UPDATE on the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Contraction From 16 Teams to 12

ALL FOUR TEAMS REQUESTING A SABBATICAL CLAIM ECONOMIC REASONS

The Assembly of the Presidents of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol declared at their winter meeting s of November 7-8 that four teams, 2 from the Zona Norte and 2 from the Zona Sur have requested a sabbatical for the 2019 season due to economic reasons.

It is reported that the owners of the Pericos de Puebla have tried to sell the franchise but have found no takers.

The Bravos de Leon, owned by the Arellano brothers, who also own the Leones de Yucatan have stated they will concentrate on the Leones as the Bravos have lost too much money.

Although there was no indication from the league on reasons for the Rieleros de Aguascalientes and the Algodones de Union Laguna it is safe to assume that because of the small population centers for these two teams that economics played a big part in the teams decision.

The league is formulating a schedule for the 2019 season with the remaining 12 teams.

The league also announced that the season will start the 1st week of April and concluding with the LMB Championship approximately the last week of September

Liga Mexicana de Beisbol News

4 TEAMS ASK FOR A SABBATICAL

Four teams in the Mexicana de Beisbol have asked the LMB management team have asked for a sabbatical, to be excused from the 2019 season but leaving a return open at a later date.

The Pericos de Puebla, Bravos de Leon in the Zona Sur and the Algodones de Union Laguna, Rieleros de Aguascalientes from the Zona Norte were the teams asking to be excused from the 2019 season.

If approved, the remaining teams in the Zona Norte would be the Tecolotes de dos Laredos, Toros de Tijuana, Generales de Durango, Seraperos de Saltillo, Sultanes de Monterrey and the Acereros de Monclova.

The Zona Sur would consist of the Leones de Yucatan, Tigres de Quintana Roo, Guerreros de Oaxaca, Piratas de Campeche, Olmecas de Tabasco and the  Diablos Rojos de Ciudad de Mexico.

Sultanes de Monterrey are the 2018 Champions of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol

RAMIRO PENA'S WALK OFF SINGLE BRINGS MONTERREY THE COPA ZAACHILA

Anthony Vasquez

Anthony Vasquez pitched 8 strong innings for the Sultanes allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits. Although Vasquez did not figure in the decision, his effort kept the game close waiting for the offense to come alive.

After the Sultane's closer Wirfin Obispo,the eventual winner, shut the door on the Guerreros in the top of the 9th inning, it was up to the Sultanes hitters to finish the job.

Oaxaca scored first. With 2 outs in the top of the 2nd, Alejandro Gonzalez singled to drive in Samar Leyva for the early 1-0 Guerreros lead.

Monterrey tied the game in the bottom of the 4th inning on a double to left by Agustin Murillo, who went to third on a ground out, and a sac fly to center by Jose Amador that evened the score at 2 apiece.

Alejandro Gonzalez singled to lead off the 8th inning for Oaxaca, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, advanced to third on a ground out and scored on a wild pitch by the Sultane's starter, Anthony Vasquez. The Guerreros led by a 2-1 score.

The Sultanes responded with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Ali Solis led off with a walk. After a sacrifice bunt resulted in a pop up for the 1st out, Solis went to third on a single by Ramiro Pena. Solis scored on a sac fly by Agustin Murillo.

Ramiro Pena

Wirfin Obispo gave up a hit to Oaxaca in the top of the 9th but kept the Guerreros from scoring setting up the bottom of the 9th scenario.

Chris Roberson led off the bottom of the 9th for Monterrey with a double. Ramon Rios sacrificed Roberson to third. Oaxaca then intentionally walked the next two batters to load the bases with 1 out. Julio Borbon struck out for the second out of the inning. Ramiro Pena then stroked the first pitch he saw from Samuel Zazueta to center to score Roberson from third for the win and the 2018 Championship of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol.

COPA ZAACHILA

Serie del Rey Begins with Oaxaca Victory Over Monterrey

GUERREROS SCORE EARLY ON THE WAY TO A 4-1 WIN

Alex Delgado

Seven hits in the first 2 innings, including 2 doubles by Yuniesky Betancourt, led to 4 runs for Oaxaca. They would prove to be more than enough for starter Alex Delgado. Delgado scattered 2 hits over 6 2/3 innings. The Sultanes could muster just 3 hits in the entire game as the Oaxaca pitchers struck out 9 and walked 3.

The Guerreros take the opener and a 1 game to none lead in the Serie del Rey of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol.

The Sultanes starter, Edgar Gonzalez, gave up all 4 runs on 7 hits in 1 1/3 innings on the mound in taking the loss. Alex Delgado on the other hand was outstanding in his start. Delgado allowed just 2 hits and struck out 9 in his 6 2/3 innings of work. He pitched out of a jam in the 3rd inning. After issuing 2 walks ad a single to load the bases, he got Ramiro Pena to pop up to short and struck out Agustin Murillo to end the inning.

Oaxaca scored 2 runs in the top of the 1st on consecutive doubles by Jay Austin and Yuniesky Betancourt followed by consecutive singles by Henry Urrutia and Dustin Geiger for the early 2-0 lead.

Erick Rodriguez hit a one out single for the Guerreros in the 2nd and went to second on a single by Austin. Betancourt hit his second double of the game to center to plate Rodriguez and Austin. Oaxaca led 4-0.

Yuniesky Betancourt

Ramon Rios walked to lead off the bottom of the 8th for Monterrey and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Julio Borbon. Ramiro Pena doubled to left center to drive in Rios but Agustin Murillo lined out to short to end the inning. The Sultanes went down in order in the last of the 9th inning and the Guerreros had the win.

21,909 fans packed Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey only to see the home team lose the game. These two teams meet for game 2 on Wednesday the 3rd of October.

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.

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.

Puebla Staves Off Elimination In Game 4

STRONG STARTING AND RELIEF PITCHING IN 6-3 WIN

Watch the final out of the game here.

The Pericos de Puebla got a strong outing by starter Andres Mesa, despite a rough 1st inning, a hold by reliever Mario Morales and a two inning save from Deunte Heath to, temporarily at least, halt the Toros de Tijuana's quest for the Copa Zaachila.

Sergio Mitre lasted just 3 1/3 innings in the loss for the Toros. He allowed 5 earned runs on 7 hits in his time on the mound.

Tijuana jumped on top early with 3 runs in the top of the 1st. Jose Guadalupe Chavez and Roberto Lopez singled and Corey Browm walked to load the bases with no outs. Cyle Hankerd was hit by a pitch to force in Chavez. Jorge Cantu followed with a double to right to drive in Lopez and Brown but Hankerd was cut down at home on a great relay throw by the Perico's second baseman. The Toros were up 3-0 before the Pericos had a turn at bat.

Puebla struck back in the home half of the 2nd. Ricky Rodriguez doubled and Cesar Tapia walked. A attempted sacrifice bunt by Hector Garanzuay resulted in Rodriguez being thrown out at third but Sergio Perez singled to drive in Tapia and cut the lead to 3-1.

With 1 out in the bottom of the 4th, Tapia singled to center and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Garanzuay doubled to left to score Tapia. Sergio Perez singled softly to short keeping Garanzuay on second. Alberto Carreon hit a ground-rule double to right to score Garanzuay to knot the score at 3. After a ground out, Endy Chavez doubled to score Perez and Carreon and Puebla led 5-3.

Ricky Rodriguez singled with one out in the bottom of the 8th inning and, one out later stole second. Hector Garanzuay singled to plate Rodriguez with the 6th and final run for Puebla and the 6-3 win.

Game 5 will be played in the Estadio Hermanos Serdan on Sunday tie 10th of September.

Toros on Verge of Copa Zaachila with 4-0 Shutout of Pericos

PUEBLA OFFENSE NONEXISTENT IN LOSS

The Toros de Tijuana are in charge of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol's championship after a 4-0 shutout of the Pericos de Puebla gave them a 3 games to none advantage.  Watch to final out here  After the 4th inning the crowd of 11,906 fans in Estadio Hermanos Serdan sensed impending doom and had little to cheer about.

Horacio Ramirez

Starting pitcher Horacio Ramirez pitched 7 2/3 innings of the shutout allowing just 5 hits. Although he didn't strike out a batter, in fact no Pericos fell victim to the strikeout all game, he walked only 2 and was around the plate all game, working the ball low and away to all batters. Juan Sandoval pitched the final 1 1/3 innings in the Toros win.

The Perico's starter, Josh Outman, went 5 1/3 innings, giving up all 4 Toros runs, striking 5 but walking 4 in taking the loss. His control problems kept him in trouble for all but the 1st inning. Three Puebla relievers held Tijuana to just 1 hit over 3 2/3 innings of work.

Cyle Hankerd led off the top of the 4th fir Tijuana getting hit by a pitch. Dustin Martin drew a walk one out later. Juan Apodaca reached safely on an error by the Pericos first baseman. The ruling was challenged by Puebla but the play was not overturned to load the bases. Alex Liddi followed with a 4-6 ground out that scored Hankerd for the 1-0 lead.

Tijuana scored twice more in the 5th inning on a solo home run by Roberto Lopez, a single and stolen base by Corey Brown and a single by Dustin Martin. 3-0 Toros.

Roberto Lopez Home Run 

Alex Liddi drew a lead off walk in the top of the 6th, advanced to second on a ground out, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Jose Guadalupe Chavez, Final score Toros 4, Puebla 0.

Game 4 is being played today with the Toros in the proverbial drivers seat, needing just 1 win to become the champions of the league, If Puebla wins, game 5 will be played on Sunday.

Puebla Falls Behind 2 Games to None in Serie del Rey

BULLPEN AGAIN FAILS TO HOLD LEAD IN 5-3 LOSS

If the Pericos de Puebla expect to halt the juggernaut that is the Toros de Tijuana they must get more support from the bullpen. In both losses the relievers failed to hold a tie game or a lead turned over to them by the starters. Although the starters have not been perfect they have the free swinging Toros to a manageable offensive output.

Tijuana took an early lead when Cyle Hankerd homered, on a line drive to left, bringing home Corey Brown for the 2-0 lead after 3 innings.

VIEW Garanzuay's home run here.   Puebla struck back in the top of the 4th. With one out, Jesus Arredondo doubled and came home on a double by Ricky Rodriguez. One out later, Hector Garanzuay hit a drive to deep right that cleared the wall with room to spare driving in Rodriguez and giving the Pericos a 3-2 lead.

Juan Apodaca tied the contest in the bottom of the 6th inning with a home run to left off Perico's starter Jaime Lugo.  WATCH APODACA'S Home run here!

Roberto Lopez led off the bottom of the 7th for the Toros with a double to left. After a Corey Brown ground out, moving Lopez to third, The Pericos brought in reliever Adrian Ramirez. Ramirez walked Cyle Hankerd. Jorge Cantu lifted a sac fly to center that scored Lopez. Following a walk to Dustin Martin, Juan Apodaca singled to center to plate Hankerd and seal the 5-3 victory.

Mark Serrano got the win in relief with help from a hold by Juan Sandoval and a save from Jason Urquidez. Henry Garcia was saddled with the loss for Puebla.

Roberto Lopez was 4 for 5 with 2 doubles for Tijuana with Juan Apodaca going 3 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBIs and Cyle Hankerd 1 for 2 with the home run and 2 RBIs for the Toros/

Hector Garanzuay went 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs, Julio Borbon 2 for 4 and Ricky Rodriguez 2 foe 3 with a double and an RBI for Puebla.

The series now moves to Puebla for 3 games beginning on Friday the 8th of September.

For the Pericos to have a shot at the championship, they must win 2 of the 3 games in Puebla. The Toros on the other hand can take home the Copa Zaachila with 2 wins on the road at Estadio Hermanos Serdan.

Tijuana Tops Puebla in Game 1 of Serie del Rey

6 RUN 6TH CRUSHES PERICO'S HOPES

Toros Celebrate Game 1 Win

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

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

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

Tijuana Scores on Pericos Wild Pitch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serie del Rey Comenzará en Tijuana el martes

Can Puebla Defeat Tijuana in the Serie del Rey

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

Estadio Gasmart

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

Estadio de Beisbol Hermanos Serdan

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

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

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

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

Edny Chavez

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

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

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

Cyle Hankerd

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

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

Dar el borde de los Pericos.

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

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

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

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

Serie del Rey Set to Begin in Tijuana on Tuesday

Can Puebla Defeat Tijuana in the Serie del Rey

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

Estadio Gasmart

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

Hermans Serdan

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

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

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

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

Edny Chavez

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

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

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

Cyle Hankerd

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

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

Give the edge to the Pericos.

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

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

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

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

Pericos de Puebla enfrentará a los Toros de Tijuana en 2017 Serie Del Rey

PUEBLA TOPS YUCATAN MIENTRAS TIJUANA DEFEATS MONTERREY

La Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Campeonatas de 2016 Pericos de Puebla (56-54 en el año) se encargó de los negocios contra los Leones de Yucatán el jueves por la noche, derrotándolos 4-3 para ganar la Serie de Campeonato de la Zona Sur 4 juegos a 1.

Asimismo, los Toros de Tijuana (76-34 en todo) despacharon los juegos de Sultanes de Monterrey 4 a 1 para reclamar el Campeonato de la Zona Norte.

Estos dos equipos se reunirán para un mejor de 7 batalla en la Serie Del Rey comenzando con 2 partidos en Tijuana el 5 y 6 de septiembre. El 7 de septiembre es un día de viaje (la página web de LMB lo cataloga como "Descanso", un día de descanso, pero los equipos estarán viajando para continuar la serie en Puebla para 3 partidos a partir del 8 de septiembre. para el 10 de septiembre se enumera como un juego "si es necesario".

Los juegos 6 y 7, si es necesario, se jugarán en el estadio de los Toros de Tijuana.

Dado que los Pericos terminaron la temporada con un récord de 56-54 y los Toros de Tijuan tuvieron una liga líder en el mejor récord de 76-34, se podría suponer que los Toros deberían terminar esta serie en 4 partidos.

AH ... pero es por eso que jugar los juegos! Los expedientes de la estación se pueden lanzar hacia fuera la ventana. Cualquier equipo puede ganar una serie de 7 juegos si todas las piezas necesarias caen en su lugar. Piense en los 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates que derrotó a los poderosos NY Yankees, a pesar de estar fuera anotó 55-27. Nadie, y quiero decir que nadie dio a los Piratas una oportunidad contra los Yankees.

Yogi Berra una vez dijo "Pitching siempre late golpeando - y viceversa". No estaba muy lejos de la marca. Basta con mirar el registro de la temporada post de Clayton Kershaw. El mejor lanzador absoluto en la Liga Nacional durante las últimas temporadas, Kershaw ha luchado poderosamente en la temporada posterior.

Los lanzadores de Toros colocaron una liga que llevaba 3.52 ERA con 9 shutouts. Abandonaron el cuarto menor número de cuadrangulares (66) y colocaron el WHIP más bajo en 1.28.

Por el contrario, los Pericos fueron 2 º en la liga en batear con un promedio de .305, segundo en hits y quinto en la liga en carreras anotó con 640.

Los lanzadores de Puebla lucharon todo el año (de ahí el récord de 56-54) con una efectividad de 5.02, bueno para el 11 en la liga, 5 blanqueados y un WHIP de 1.58, 12 de 16 equipos en el LMB.

Los Toros que golpeaban en la otra mano tenían un promedio de bateo de .281, 9no en golpes con 1043 y 4to en funcionamientos anotó con 630.

Entonces, ¿quién gana? Las estadísticas darían la ventaja a los Toros, aunque estoy seguro de que los Pericos discutirían con vehemencia con ustedes.

AH ... pero es por eso que jugar los juegos! Los 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates nunca deberían haber derrotado a los Yankees.

Mi intuición es el sombrero que los Toros ganan en 6 juegos. Pero, imagino a Puebla tomando uno de dos partidos en Tijuana, barriendo los 3 partidos en Puebla y tomando el juego 7 en la costa oeste de México para repetir como Campeones de la Liga Mexicana de Beisbol para 2017.

Recuerda que lo escuchaste por primera vez aquí. Pero; si me equivoco, recuerda el canto de los fans de los viejos días de Brooklyn Dodger ... "Espera hasta el próximo año".

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 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' 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.