pena (1-0) went 6 innings allowing 3 hits in getting the win while Marco Quevedo (0-1) struck out 7 but was touched for 3 runs in 5 innings in the loss

Leones Double Up the Tigres 8-4

FIVE RUN 2ND INNING PUTS YUCTAN UP

Jonathan Castellanos

The Leones offense continues to excel in the young season with 27 hits and 16 runs in their first two games of the year. The starting pitching has been outstanding allowing just 2 earned runs in 10 1/3 innings.

Jordany Valdespin tripled to lead of the bottom of the 2nd for the Leones and scored on an Humberto Sosa double to center. Ricardo Serrano singled on a ball hit to deep short. Hector Paez singled to right to load the bases with no outs. One out later, Leo Heras hit a fly ball to center that was dropped for an error as Sosa and Serrano scored. Jose Aguilar singled to drive in Paez. Heras scored on a double play that took too long to develop and the Leones had a 5-0 lead after 2 innings.

The Tigres got 2 runs back in the top of the 3rd on a single by Greg Golson and a home run by Eugenio Velez cut the lead to 5-2.

Cacao Scores

Cacao Valdez got things going for the Leones in the bottom of the 5th with a lead off single. Valdespin walked. With one out Serrano singled to left to load the bases. Paez was hit by a pitch to force in Valdez. Kevin Flores followed with a single to drive in Valdespin and Serrano. Three more runs and an 8-2 lead.

A walk and two singles loaded the bases with no outs for the Tigres in the top of the 7th inning. After a pop up to the infield for the 1st out, Christian Marrero hit a sac fly to left to plate Jose Felix. Brian Hernandez singled to drive in Greg Golson but that would be all the runs the Tigres could score and after Jairo Asencio set the Tigres down in order in the 9th the Leones had the 8-4 win and a 2-0 record on the year.

Jario Ascencio

Jonathan Castellanos (1-0) went 5 innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 runs. He walked 2 and struck out 2 in garnering the win. Tyler Herron (0-1) was touched for 7 runs on 8 hits in 4 1/3 innings in the loss.

Ricardo Serrano was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored, Cacao Valdez 2 for 5 and Leo Heras 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored for Yucatan.

Greg Golson went 4 for 5 with 2 runs scored for the Tigres while Eugenio Velez was 1 for 5 with the home run and 2 RBIs.

Game 3 of the series is on Sunday. Monday is an off day with the Leones traveling to Villahermosa to take on the Olmecas de Tabasco for 3 games beginning on Tuesday the 4th of April.

IN OTHER LMB ACTION

Mexico 17, Monclova 10

These two teams combined for 30 hits and 27 runs in a game that saw 6 home runs, 4 by the Acereros and 2 by the Diablos in a game that was all offense and ineffective pitching. Jorge Vasquez was 4 for 4 with 2 HRs and 4 RBIs and Ivan Terrzas 4 for 6 with 5 RBIs for Mexico. Manny Rodriguez was 1 for 3 with a 3 run home run and Matt Clark went 2 for 4 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs for Monclova. Daric Barton also homered for the Acereros.

Leon 10, Puebla 7

The Bravos de Leon won their 1st game as the reincarnated Broncos de Reynosa by defeating the defending champion Pericos de Puebla 10-7. Leon scored 6 runs in the 5th inning and outlasted the Pericos. Mitch Lively (1-0) threw 6 innings, scattering 6 hits to get the win. Karl Gelinas (0-1) was roughed up for 4 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks in his 4 innings of work. Miguel Torrero went 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBIs for the Bravos while Endy Chavez was 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs for Puebla.

Oaxaca 9, Veracruz 0

Guerreros starter, Daniel Guerrero (1-0), held the Aguilas scoreless through 5 1/3 innings on 4 hits and 5 relievers limited Veracruz to 3 hits in 3 1/3 innings while striking out 4 to complete the shutout. Alex Maestri (0-1) gave up 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in the loss. Ismael Martinez went 2 for 2 with 2 walks, a home run, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored with Yancarlo Angulo going 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs for Oaxaca.

Campeche 8, Tabasco 2

Maxwell Leon was 2 for 4 with 4 RBIs and Paul Leon 1 foe 2 with 2 walks, a home run and 2 runs scored as the Piratas improved to 2-0 on the season. Dave Sappelt and Rolando Acosta each homered for the Olmecas in the loss. Jorge Castillo (1-0) gave up a run on 4 hits while striking out 4 in the win while Alejandro Astorga (0-1) gave surrendered 4 runs on 7 hits in taking the loss.

Aguascalientes 8, Durango 1

6 Rieleros pitchers held the Generales to 1 run on 8 hits with Carlos Chavez (1-0) picking up the win. Durango used 8 hurlers to no avail as Gaudencio Aguirre (0-1) took the loss. Cristhian Presici was 4 for 4 with 4 singles, a walk and 2 RBIs for the Rieleros. Adan Velazquez went 1 for 2 with a home run for Durango.

Monterrey 11, Saltillo 7

The Sultanes scored 5 times in the top of the 9th inning to break a 6-6 tie ballgame and went on to win 11-7. The Saraperos closer, Tony Pena Jr., (0-1) gave up all 5 runs in taking the loss. Oscar Villarreal (1-0) was the beneficiary of the offensive outburst to get the win. Luis Juarez was 2 for 6 with a home run and 3 RBIs, Said Gutierrez 2 for 3 with a home run and Leonardo German 3 for 4 with an RBI for Monterrey. Rainel Rosario was 3 for 5 and Luis Borges 2 for 2 with 2 RBIs for the saraperos.

Tijuana 5, Laguna 0

Watch Alex Liddi's HR here.

Horacio Ramirez (1-0) and 3 relievers shut out the Vaqueros on 3 hits with 7 strike outs. Jeremy Kehrt (0-1) gave up all 5 Toros runs on 6 hits in the loss. Alex Liddi went 1 for 3 with his 2nd home run of the year and Cyle Hankerd was 2 for 4 on the night for the Toros. Ethan Chapman, Anderson Hernandez and Ricky Alvarez had the hits for the Vaqueros Union Laguna.

Leones Beat Tigres 8-1 in Season Opener

YOANNER NEGRIN PITCHES 6 STRONG INNINGS IN WIN

Yoanner Negrin

The Leones de Yucatan began to 2017 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol season in good form with the 8-1 win over the Tigres de Quintana Roo in Merida on Friday. Negrin gave up 4 hits, walked 2 and struckout 1 while holding the Tigres scoreless with 6 excellent innings of work on the mound. Jose Aguilar went 4 for 5 at the plate as the Leones pounded out 14 hits (13 singles).

Aguilar got the ball rolling with a 1 out single in the bottom of the 1st. Esteban Quiroz singled and both runners advanced on a slow roller to third by Jesus Valdez. Jordany Valdespin walked to load the bases. Humberto Sosa came through with a single left that drove in Aguilar and Quiroz. Ricardo Serrano followed with a single to plate Valdespin and the Leones were on top 3-0 after 1 inning.

Yucatan added a run in the bottom of the 2nd, 2 more in the 5th and scored their final 2 runs in the 6th to take an 8-0 lead.

The Tigres got on the board in the top of the 7th inning. Jesus Barraza, on in relief of Negrin struck out Iker Franco but walked Alfredo Amezaga. Mario Vega struck out swinging and things looked good for the Leones. Greg Golson singled next as Amezaga took third on a fielding error by Cacao Valdez in left. Carlos Gastelum drove in Amezaga with a single to center for the lone Tigres run and the final 8-1 margin of victory for the Leones.

Negrin (1-0) picked up the win while Kameron Loe (0-1) gave up 6 runs on 9 hits in 4 1/3 innings of work to take the loss.

The 2, 3 and 4 hitters in the lineup for the Leones, Aguilar, Quiroz and Valdez, went 8 for 15 with an RBI and 4 runs scored. Every batter, except Leo Heras, had a hit for Yucatan.

The Tigres managed 7 hits with Brian Hernandez going 2 for 3 on the night. Carlos Gastelum was 1 for 4 with an RBI.

12,000 vociferous hometown fans at Parque Kukulcan Alamo witnessed an all round good game from the Leones, good pitching and timely hitting. Yucatan had 13 singles among their 14 hits (Cacao Valdez had a double for the only extra base hit). 5 Leones pitchers scattered 7 Tigres hits, walked 2 and struck out 6 in the game.

These 2 teams continue the series in Merida on Saturday with the get away game on Sunday the 2nd of April. If you live in Merida, come out and watch some really great baseball. Todos Somos Leones!

IN OTHER LMB GAMES

Monclova 12, Mexico 7

Manny Rodriguez was 1 for 2 with a grand slam and 3 walks as the Acereros de Monclova topped the Diablos Rojos del Mexico 12-7, spoiling the season opener for Mexico. Alejandro Ortiz went 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored in the loss for the Diablos. Josh Lowey (1-0) allowed 3 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings on the hill to get the win while Efren Delgado (0-1) gave up 6 runs on 4 hits, including the grand slam, in the loss.

Veracruz 11, Oaxaca 4

Jose Pina (1-0) threw 5 innings giving up 2 runs on 8 hits to get the win for Veracruz. Irwin Delgado ((0-1) pitched well for 5 innings but allowed 3 runs on 5 hits while striking out 8 in the loss. Juan Martinez was 3 for 4 with a home run and a triple with 4 RBIs for Veracruz. Jaime Brenna went 3 for 3 and Victor Santos 2 for 2 with 2 doubles for the Guerreros.

Puebla 10, Leon 4

The defending LMB Champion Pericos out gunned the Bravos de Leon with a 10-4 win. The game was played in Puebla, with Leon designated the "home team" because the home field for the Bravos is not ready for competition. Ricky Rodriguez went 2 for 4 with a grand slam for the Pericos. JP Ramirez had a 4 for 4 night at the plate and Cesar Tapia went 2 for 5 with a home run for Puebla. Eduardo "ElMosco" Aredondo had a home run and scored 2 runs on a 2 for 4 night while Donald Lutz went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored for Leon. Manuel Baez (1-0) picked up the win in relief while Jose Sanchez (0-1) took the loss.

Durango 2, Aguascalientes 1

Durango Pitching was Excellent

The Generales de Durango beat the Rieleros de Aguascalientes 2-1 on Friday in the season opener for both clubs. Antonio Garzon (1-0) got the win in relief of Mario Gonzalez and Tiago Da Silva picked up the save. Yohan Flande pitched well for 5 innings but allowed both Durango runs while giving up just 2 hits. Henry Alejandro Rodriguez was 2 for 4 with a run scored and Yadir Drake 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Generales. Julian Castro went 3 for 4 for the Rieleros.

Campeche 5, Tabasco 4

Frankie Diaz went 2 for 4 with a home run and 3 RBIs and Engel Beltre 3 for 5 with a run scored for the Piratas. Sergio Burruel was 2 for 3 with a home run and Abel Martinez 1 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for the Olmecas. Jose Marquez Jr. (1-0) got the win in relief and Jose De La Torre picked up his 1st save of the year. Heriberto Ruelas (0-1) was saddled with the loss.

Saltillo 7, Monterrey 3

Frankie De La Cruz (1-0) scattered 6 hits over 6 1/3 innings, struck out 3 and walked 2 while allowing 2 runs to get the win. Javiar Solana (0-1) gave up 4 runs on 4 hits while striking out 6 in taking the loss.Jose Ruiz, Christian Zazueta and Jonathan Aceves were all 2 for 4 on the night for the Saraperos. Chris Roberson went 3 for 4 for the Sultanes.

Tijuana 16, Laguna 5

The Toros exploded for 16 runs on 14 hits to thrill 18,000 hometown fans in the season opening win over the Vaqueros. Dustin Martin was 2 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs, Alex Liddi 1 for 2 with a home run, 4 RBIs and 2 walks and Jorge Cantu went 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs for Tijuana. Jaime Pedroza went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Laguna, Dustin Crenshaw (0-1) took the loss while Alex Sanabia (1-0) worked 5 innings for the win.

Leones' Season to Begin Despite Financial Questions

Juan Jose and Erick Arellano Hernandez

JUAN JOSE AND ERICK ARELLANO HERNANDEZ UNDER SUSPICION

The financial troubles of brothers Juan Jose and Erick Arellano Hernandez do not appear to have had an impact on either the Leones de Yucatan or the Vaqueros Union Laguna as the two teams owned by the brothers prepare for the 2017 season of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol.

Grupo ArHe, owned and operated by the brothers purchased the Leones in 2014 and a controlling interest in the Vaqueros following the 2016 season.

Grupo ArHe had their assets frozen in 2015 and then again in March of 2016 by the Commission National Banking and Securities (CNBV) at the request of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) on suspicion of money laundering.

Although the FIU has reportedly not discovered any link to money laundering by the Hernandez brothers or Grupo ArHe, there has been no indication that funds have been in frozen.

Grupo ArHe is a very large entity, based in Mazatlán and run by the Hernandez brothers, has a wide range of business divisions. Their consulting division, UPC has 6 offices in Mexico and an office in San Diego, California. The financial sector is home to CL Capital. In sports, The Grupo owns the Leones and the Vaqueros of the LMB.

The group's automotive branch owns Alamo Car Rental in Mexico (thus the Parque Kukulcan - Alamo). Another Grupo ArHe is Grupo Immobiliario Arellano the real estate and construction arm of the company. They also own 5 Pemex gas stations with the "Hit" brand of convenience stores.

In other news related to the LMB, the league has announced that drug testing of ball players before, during and after the 2017 season will be  conducted by the Havana Anti Doping Laboratory in Havana, Cuba.

Havana Anti Doping Laboraty

Previously, testing was conducted by CONADE, the Comision Nacional de Cultura Fisica y Deporte here in Mexico. The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) suspended the laboratory in November of 2016 for its mishandling and false positive reading on a sample by Olympian Paola Pliego that caused him to miss the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

The LMB had this to say about the new facility in Cuba. "The Havana Anti Doping Laboratory has high resolution, double quadruple equipment as well as isotope ratios (IRMS) for sample testing" They further stated "We have the utmost confidence in our new testing agency"

5 LMP players were given suspensions following the 2106 season for drug use including Albino Contreras of the Leones who was given a 100 game suspension for a second violation of the rules.

6 "Extranjeros" Hope to Bring the LMB Championship to Merida

NO PLAYERS ON THE ROSTER FROM THE US

Willie Romero

The Leones de Yucatan, under the 2016 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) Manager of the Year Willie Romero’s leadership, hope to make 2017 the year the Serie del Rey returns to Merida.

Romero led the Leones to a 77-33 record in 2016. The team beat the Piratas de Campeche in the 1st round of the Zona Sur Playoffs but lost 4 games to 2 to the eventual league champion Pericos de Puebla in the division finals.

Yoanner Negrin

Leading the push for the championship this LMB season will be 6 “extranjeros” or foreign born players. Headlining this list is Yoanner Negrin, last year’s LMB Pitcher of the Year. Born in Havana Cuba, Negrin went 18-1 a year ago with 4 complete games and 3 shutouts. Negrin set a Leones record with a 38 ⅓ inning scoreless streak. Yoanner struck out 92 batters while walking just 37. A return to this form will go a long way towards the Leones’ championship hopes.

Jairo Asencio

33 year old pitcher Jairo Asencio, from the Dominican Republic, adds depth to the Leones starting rotation. Asencio has played in the “Liga Grande” (Major League Baseball) for the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs and the Baltimore Orioles.

Ronald Belisario

Ronald Belisario, the 34 year old from Maracay Venezuela compiled a 3.85 Earned Run Average (ERA) in 341 games in the big leagues for the LA Dodgers, Chicago White Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays. He also tallied 12 saves and struckout 273 batters in his career.

Jordany Valdespin

Outfielder Jordany Valdespin, hailing from San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican republic, has played for the NY Mets and the Miami Marlins in his big league career. In 10 years as a pro, Valdespin amassed 950 hits, 79 home runs, 505 runs scored and 416 RBIs.

Yuniesky Betancourt

Yuniesky Betancourt, from Villa Clara Cuba played for the Seattle Mariners from 2006-2009, hitting .289 with 9 HRs and 67 RBIs in 2007. Traded to the KC Royals in 2009, Betancourt hit .269 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs. Yuniesky finished his major league career in “the bigs” with 1057 hits in 1156 games with 80 HRs while driving in 457 runs. Betancourt ended his MLB career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2013. Betancourt helped the Aguilas de Mexicali of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico (LMP) to the league crown and a spot in the Serie Caribe where Mexico finished 2nd to a strong Puerto Rican team.

Jesus "Cacao" Valdez

This brings us to Jesus “Cacao” Valdez, possibly the most popular of the Leones extranjeros. The Dominican from San Cristobal turns 32 this year. In his 1st season in Merida, Valdez won the LMB batting title with a .353 average. He also won the winter league Liga Mexicana del Pacifico’s batting crown in 2015-16 with a .347 average. Cacao began his MLB career in 2003 with the Chicago Cubs. He was in the Cub’s organization until 2007. In 2012 Valdez played in for the Washington Nationals where he hit .263 with 6 home runs and 31 RBIs for the Nationals Triple A affiliate. Cacao took his game worldwide when he played for the Shinano Grandseros of the Japanese major league.

The Leones said goodbye to a very popular extranjero from the 2016 tem...Corey “The Flow” Wimberly.

In 139 games over two years, Wimberly had 174 hits, 40 for extra bases, 129 runs scored and 44 stolen bases. Corey was exciting to watch and contributed mightily to the success of the 2016 season.

If one is interested in the mundane aspect of baseball, such as salaries, the LMB rules for player salaries states that non-US extranjeros be payed a maximum of 150,000 pesos, paid in moneda nacional per month.

The outlook for a repeat of the 2016 season for the Leones is very good. The defending champion Pericos de Puebla should be strong although their manager from a year ago, Cory Snyder, has departed to manage in the Taiwanese Professional League. His replacement, Von Hayes, fired after 25 games from the Pericos in 2015, will have a solid core of players. The Piratas de Campeche are still a couple of players away from the top although they will contend throughout the year and, as always, the Tigres de Quintana Roo will pose a threat to the Leones’ aspirations.

My prediction is that the Leones will finish 75-36, advance to the LMB finals and bring the league trophy back to Merida.       

Yucatán Campeche Derrota 7-1

LEONES AVANZA A ZONA SUR CAMPEONATA

El Leones de Yucatán pasar a las finales de la División del sur de la Liga Mexicana de Béisbol Serie del Rey con una convincente victoria 7-1 sobre los Piratas de Campeche el martes por la noche.

Tomas Solis

Tomas Solis lanzó 7 entradas sólidas en la victoria, lo que limita Campeche a seis hits y 1 carrera y ponchó a 3. Juan Gutiérrez trabajó la octava entrada y Pedro Rodríguez salió a buscar a los Piratas con un noveno sólido. Francisco Campos cargó con la derrota, renunciando a 5 carreras en 6 hits en 4 1/3 entradas.

Yucatán se llevó a Campos rápidamente. Corey Wimberly se acercó para abrir la parte inferior de la 1ª . Un out después, José Aguilar sencillo al jardín derecho. Wimberly marcó y Aguilar terminó en la tercera con un error de lanzamiento por el campo corto Campeche. Aguilar anotó en una jugada de selección por Luis García y los Leones tomó la delantera temprano y nunca miró hacia atrás.

Aguilar consiguió cosas a los Leones de la parte inferior de la quinta con un doble a la izquierda . García siguió con un doble para anotar Aguilar. Tres sencillos, un doble, un bateador golpeado y un fly de sacrificio obtuvieron después de 4 carreras más y Yucatán fue arriba 7-0.

Humberto Sosa Hit .412 for the Series

Campeche anotó su única carrera en la parte alta de la séptima con correa de doble al jardín central por José Amador. Amador sería anotó en un sencillo a la derecha por Maxwell León con dos outs. Cualquier esperanza de una jugada por el Piratas terminó cuando el jardinero derecho de Yucatán arrojó detrás de León y lo atrapó demasiado lejos de la primera . León estaba en un resumen 9-3-6-3.

Jesús " Cacao" Valdez fue de 3 por 5 con una carrera anotada y José Aguilar fue de 2 por 5 con una impulsada y 2 anotadas para los Leones.

Engel Beltré se fue 2 por 4 y Maxwell León fue de 2 por 2 con una impulsada por Campeche.

Avances de Yucatán a la final de la Zona Sur contra Pericos de Puebla comenzando con juegos en Mérida el sábado y el domingo. Después de un día de viaje el lunes, la serie se reanuda el martes.

Yucatan Celebrates the Victory

Nota : Todas las imágenes cortesía de la página de Facebook Leones

Yucatan Defeats Campeche 7-1

ADVANCE TO ZONA SUR CHAMPIONSHIP WITH WIN

The Leones de Yucatan move on to the southern Division finals of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Serie del Rey with a convincing 7-1 win over the Piratas de Campeche on Tuesday night.

Tomas Solis

Tomas Solis threw 7 strong innings in the win, limiting Campeche to six hits and 1 run while striking out 3. Juan Gutierrez worked the 8th inning and Pedro Rodriguez finished off the Piratas with a solid 9th. Francisco Campos took the loss, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Yucatan got to Campos quickly. Corey Wimberly walked to lead off the bottom of the 1st. One out later, Jose Aguilar singled to right. Wimberly scored and Aguilar wound up on third on a throwing error by the Campeche shortstop. Aguilar scored on a fielder's choice by Luis Garcia and the Leones took the early lead and never looked back.

Aguilar got things going for the Leones in the bottom of the 5th with a double to left. Garcia followed with a double to score Aguilar. Three singles, a double, a hit batter and a sac fly later scored 4 more runs and Yucatan was up 7-0.

Humberto Solis Hit .412 For Series

Campeche scored their lone run in the top of the 7th on a lead off double to center by Jose Amador. Amador would scored on a single to right by Maxwell Leon with two outs. Any hope of a rally by the Piratas ended when the Yucatan right fielder threw behind Leon and caught him too far off of first. Leon was out on a 9-3-6-3 rundown.

Jesus "Cacao" Valdez was 3 for 5 with a run scored and Jose Aguilar was 2 for 5 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Leones.

Engel Beltre went 2 for 4 and Maxwell Leon was 2 for 2 with an RBI for Campeche.

Yucatan advances to the Zona Sur finals against the Pericos de Puebla beginning with games in Merida on Saturday and Sunday. Following a travel day on Monday, the series resumes on Tuesday.



Note: All pictures courtesy of the Leones Facebook page

Yucatan Celebrates Victory

Leones Duran Mas Piratas 6-5

4 CARRERA PRIMERA ENTRADA MOSCAS GANAN

El Leones de Yucatán usa un paseo, 4 sencillos y un doble por regla en la parte superior de la 1ª entrada para anotar 4 carreras y saltar en frente de un equipo Piratas de Campeche que se negó a darse por vencido. Campeche marcó su camino de vuelta a dentro de un plazo, pero el rally corto y los Leones tomar unas 3 juegos a 2 plomo de regreso a Mérida para el partido del martes 6 al 23 de agosto.

Campeche anotó 2 de sus propias carreras en la parte baja de la entrada en un cuadrangular solitario por Engel Beltré, un doble por CJ Retherford y un sencillo de José Amador para poner el marcador 4-2.

Cada equipo anotó una carrera en el segundo. Yucatán anotó con un elevado de sacrificio de Luis García y los Piratas consiguió un cuadrangular solitario de Yosmany Guerra.

Los únicos errores cometidos por Campeche se produjo en la parte superior de la 4ª. Diego Madero llegó en un error por el campo corto Piratas y fue al segundo en un intento fallido falta de emulsión . Madero puntuaría con un sencillo de José Aguilar. Que se ejecutan demostró ser crucial en la Victoria.

CJ Retherford tuvo la oportunidad de dar a los Piratas una ventaja en la parte inferior de la 6ª . Campeche había anotado una carrera en 3 sencillos y después de una sola de Guerra llenó las bases, Retherford enviado un campo opuesto a largo volar bola a la derecha que fue capturado en la valla por el jardinero derecho. Dos pies hacen la diferencia entre un grand slam y un fly de sacrificio . El marcador era 6-5 Leones.

Los relevistas de Yucatán hicieron el resto, el cierre de la infracción Campeche el 1 hit en los últimos 3 2/3 entradas.

Los Leones tomar un 3 juegos a 2 en la División Sur de la Liga Mexicana de Béisbol.

José Aguilar y Kevin Flores eran 2 a 5 para los Leones  Yosmany Guerra fue 3 a 5 con una carrera de casa , Retherford 2 por 4 y José Amador 2 de 3 para los Piratas.

Yoanner Negrín recogió su segunda victoria de los playoffs y Pedro Rodríguez consiguió la excepción de Yucatán. Jorge Castillo sufrió la pérdida de Campeche.

En otra acción PLAY OFF LMB

Monterrey 2 , Laguna 0

Cesar Carrillo y 4 relevistas blanqueada de los Vaqueros en 5 golpes. Wirfin Obispo logró su 1er parada de los playoffs. Salvador Valdez lanzó bien pero se cargó con 2 carreras limpias en la toma de la pérdida. Los Sultanes tiene sencillos productores de Ramón Ríos y Alex Valdez para anotar sus carreras.

Leones Outlast Piratas 6-5

4 RUN 1ST INNING SPARKS WIN

The Leones de Yucatan used a walk, 4 singles and a ground rule double in the top of the 1st inning to score 4 runs and jump out in front of a Piratas de Campeche team that refused to give up. Campeche clawed their way back to within a run but the rally short and the Leones take a 3 games to 2 lead back to Merida for game 6 on Tuesday the 23rd of August.

Campeche scored 2 of their own runs in the bottom half of the inning on a solo home run by Engel Beltre, a double by CJ Retherford and a single by Jose Amador to make the score 4-2.

Each team scored a run in the 2nd. Yucatan scored on a sac fly by Luis Garcia and the Piratas got a solo shot from Yosmany Guerra.

The only mistakes made by Campeche came in the top of the 4th. Diego Madero reached on an error by the Piratas shortstop and went to second on a botched pickoff attempt. Madero would score on a single by Jose Aguilar. That run proved crucial in the win.

CJ Retherford had a chance  to give the Piratas a lead in the bottom of the 6th. Campeche had scored a run on 3 singles and after Guerra's single loaded the bases, Retherford sent a long opposite field fly ball to right that was caught at the fence  by the right fielder. Two feet made the difference between a grand slam and a sac fly. The score was 6-5 Leones.

The Yucatan relief pitchers did the rest, shutting down the Campeche offense on 1 hit over the final 3 2/3 innings.

The Leones take a 3 games to 2 in the South Division of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol.

Jose Aguilar and Kevin Flores were both 2 for 5 for the Leones. Yosmany Guerra went 3 for 5 with a home run, Retherford 2 for 4 and Jose Amador 2 for 3 for the Piratas.

Yoanner Negrin picked up his 2nd win of the playoffs and Pedro Rodriguez got the save for Yucatan. Jorge Castillo suffered the loss for Campeche.

IN OTHER LMB PLAYOFF ACTION

Monterrey 2, Laguna 0

Cesar Carrillo and 4 relievers shutout the Vaqueros on 5 hits. Wirfin Obispo notched his 1st save of the playoffs. Salvador Valdez pitched well but was charged with 2 earned runs in taking the loss. The Sultanes got RBI singles from Ramon Rios and Alex Valdez to score their runs

Campeche Encima Yucatan 11-7

PIRATAS GOLPEAR 5 JON RONS EN LA VICTORIA

Los playoffs de la Liga Mexicana de Béisbol están en plena marcha . El Pericos de Puebla , Sultanes de Monterrey y los Toros de Tijuana avanzaron a las finales de sus respectivas divisiones con barridos 4 juego más de sus oponentes.

La única desempate en juego es la que existe entre los Leones de Yucatán y los Piratas de Campeche . Gracias a una victoria de juego 4 en Campeche, los Piratas han igualado la serie en 2 juegos cada uno . Juego 5 se jugará el domingo 21 de agosto y luego cambiar de nuevo a Mérida para los juegos 6 y 7 un juego si es necesario.

CJ Retherford puso las cosas que van para los Piratas con un cuadrangular solitario en la parte inferior de la 1ª para una ventaja de 1-0. Campeche anotó 4 veces más para tomar una ventaja de 5-0. Retherford fue 2 a 5 con 3 impulsadas para los Piratas en la victoria 11-7.

Los Leones anotaron 6 carreras en la parte superior del cuarto para tomar una ventaja de 6-5 con el gran golpe una casa de 2 corren a cargo de Humberto Sosa . Yucatán agregó un seguro de correr en la parte superior de la quinta para una ventaja de 7-5 . Campeche tiene una carrera de vuelta en su mitad de la quinta en un passed ball . Henry Alejandro Rodríguez empató el partido con un cuadrangular solitario en la parte inferior de la 7ª entrada.

Jesús Arredondo abrió la parte baja de la octava de Campeche con un solo y dio la vuelta para anotar en un cuadrangular por Engel Beltré. Yosmany Guerra siguió con un sencillo y anotó con el segundo cuadrangular de Retherford del juego como los Piratas construyó un 11-7 plomo y la victoria.

Los dos equipos se combinaron para utilizar 14 lanzadores en el juego , siete por cada lado . 45 lanzadores fueron utilizados por los equipos de playoffs 8 ayer por la noche , un promedio de 11,2 por partido lanzadores . Johan Yan se llevó el triunfo en el alivio de Campeche mientras que Mario Meza fue acusado de un salvamento desperdiciado por Yucatán y Juan Gutiérrez cargó con la derrota.

En otra acción PLAY OFF LMB

Toros 2 , 1 Acereros  

Alex Sanabla permitió 4 hits en 6 entradas en el montículo mientras camina 2 y ponchando a 2 para obtener la victoria para los Toros . La Acereros , corredores LMB del año pasado hasta , logró una corrida en un hogar solitario de Uriak Márquez en la derrota. El Toro de 2 carreras llegaron en la parte baja de la sexta entrada en un home run run 2 por Alex Romero . Alex Caldera tomó la pérdida por Monclova . El toros barrió la Acereros y se enfrentará al Sultanes de Monterrey en los finales de la División.

Sultanes 9 , Vaqueros 4

En el barrido 4 juego de los Vaqueros de Laguna , los Sultanes superaron a Laguna 38-13 . Monterrey anotó 7 carreras en la cuarta entrada y poniendo el juego. Arturo Rodríguez tenía el gran éxito de la entrada, un cuadrangular 3 corren hacia la izquierda . Ramón Ríos fue de 3 por 5 en la noche con 2 impulsadas para Monterrey . Jerome Peña tuvo un cuadrangular solitario para el Vaqueros y Ruben Sosa se ​​fue 3 por 5. Mario González se llevó la victoria a pesar de permitir 4 carreras y 10 hits en 5 turnos . Walter Silva duró 3 entradas renunciar a 7 carreras y 10 hits en la derrota. Con el barrido , los Sultanes se enfrentarán a los Toros de Tijuana en los finales de la División Norte de la LMB.

Pericos 7 , Tigres 5

El Pericos de Puebla anotó 4 veces en la parte superior de la octava entrada, para tomar una ventaja de 7-6 . Chad Gaudin permitió una ventaja fuera sola en el fondo del noveno , pero ponchó a un lado para preservar la victoria para Carlos Bustamante . Josh Judy sufrió la pérdida de los Tigres . Quintana Roo , en 2015 los campeones LMB , anotó 4 veces en la quinta entrada para tomar una ventaja de 5-2 , pero no pudo aguantar y , con la pérdida , fueron barridos por los Pericos . Peubla avanza a la ronda final de las eliminatorias de la División Sur de la LMB contra cualquiera de Campeche o Yucatán . Issmael Salas y Cesar Tapia eran 2 por 4 para los Pericos y Daric Barton fue de 1 a 4 con un home run 2 plazo. Carlos Gastelum y Alfredo Amézaga ambos fueron 3 de 4 para los Tigres .

Campeche Tops Yucatan 11-7

PIRATAS HIT 5 HOME RUNS IN WIN

The Liga Mexicana de Beisbol playoffs are in full swing. The Pericos de Puebla, Sultanes de Monterrey and the Toros de Tijuana all advanced to the finals of their respective divisions with 4 game sweeps over their opponents.

The only playoff up for grabs is the one between the Leones de Yucatan and the Piratas de Campeche. Thanks to a game 4 win in Campeche, the Piratas have evened the series at 2 games apiece. Game 5 will be played on Sunday the 21st of August and then shift back to Merida for games 6 and a game 7 if necessary.

CJ Retherford got things going for the Piratas with a solo home run in the bottom of the 1st for a 1-0 lead. Campeche scored 4 more times to take a 5-0 lead. Retherford went 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs for the Piratas in the 11-7 win.

The Leones scored 6 runs in the top of the 4th to take a 6-5 lead with the big blow a 2 run home run by Humberto Sosa. Yucatan added an insurance run in the top of the 5th for a 7-5 lead. Campeche got a run back in their half of the 5th on a passed ball. Henry Alejandro Rodriguez tied the game with a solo home run in the bottom of the 7th inning.

Jesus Arredondo led off the bottom of the 8th for Campeche with a single and came around to score on a home run by Engel Beltre. Yosmany Guerra followed with a single and scored on Retherford's second home run of the game as the Piratas built an 11-7 lead and the victory.

The two teams combined to use 14 pitchers in the game, seven by each side. 45 pitchers were used by the 8 playoff teams last night, an average of 11.2 pitchers per game. Johan Yan got the win in relief for Campeche while Mario Meza was charged with a blown save for Yucatan and Juan Gutierrez took the loss.

IN OTHER LMB PLAYOFF ACTION

Toros 2, Acereros 1

Alex Sanabla allowed 4 hits in 6 innings on the mound while walking 2 and striking out 2 to get the win for the Toros. The Acereros, last year's LMB runners up, managed a run on a solo home run by Uriak Marquez in the loss. The Toro's 2 runs came in the bottom of the 6th inning on a 2 run home run by Alex Romero. Alex Caldera took the loss for Monclova. The Toros swept the Acereros and will face the Sultanes de Monterrey in the Norte Division finals.

Sultanes 9, Vaqueros 4

In the 4 game sweep of the Vaqueros de Laguna, the Sultanes outscored Laguna 38-13. Monterrey scored 7 runs in the 4th inning to put away the game. Arturo Rodriguez had the big hit of the inning, a 3 run home run to left. Ramon Rios was 3 for 5 on the night with 2 RBIs for Monterrey. Jerome Pena had a solo home run for for the Vaqueros and Ruben Sosa went 3 for 5. Mario Gonzalez picked up the win despite allowing 4 runs on 10 hits over 5 innings. Walter Silva lasted 3 innings giving up 7 runs on 10 hits in the loss. With the sweep, the Sultanes will face the Toros de Tijuana in the Norte Division finals of the LMB.

Pericos 7, Tigres 5

The Pericos de Puebla scored 4 times in the top of the 8th inning to take a 7-6 lead. Chad Gaudin allowed a lead off single in the bottom of the 9th but then struck out the side to preserve the win for Carlos Bustamante. Josh Judy suffered the loss for the Tigres. Quintana Roo, the 2015 LMB Champions, scored 4 times in the 5th inning to take a 5-2 lead but couldn't hold on and, with the loss, were swept by the Pericos. Peubla advances to the final round of the Sur Division playoffs of the LMB against either Campeche or Yucatan. Issmael Salas and Cesar Tapia were 2 for 4 for the Pericos and Daric Barton was 1 for 4 with a 2 run home run. Carlos Gastelum and Alfredo Amezaga both went 3 for 4 for the Tigres.

Yucatan Advances To Championship Round In The Zona Sur

When hired by the Leones de Yucatan in September of 2014 the new manager, Wilfredo Romero, was quoted as saying “(w)e know what it takes to win and we will implement the changes necessary”.

2015 arrived and the Leones de Yucatan started off slowly but finished 1st in the Zona Sur division of the LMB, 1 ½  games ahead of the Tigres de Quintana Roo.

Romero led the Leones to a 66-46 record, a 20 game improvement over the 2014 season. If I had a vote, Romero would be the Manager of the Year in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol. As it is, Miguel Ojeda led the Diablos Rojos del Mexico to a 73-39 record this year, the most ever in LMB play. Ojeda will probably be the MOY for 2015.

The Piratas de Campeche took a different path to their meeting with Yucatan. Finishing the season with a 53-56 record, the Piratas had to defeat the Pericos de Puebla in a 1 game play-in for the chance to face the #1 seed Leones.

Once they got to Merida the Piratas gave the Leones all they could handle.

The Leones took game 1 of the divisional playoffs with Campeche by an 8-0 score leading some to believe the series was as good as over. Yoanner Negrin pitched well and the Leones hitters flexed their muscles in the win.

Game 2 saw the Leones limited to 5 hits in a 3-1 loss. This time the Piratas pitching was superb.

The bats came alive in game 3, in Campeche, as the Leones had 14 hits, including 5 home runs to top the Piratas 9-2. Jonathan Castellanos picked up the win. Jesus Valdez, Kevin Flores, Israel Nunez and Ricardo Serrano (2) all hit home runs for Yucatan.

Campeche started strong and got great pitching from Evan Maclane as the Piratas shut out the Leones 5-0 in game 4. There wasn’t much to cheer about for the Leones as the Piratas evened the series at 2 game each.

Game 5 was all Piratas as they topped the Leones 4-2. The Piratas took a 3 games to 2 lead in the best of 7 game series.

Back again in Merida, Luis Garcia was the hero of game 6 with a 3 run home run in the bottom of the 8th giving the win to the Leones. The series was tied at 3 games apiece.

The Leones left no doubt as to the outcome in game 7, building a 5-1 lead after 3 innings and coasting to the win. Jonathan Castellanos worked 7 very good innings for the win.

Yucatan now faces the Tigres de Quintana Roo in the Zona Sur Championship round. The series begins in Merida on Friday the 28th of August with the winner of that series paying the winner of the Zona Norte series between the Toros de Tijuana and the Acereros de Monclova.  

Yucatan Takes Divisional Playoff Series From Campche 6-1

5 RUNS IN 3 INNINGS LIFT LEONES

The Leones de Yucatan dispatched the #4 seed Piratas de Campeche 6-1 to take the Zona Sur divisional series 4 games to 3 and advance to the Championship round. Jonathan Castellanos pitched 7 innings of 5 hit ball, allowing 1 run while striking out 7 Piratas to get the win. RolandoValdez lasted just 2 innings and gave up 4 runs on 5 hits in the loss.

Valdez' 2 run home run in the 1st
Leones Facebook

Jesus Valdez gave the Leones an early 2-0 lead when Ricardo Serrano singled with 2 outs and Valdez sent a pitch by Ricardo Valdez over the left field fence for a 2 run home run.

Carlos Colmenares drew a 2 out walk from Leones starter, Jonathan Castellanos, in the top of the 3rd and scored on a triple by Adan Velazquez to cut the lead to 2-1 Leones.

Israel Nunez led off the bottom of the 3rd with a single. Corey Wimberly was hit by a pitch and Jose Aguilar singled to load the bases with no outs. Ricardo Serrano hit into a 1-2-3 double play that caught Nunez at home. The Piratas decided to intentionally walk Jesus Valdez to reload the bases for Hector Gimenez. Gimenez made them pay for that decision by hitting a single that, with the help of a throwing error by the right fielder, cleared the bases and left Gimenez on second base. Yucatan took a 5-1 lead.

After a walk to Jaime Pedroza was erased on a double play grounder by Kevin Flores in the 6th inning, Israel Nunez doubled and scored on a single by Corey Wimberly. Wimberly was thrown out at second trying to advance on the throw but the Leones had a 6-1 lead and the pitching staff made the lead stand up over the remaining 3 innings

Jesus Valdez was 1 for 2 with a home run, 2 walks, 2 RBIs and a run scored, Israel Nunez 2 for 3 with a run scored, Ricardo Serrano 2 for 5, Kevin Flores 2 for 4 and Corey Wimberly 1 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored for Yucatan.

Adan Velazquez was 2 for 4 with the lone RBI for the Piratas.

Jonathan Castellanos/Leones Facebook

The Divisional Championship will begin on Friday the 28th of August with the Leones taking on the #2 seed Tigres de Quintana Roo, who beat the Guerreros de Oaxaca 6-3 in the other Zona Sur contest.

If the Leones should win that series, the LMB Championship series would be played in Merida.

IN OTHER LMB PLAYOFF ACTION

Tijuana 7, Mexico 6

Watch video highlights HERE.

The upstart Toros de Tijuana (54-53 on the season and 16 1/2 games behind the 73-39 Diablos) won their biggest game of the year on Wednesday, eliminating the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in game 7 of the Zona Norte divisional playoffs.

The Toros scored 5 runs in the 3rd, for a 7-2 lead inning and held on to beat the Diablos 7-6.

Barry Enright (3-0) pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up 5 runs on 8 hits while striking out 5 and allowing 4 home runs in getting the win for the Toros. The Tijuana used 4 relief pitchers for 2 innings before turning the game over to Mario Mendoza for the final 1 2/3 innings. Mendoza shut down the Diablos bats on no hits and no runs to get the save.

David Reyes lasted 2 1/3 innings, gave up 6 runs on 4 hits and walked 3 in the loss.

Dustin Martin HR in the 1st
Toros Facebook

Dustin Martin was 1 for 4 with a 2 run home run in the 1st for the Toros and Luis Suarez went 2 for 4 with a grand slam home run in the 3rd. Lew Ford was 3 for 5 with an RBI and 2 runs scored while Oscar Robles was 3 for 5 for Tijuana.

Jesus Fabela and Japhet Amador had home runs for the Diablos and Ivan Terrazas belted 2 more for Mexico on a 2 for 4 night at the plate with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Japhet Amador was 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Diablos. Terraza and Cyle Hankerd combined for 24 RBIs in the series but that wasn't enough to overcome the Toros.

The Toros will take on the Acereros de Monclova, who won 11-3 over the Saraperos in their Zona Norte divisional playoff in a series that begins on Friday the 28th of August.

Monclova 11, Saltillo 3

Watch video high lights HERE.

The Acereros jumped in front of the Saraperos d Saltillo 9-0 after 4 innings and added 2 more runs in the 6th inning to top the Saraperos 11-3 in the Zona Norte divisional playoffs in front of 6,180 hometown fans. Monclova took the best of seven series 4 games to 3.

Juan Pena picked up the win, pitching 5 innings, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 1 while Michael Nix worked 3 1/3 innings and gave up 6 runs on 4 hits in the loss.

Monclova scored the 3 runs in the 2nd inning on 2 walks, a hit batter, a single and a sac fly by Carlos Penuelas for the 3-0 lead and the pitching staff did the rest.

Jose Ruiz was 2 for 3 with a 3 run home run, Hector Garanzuay 2 for 4 with an RBI, Brett Harper 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored and Eder Salcedo 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs for Monclova.

Jon Del Campo was 2 for 4 wit a 2 run home run in the 9th inning while Ramon Ortiz went 3 for 4 with a run scored for the Saraperos.

Monclova will take on the Toros de Tijuana in the Zona Norte Championship round of the playoffs beginning Friday the 28th of August in Monclova.

Quintana Roo 6, Oaxaca 3

Watch video high lights HERE.

The Tigres put away the Guerreros de Oaxaca 6-3 in game 7 of their Zona Sur divisional playoffs to earn the right to play the Leones de Yucatan, in Merida, for the Zona Sur Championship beginning Friday the 28th of August.

Arturo Barradas picked up the win in relief of Tigre starter Carlos Bustamante, pitching 2 1/3 shutout innings and Ramon Ramirez notched his 3rd save of the playoffs. Rodolfo Aguilar took the loss, giving up 2 runs on 1 hit in 1/3 of an inning.

Carlos Gastelum was 3 for 4 with an RBI, Francisco Peguero 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Jorge Cantu 3 for 4 with an RBI and Greg Golson 3 for 5 with an RBI for the Tigres.

Mike Jacobs went 2 for4 with an RBI and a run scored, Ronny Cedeno 1 for 4 with an RBI and Jaime Brena 1 for 3 with an RBI in the loss for Oaxaca.