Vamos aTucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta

Mexican Baseball returns to Tucson in October with the 8th Annual Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta.

There are 3 other sites in Arizona and Mexico that will be hosting games, Mesa and Douglas Arizona and Nogales, Mexico.

Four teams from the Liga Mexicana del Pacifica (LMP) will be participating in this year's event along with the Arizona Wildcats baseball team and the Young Stars of the Kansas City Royals. The Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Yaquis de Obregon, Caneros de Los Mochis and the Aguilas de Mexicali will represent the LMP.

The games kick off in Nogales the 22nd, 23rd and 28th of September, move to Mesa, AZ for games from the 28th through the 30th, switch ton Douglas, AZ on the 3rd and 4th of October and wind up in Tucson, at Kino Stadium, for games from the 4th through the 7th of October.

Rated as a Triple A baseball league by Major League Baseball, the teams from the LMP play exciting baseball. Having covered the league in Guadalajara, Mexico, I can attest to the fact that Mexicanos love their baseball. The 8 teams of the LMP averaged 7,722 fans per game. Pick any Triple A league in the US and see how their top 8 teams compare to that figure. Mascots on the field during play, hexes placed on opposing players by the fans, cheerleaders, crazy between innings games and no arguing with the umpires! If you love baseball, you have to love this pure baseball entertainment.

On Thursday, October 4th, the double header begins at 5 PM with the Aguilas taking on the YSKC. There is a $1 dollar beer promotion during this game. The 2nd game features the Arizona Wildcats taking on the Naranjeros.

Friday's double header, starting at 5:30 features the Aguilas against the Caneros in the 1st game and the Naranjeros facing off against the Yaquis in the nightcap. This is eegee's Kids Night with free tickets at eegees locations.

The Aguilas face the Caneros again in game 1 on Saturday the 6th at 5:30 with a repeat of the Narajeros versus the Yaquis in the 2nd game.

Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta winds up on Sunday the 7th of October with a double header on Family Day. There are $10 dollar Family Vouchers available at Vantage West locations throughout Tucson. The Yaquis face the Caneros in the opener while the Naranjeros take on the Aguilas in the nightcap.

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I would recommend this series of games to all of those who love baseball. You will not be disappointed.

There will be updates on the individual teams playing in the series  as the 4th of October arrives.

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Jalisco Rolls in 10-4 Romp Over Culiacan

MURILLO AND CHARLES HOMER IN POWER SURGE
Watch the Art Charles home run here

In a reverse of previous games, the Charros jumped out in front early and coasted to a 10-4 win over the Tomateros de Culiacan.

Figueroa Scores The 1st Run

Carlos Figueroa got the ball rolling, pun intended, with a lead off single in the bottom of the 1sr inning. Figueroa went to second on a wild pitch and scored when Amadeo Zazueta reached safely on an error by the Culiacan second baseman. The Charros were quickly up 1-0.

The Charros sent 11 men to the plate in the bottom of the 2nd and exploded for 6 runs. 5 singles, a double, a walk, a hit batter, a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch later and Jalisco led 7-0.

In the top of the 3rd inning Iker Franco struck out but reached first when the pitch got away from the Charros catcher. That mistake turned into a Culiacan run on consecutive singles by Rico Noel and Ronnier Mustelier and the Tomateros had cut the lead to 7-1.

Agustin Murillo continued his hot hitting with a 2 out solo home run to left center in the top of the 4th to put the Charros up 8-1.

Culiacan scored twice in the top of the 5th inning on a single by Irving Wilson, a double by Noel and a sac fly to center by Sebastian Elizalde. Charros 8, Tomateros 3.

Art Charles added 2 runs for Jalisco in the 6th inning on an opposite field 2 run home run for the last of the Charros scoring and a 10-3 lead.

A lead off walk to Noel in the top of the 7th and a double by Mustelier gave the Tomateros their final run and the 10-4 result.

Bruce Kern (1-1) pitched 5 strong innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 5 in the win.

Bruce Kern

Salvador Valdez (1-1) lasted just 1 1/3 innings and gave up 6 runs on 5 hits in the loss.

Manny Rodriguez was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored, Charles 2 for 5 with the home run and 2 RBIs and Agustin Murillo 1 for 3 with the home run for the Charros.

Mustelier went 2 for 5, Noel 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and Elizalde 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Culiacan.

Japhet Amador Back From Japan

The final game of the series with Culiacan is set to begin at 3 PM on Sunday. Monday is a travel day and the Charros will begin a 3 game set against the Aguilas de Mexicali on Tuesday the 25th of October.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Mexicali 6. Navojoa 3

Chris Roberson homered and Ramon Rios went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored as the Aguilas doubled up the Mayos 6-3. The Aguilas starter, Marco Duarte, gave up 3 runs early but Jose Mezar (1-0) picked up the win in relief. Jake Sanchez notched his 2nd save of the season. Salvador Robles (0-1) allowed 4 runs on 6 hits in 4 innings to take the loss.

Los Mochis 8, Mazatlán 5

The Caneros got home runs from Isaac Rodriguez, Emmanuel Avila and JC Linares as Los Mochis topped the Vanados 8-5. Linares' home run was his league leading 5th of the year. Cyle Hankerd homered for Mazatlán. Rodriguz was 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs, Linares 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs and Avila 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Caneros. Hankerd was 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and Corey Brown 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Mazatlán. Manny Barreda (1-1) picked up the win with Andres Avila getting his first save for the Caneros. Arturo Barradas (1-1) took the loss.

Obregon 8, Hermosillo 4

The Yaquis scored 3 runs in the 4th and 4 runs in the 5th to put away the LMP league leading Naranjeros de Hermosillo 8-4. Matt Juengel was 3 for 4 with a home run, 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored for Obregon, Roberto Ramos homered on a 2 for 4 night and Jose Aguilar went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for the Naranjeros. Gerado Reyes (1-0) picked up the win in relief while Edgar Torres (0-1) took the loss.

Caneros Take Series From Charros With 5-1 Win

AGUSTIN MURILLO'S HR ONLY BRIGHT SPOT IN LOSS

The Caneros de Los Mochis took the 3 game series with the Charros, 2 games to 1, with the 5-1 win on Thursday.

Poor starting pitching was a problem again for Jalisco as Marco Tovar gave up 3 runs on 6 hits in 3 innings on the mound.

But there were other problems too. The relief pitchers walked three Caneros (2 of which scored), threw a wild pitch that led to a run and hit a batter.

The Charros hitters struck out 10 times and were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position. They were also caught stealing twice.

Jalisco Manager Homar Rojas

Homar Rojas, the Jalisco manager, had Michael Choice and Cacao Valdez, arguably the slowest runners on the offense, try to steal second (each time with 1 out) and behind just 3-0. In the 4th inning, Choice was caught stealing and Art Charles followed with a double. Instead of at least runners at second and third with 1 out, the Charros were left with a runner at second and 2 outs. Rojas tried it again in the 5th inning with the same result.

Choice Caught Stealing

The Charros fell to 3-5 on the year. They have been shut out twice and held to 1 run in two other games.

Los Mochis loaded the bases with 1 out in the top of the 1st and scored their first run on a sac fly to right by Emmanuel Avila. Leandro Castro then doubled to drive in Juan Carlos Gamboa for the 2-0 Caneros lead.

Cacao Valdez Out at Second

Gamboa added to the Caneros lead in the 2nd inning with a single to left that scored Sergio Garcia, who had doubled earlier. Los Mochis led 3-0.

JC Linares and Leandro Castro both walked in the top of the 7th and moved up a base on a wild pitch by Jalisco reliever Victor Gonzalez. Ramon Orantes singled to drive in Linares and Castro scored when Gilberto Galaviz reached on a fielding error by the Charro's shortstop. The Caneros lead was now 5-0.

Agustin Murillo's sole home run leading off the bottom of the 7th was the lone run scored by Jalisco and cut the lead to 5-1.

Julian Arballo on the Mound

Julian Arballo (2-0) pitched 5 innings for the Caneros striking out 6 and holding the Charros to 5 hits in the win. Jon Sintes struck out 2 in the 9th to pick up his 2nd save of the year.

Tovar (0-2) lasted 3 innings. He threw 60 pitches in those 3 innings giving up 3 runs and 6 hits in taking the loss.

The Tomateros arrive in Guadalajara today to begin a 3 game weekend series against Jalisco.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Culiacan 6, Mexicali 5

Sebastian Elizalde hit a walk off single in the bottom of the 9th inning to drive in Jose Orozco as the Tomateros beat the Aguilas 6-5. CJ Retherford hit 2 home runs and drove in 3 for Mexicali but it wasn't enough. Joey Meneses homered for Culiacan. Derrick Loop (1-1) picked up the win in relief while Adrian Garza (0-1) took the loss.

The 2nd of Retherford's HRs

Mazatlán 3, Hermosillo 1

The Venados scored twice in the first inning and held on to beat the Naranjeros 3-1, Hermosillo had pulled to within a run on a sac fly by Eric Young Jr. in the 3rd but Cyle Hankerd homered in the bottom of the inning to put Mazatlán up 3-1. Jesus Sanchez (1-1) allowed 1 run on 4 hits in 5 1/3 innings to get the win and Benino Pruneda walked 2 and struck out 2 in the 9th to record his 1st save of the year. Tim Melville (0-1) took the loss.

Obregon 11, Navojoa 8

No pitching contest here as the Yaquis scored 11 runs on 10 hits and the Mayos 8 runs on 13 hits. Sergio Contreras was 2 for 4 with 5 RBIs and Justin Greene 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for the Yaquis. Jesus Castillo went 1 for 3 with a 3 run home run and 4 RBIs, Humberto Sosa 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs and Randy Arozarena 4 for 5 for the Mayos. Arturo Lopez (2-0) got the win and Zack Dodson (0-1) took the loss. 

Caneros Outlast Charros 6-4

POOR STARTING PITCHING EARLY DOOMS JALISCO

Kyle Simon on the Mound

Kyle Simon started for the Charros on Tuesday night against the Caneros de Los Mochis and lasted 2 2/3 innings before being pulled after giving up 6 runs on 8 hits as the Caneros topped the Charros 6-4.

Simon fell to 1-1 on the year with the loss and his ERA ballooned to 12.91. Seven of the 11 hits by the Caneros went for doubles.

Luis Niebla worked 6 innings for the Caneros giving up 4 runs on 7 hits and striking out 3. Niebla was pulled in the 7th inning after giving up 2 runs without recording an out. Jon Sintes picked up the save working a perfect 9th inning for Los Mochis.

Emmanuel Avila doubled in the 1st to drive in Isaac Rodriguez and JC Linares for the early 2-0 for Los Mochis.

Leandro Castro doubled to lead off the 2nd inning for the Caneros and scored on a single to right by Jesus Arredondo. 3-0 Los Mochis.

Leandro Doubles

Juan Carlos Gamboa singled with one out in the top of the 3rd and went to third on a double to right  by Yadir Drake. Both runners scored on a double by JC Linares. Leandro Castro hit his second double of the game to drive in Drake as Los Mochis increased their lead to 6-0.

The Charros got on the board in their half of the 3rd. Edson Garcia singled with one out and scored on a double to center by Amadeo Zazueta. Manny Rodriguez got Zazueta home with a single and Jalisco had cut the lead to 6-2.

Art Charles drew a lead off walk for the Charros in the bottom of the 7th inning and went to second on a single by Cacao Valdez. Gabriel Gutierrez drove in both runners with a double to deep left center to get the Charros within 2 runs at 6-4.

Jalisco was unable to score again and the Caneros won the game by that 6-4 score.

Two more games against the Caneros before the Tomateros de Culiacan come to town for a weekend series beginning on Friday.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Culiacan 17, Mexicali 3

The Tomateros scored 9 times in the last 2 innings as Culiacan crushed to Aguilas 17-3. Jorge Vasquez was 2 for 2 with a home run and 3 RBIs, Ronny Mustelier 4 for 6 with 4 RBIs, Antonio Lamas 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Oscar Robles 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs and Iker Franco 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs for the Tomateros. Ramon Rios was 2 for 5 with a home run and 2 RBIs, Luis Juarez 3 for 4 and Wellington Dotel 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Aguilas, Edgar Gonzalez struck out 5 in 5 innings to get the win while Edgar Ozuna took the loss for Mexicali.

Hermosillo 7, Mazatlan 3

Casey Coleman won his second game of the year for the 5-1 Naranjeros working 6 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. Walter Silva was rocked for 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings to take the loss. Arturo Rodriguez was 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored and Eric Young Jr. 4 for 5 for Hermosillo. Brian Hernandez had 2 of the 6 hits for the Venados and drove in a run.

Navojoa 7, Obregon 3

Cole Garner hit a 3 run home run in the 3rd as the Mayos scored 7 times in the inning to top the Yaquis 7-3. Alejandro Gonzalez was 3 for 3, Christian Zazueta 2 for 5 and Yosmany Guerra 2 for 5 for Navojoa. Matt Juengel went 3 for 4, Joey Wendle 2 for 4 and Justin Greene 2 for 5 for Obregon. Hector Velazquez improved to 2-0 on the year with the win and Raul Carrillo picked up his 1st save of the year for the Mayos. Rolando Valdez lasted just 2 2/3 innings in taking the loss.

Yaquis Shut Down Charros 2-0

CHARROS HAVE SCORED 1 RUN IN 27 INNINGS

Marco Tovar

After yesterdays post about the Charro's poor pitching, last night's starter, Marco Tovar was very good. He worked 5 innings, struck out 3, walked 1 and gave up an unearned run in taking the loss. Pretty impressive. Unfortunately the Yaquis starter, Blake Beavan was a tad better. Beavan shutdown the Jalisco offense for 5 2/3 innings, striking out 4 and limiting the Charros to 3 hits.

Speaking of the offense, after scoring 18 runs in the opening day game, the Charros have been shutout twice and held to 1 run in the other loss. That's 1 run in 27 innings of play. During that 3 game span the Charros are 3 for 19 with runners in scoring position (a .157 batting average).

Homar Rojas shook up the lineup last night in hopes of producing more runs. Edson Garcia went from #9 in the order to leadoff. Lastings Milledge, the leadoff hitter for the first 3 games, dropped to seventh in the order. Rojas also swapped the #4 and 5 hitters with Cacao Valdez hitting cleanup and Art Charles fifth.

Obregon opened the scoring in the bottom of the 5th inning. With one out, Carlos Valencia singled and was save at second on a fielding error by Manny Rodriguez. Jose Felix then doubled to score Valencia for the 1-0 lead.

The Jalisco relievers continued to pitch well until the bottom of the 8th when Christian Villanueva hit a lead off first pitch home run to left for the final 2-0 margin of victory.

Villanueva Home Run

Marco Tovar was saddled with the loss for Jalisco. Blake Beavan picked up the win for his effort and Ryan Kelly notched his 1st save of the year.

One more game in Obregon before the Charros return home to face the Caneros for three games beginning on Tuesday the 18th of October.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Mexicali 6, Mazatlán 2

The Aguilas scored 4 times in the second inning and went on to beat the Venados 6-2. The big blow of the inning was a 3 run triple off the bat of Chris Roberson. Roberson was 2 for 4 on the night with 4 RBIs. Paul Leon went 2 for 4 with a home run for Mazatlán. Efren Delgado got the win for the Aguilas and Felipe Gonzalez took the loss.

Hermosillo 7, Navojoa 4

Neither starter in the game was very effective with the Mayo's Jorge Castillo allowing 5 runs on 5 hits while striking out 6 and being charged with the loss. The Naranjeros starter, Pablo Ortega, did not figure in the final decision and reliever Jose Samayoa picked up the win. Paul Sewald got his 3rd save of the year in just the 4th game of the season.

Los Mochis 7, Culiacan 6 (10 innings)

The Caneros got a walk off home run from Sergio Garcia with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning to beat the Tomateros 7-6. Culiacan had tied the game in the 7th inning on an RBI double by Sebastian Elizalde and a sac fly from Joey Meneses. Derrick Loop was the losing pitcher while the Canero's Jon Sintes earned the win pitching the 9th and 10th innins for Los Mochis

Charros Fall To Yaquis 6-1

POOR PITCHING JALISCO'S ACHILLES HEEL

Homar Rojas, the Charros de Jalisco manager, needs to work out the kinks with his starting pitching and relievers. If the pitching doesn't turn around quickly, this season could very well be a repeat of last year when the Charros snuck into the playoffs on the last day of the season and were swept in the first round of the post season. The Charros pitchers have allowed 19 runs in their first 3 games. True, the Charros have scored 19 times but 18 of those runs came in the first game. Jalisco has scored 1 run in the last 18 innings, culminating in 2 losses.

Arturo Lopez

The Charros potentially explosive offense was held in check by Obregon's starter, Arturo \lopez, who scattered 6 hits over 5 2/3 innings. Three of those hits came in the top of the 2nd inning when consecutive singles by Art Charles, Cacao Valdez and Agustin Murillo produced the lone Jalisco run.

Murillo and Jonathan Aceves were both 2 for 4 on the night but the Charros were just 2 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

The Yaquis scored 3 runs in the 3rd inning. The first came on a wild pitch and the next 2 on a single to center by Matt Juengel.

Obregon added 3 runs in the bottom of the 4th. Sergio Contreras walked to lead off the inning followed by singles from Jose Felix and Justin Greene. Joey Wendle tripled to the right field corner to clear the bases for the 6-1 lead and the game.

3 Runs Score on Triple

Juengel and Contreras went 2 for 3 and Jose Felix added a 2 for 4 night for the Yaquis.

Daniel Guerrero was saddled with the loss for Jalisco while Arturo Lopez picked up the win for Obregon.

Two more games in Obregon before the Charros return home to face the Caneros de Los Mochis beginning on Tuesday the 18th of October.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Los Mochis 10, Culiacan 2

The Caneros hit 4 home runs on their way to the 10-2 drubbing of the Tomateros de Culiacan.  JC Linares hit 2 of them with Isaac Rodriguez and Yadir Drake adding 1 each. Julian Arballo worked 5 innings for the win and Sean Gallagher took the loss for Culiacan.

Hermosillo 3, Navojoa 2

Matt Skole singled with the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the 9th for the walkoff 3-2 win over the Mayos de Navojoa. Eric Young Jr. and Efren Navarro were bot 3 for 5 in the win for Hermosillo. Yosmany Guerra was 1 for 4 with a double and an RBI for the Mayos. Marcos Rivas got the win in relief for the Naranjeros while Carlos Felix took the loss. VIEW VIDEO OF MATT SKOLE'S SINGLE HERE.

Mexicali 6, Mazatlán 1

CJ Retherford at 1st

Ramon Rios continued his hot hitting (,714 through 3 games) with a 3 for 5 night and 2 runs scored. CJ Retherford was 2 for 5 with a double and an RBI as the Aguilas topped the Venados 6-1. Corey Brown was 3 for 4 for Mazatlán. Onelki Garcia pitched 6 innings holding the Venados scoreless on 4 hits while striking out 6 in the win. Jesus Sanchez allowed 4 runs on 10 hits in 5 innings in taking the loss.







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Charros Shut Out By Tomateros 4-0

Unlike the opening game where the Charros scored 18 runs, their bats went silent in the second game against the Tomateros de Culiacan, played in Culiacan.

Opening Day Ceremonies in Culiacan

The game started as a pitchers duel of sorts until the bottom of the 5th inning with both teams searching for an offense and depending on the defense to keep the game close.

Bruce Kern, the Jalisco starter, had flirted with danger in the 3rd and 4th innings, putting runners in scoring position both innings. The defense came to his aid both times, turning double plays to end the inning with no damage done.

Elizalde's Home Run

Kern's luck ran out in the bottom of the 5th. After getting the first two Tomateros out, he hit Rico Noel with a pitch. Noel stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. Kern then walked Ronnier Mustelier. Sebastian Elizalde then took a 2 ball no strike pitch deep to right for a 3 run home run that broke up the scoreless game and gave Culiacan a 3-0 lead.

Culiacan would add an insurance run in the bottom of the 8th. After Mike Carp hit into a force out, Jose Orozco, the pinch runner, stole second. The Charros reliever, Ivan Salas, then unleashed a wild pitch that put Orozco on third. Orozco scored on a ground ball to third for the 4-0 lead and the game.

Bruce Kern on the Mound

Bruce Ken pitched 5 innings in the loss, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits, including the home run in the 5th inning, to fall to 0-1 on the young season.

Daniel Rodriguez picked up the win, working 5 2/3 innings, striking out 5, walking 1 and holding the Charros scoreless on 4 hits.

It's on to Obregon tonight to begin a 3 game series against the Yaquis before returning home on Tuesday the 18th of October to face the Caneros de Los Mochis for three games.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Navojoa 6, Los Mochis 4

Yadir Drake hit 2 home runs for the Caneros but Los Mochis fell to the Mayos 6-4. Navojoa scored 2 runs in the 6th and 3 more in the 7th to secure the win and move to 2-0 on the year. Cole Garner was 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs for the Mayos while Yadir Drake went 2 for 4 with the 2 home runs for the Caneros. Carlos Felix picked up the win in relief with Kyle Grana notching his 2nd save. Thomas Melgarejo took the loss for Los Mochis.

Kyle Grana with the Save

Hermosillo 4, Obregon 2

Carlos Valencia and Dave Sappelt homered for the Yaquis but it wasn't enough to offset Jose Amador's 2 run home run for the Naranjeros in the 4-2 win for Hermosillo. Juan Pablo Oramas got the win with Paul Seward picking up his 2nd save of the season. David Reyes took the loss for Obregon.

Mexicali 9, Mazatlán 4

Ramon Rios went 4 for 5 and Ricky Alvarez 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for the Aguilas in the 9-4 win over the Venados. Luis Juarez was 3 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBIs for Mexicali. Cyle Hankerd went 1 for 3 with a home run for the Venados. Javier Solano picked up the win while Sergio Valenzuela took the loss for Mazatlán.

Aguilas Lineup Card

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Charros Open Season With 18-9 Win Over Tomateros

Opening Day Cebration

If the Charros de Jalisco were looking to make a statement in the opening game of the 2016-17 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico winter league, they did. They pounded out 20 hits, including a home run by Mario Valenzuela and 6 doubles in the 18-9 trouncing of the Tomateros de Culiacan. You can't expect this type of explosive output every day but it was fun to watch.

Jalisco sent 13 men to the plate in the bottom of the 1st inning and scored 9 runs. The first 8 batters reached base safely. They had 5 singles, a double and 2 reached on errors by the Culiacan infield. With 5 runs already across and the bases loaded, Amadeo Zazueta cleared the bases with a double to right center to make it 8-0 and Manny Rodriguez followed with his second double of the inning to drive in Zazueta for the 9-0 Charros lead.

After the Charros starter, Kyle Simon gave up 3 singles to load the bases in the top of the 3rd inning, Joey Meneses, the Tomateros first baseman, made him pay by hitting a long grand slam to right. Culiacan cut the Charros lead to 9-4 with one swing of the bat.

The Charros answered in their half of the inning. Zazueta was hit by a pitch, Manny Rodriguez singled and both runners scored on a double by Art Charles.

With 3 more runs in the 4th, the Charros upped their lead to 14-4. Mario Valenzuela hit a 2 run home run in the inning and Manny Rodriguez drove in a run with his third double of the game.

Valenzuela Home Run

Jalisco added a run in the 5th when Cacao Valdez reached on an error, went to second on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Valenzuela.

Things were quiet until the bottom of the 8th inning. 4 consecutive singles, a walk and a run producing ground ball double play by Art Charles increased the Charros lead to 18-5.

The relief pitching in the 9th for the Charros got off badly when Aaron Kurcz gave up 2 singles, walked a batter and, after getting an out, gave up a ground rule double to Ronnier Mustelier for 3 runs. A single by Sebastian Elisalde scored Mustelier to cut the lead to 18-9 but that was all and the Charros de Jalisco had the opening day victory.

Kyle Simon picked up the win with a shaky 5 innings in which he gave up 5 runs on 8 hits with 1 walk and 1 strikeout. He gave up the grand slam to Meneses.

Charros Celebrate the Win

Edgar Gonzalez did not record an out in the losing effort. He gave up 8 runs on 6 hits before being replaced by Jose Medina.

Manny Rodriguez was 5 for 5 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored and Amadeo Zazueta went 4 for 5 with 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored for the Charros.

Ronnier Mustelier went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs for the Tomateros. Sebastian Elizalde was 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs and Joey Meneses 1 for 3 with the grand slam.

The Charros travel to Culiacan to take on these same Tomateros on Thursday and then Obregon to face the Yaquis for games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Charros return home on Tuesday the 18th to host the Caneros de Los Mochis.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Hermosillo 3, Obregon 2

Erik Young Jr. homered in the 1st inning and the Naranjeros held on to defeat the Yaquis 3-2. Clell Hobson hit a home run for Obregon in the 7th inning to cut the lead to 3-2 but that was the end of the scoring. Joseph Colman picked up the win, giving up a run on 4 hits over 5 innings. Paul Sewald notched his 1st save of the year for Hermosillo. Rolando took the loss for Obregon. He gave up all 3 runs on 3 hits in his 5 innings on the mound.

Navojoa 4, Los Mochis 3

Hector Velazquez worked 5 innings for the Mayos, striking out 8 Caneros to get the win for Navojoa. Kyle Grana made it close in the 9th, giving up a run but held on to pick up the save. Luis Niebla took the loss, giving up 3 runs in 5 innings. Yosmany Guerra was 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 runs scored for Navojoa. Alejandro Gonzalez was also 2 for 3 for the Mayos. Leandro Castro was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored for the Caneros

Venados Comience Defensa de LMP Título 7-1 con Triunfo Sobre Mexicali

5 CORRER 6th ENTRADA MAZATLAN

La 2015-16 de la Liga Mexicana del Pacífico (LMP) Campeón Venados de Mazatlán comenzó la defensa de su título el 11 de octubre con un rotundo 7-1 derrota de los Águilas de Mexicali.

Que lleva las Águilas 2-1 entrar en la parte inferior de la sexta entrada, la ciudad natal Venados anotó 5 carreras a soplar abrir un partido cerrado.

Mazatlán saltó a una ventaja temprana en su mitad de la segunda entrada, en una caminata de Corey Brown y un jonron run 2 izquierdo y central por Brian Hernández. Venados 2, Aguilas 0.

El Águilas tiene una carrera de vuelta en la parte superior de la cuarta con un sencillo de Ramón Ríos, un doble por CJ Retherford, un bateador golpeado y una fuerza que a primera anotó Ríos. 2-1 Mazatlán.

Los Venados explotó en la parte inferior de la sexta entrada, el envío de 9 hombres al plato y anotó 5 veces. Heber Gómez y Samar Leyva se duplicaron en la entrada como la Venados construyó una ventaja de 7-1.

Walter Silva lanzó 5 entradas para los Venados que permiten la única Mexicali ejecuta en la escogencia de la victoria, mientras que del Aguila Edgar Osuna renunció a 2 carreras en 3 hits, incluyendo un jonrón, en sus 5 entradas de trabajo para asumir la pérdida.

Ramón Ríos fue de 3 por 4 con una carrera anotada para Mexicali mientras que Brian Hernández se fue 3 por 4 con un jonrón y 2 impulsadas para la Venados.

Los 6 equipos LMP restantes estarán en acción el 12 de octubre como el anfitrión Charros los Tomateros, los yaquis son en casa contra los Naranjeros y los Cañeros de Los Mochis visitar Navojoa a asumir los mayos.

Venados Begin Defense of LMP Title with 7-1 Win Over Mexicali

5 RUN 6TH INNING FOR MAZATLAN

The 2015-16 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico (LMP) Champion Venados de Mazatlan began the defense of their title on the 11^th of October with a resounding 7-1 defeat of the Aguilas de Mexicali.

Leading the Aguilas 2-1 entering the bottom of the 6^th inning, the hometown Venados scored 5 runs to blow open a close game.

Mazatlan jumped out to an early lead in their half of the 2^nd inning on a walk to Corey Brown and a 2 run home run to left center by Brian Hernandez. Venados 2, Aguilas 0.

The Aguilas got a run back in the top of the 4^th on a single by Ramon Rios, a double by CJ Retherford, a hit batter and a force out to first that scored Rios. 2-1 Mazatlán.

The Venados exploded in the bottom of the 6^th inning, sending 9 men to the plate and scoring 5 times. Heber Gomez and Samar Leyva doubled in the inning as the Venados built a 7-1 lead.

Walter Silva pitched 5 innings for the Venados allowing the only Mexicali run in picking up the win while the Aguila’s Edgar Osuna gave up 2 runs on 3 hits, including a home run, in his 5 innings of work to take the loss.

Ramon Rios was 3 for 4 with a run scored for Mexicali while Brian Hernandez went 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for the Venados.

The remaining 6 LMP teams will be in action on the 12^th of October as the Charros host the Tomateros, the Yaquis are at home against the Naranjeros and the Caneros de Los Mochis visit Navojoa to take on the Mayos.

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico To Begin Season on October 11th

The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico (LMP) is set to begin another season of winter baseball in western Mexico.  Opening day is the 11^th of October with a game between last year’s Champion Venados de Mazatlan and the runner up Aguilas de Mexicali to be held in Mazatlán

Good Food at LMP Stadiums

Winter baseball in Mexico, and the LMP specifically, has been around, in some form or another, since 1947. Last year fans spun the turnstiles at a rate of 9,500 per game for a yearly total of 2,968,000, an increase of 12%. That number makes the LMP the best attended minor league outside of the US. They had more “fanaticos” per game than the 16 team Mexican summer league.

The fans took advantage of the cooler winter weather to watch their hometown heroes hit, pitch and field their way toward the LMP Championship and a chance to represent Mexico in the Serie Caribe. Last year the Venados de Mazatlan, representing Mexico,  won the Serie Caribe without losing a game.

Several notable Major Leaguers have played in the LMP. Cy Young Award winner Fernando Valenzuela, Vinny Castilla and Pedro Guerrero to name just a few.

The LMP season consists of 68 games divided into two halves of play. The first half is 35 games long and teams are awarded points based on their record. There are tie breakers such as runs scored to determine points for the half. The second half consists of 33 games with points awarded in a similar fashion.

6 of the 8 teams in the LMP make the playoffs.

A strange thing about the LMP is that after the season, the players on the eliminated teams can be “drafted” by the teams in the playoffs. This phenomenon occurs after the first and second round eliminations too.

A top player for the last place regular season team could find himself on the championship club and playing for Mexico in the Serie Caribe.

How does a 6 team playoff system work you ask? The six teams play a best-of-seven first round series with the three winners advancing to the semifinal round. Of the three losing teams in the first round, the team with the best record advances to the semifinal round. The “best loser” team cannot face the team that eliminated them in the first round. Last year’s champion Venados de Mazatlan came from the “best loser” category.

All playoff rounds are a best-of-seven format. The higher seeded team gets the first 2 games at home, travels for games 3-5 and returns home for games 6 and 7 if necessary.

The LMP is made up of 8 teams. The Charros de Jalisco (Guadalajara), Venados de Mazatlan, Tomateros de Culiacan, Caneros de Los Mochis, Mayos de Navojoa, Yaquis de Obregon, Naranjeros de Hermosillo and the Aguilas de Mexicali.

The stadiums are loud, filled with music and food and packed with dedicated fans who cheer for their team with enthusiasm and pride. Experiencing a game in this atmosphere is fun and exciting.

If you live in or around one of these cities, take a day or two to see what “Beisbol” in Mexico is all about. You won’t be disappointed.

Charros Lose At Home To Aguilas 3-2

LEO HERAS 3 FOR 4 IN LOSS

Juan Navarrete, the Charros manager, tried to shake the offense up last night. The struggling Manny Rodriguez was dropped from his usual 2nd spot in the order to 5th. Leo Heras was inserted in the 2 hole and Alex Liddi, with his .387 batting average, moved from 5th to 3rd.

The changes produced hits, the 1 through 4 hitters going 8 for 16 on the night, but few runs. The 5 through 9 spots were just 1 for 13. The Charros were just 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position.

Starter Terance Marin

Terance Marin (0-1), the Jalisco starter scattered 10 hits over 5 innings on the mound, giving up all 3 Mexicali runs to take the loss. The Aguilas offense was 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position and they pounded out 14 hits against Marin and 4 relief pitchers.

Juan Espinoza (1-0) replaced the Aguilas starter, Stephen Landazuri in the 5th inning and picked up the win as Esmailin Caridad notched his 1st save of the year.

Wellington Dotel singled to lead off the game for Mexicali and went to third on a single by Walter Ibarra. Dotel scored on a ground out to third by Yuniesky Betancourt to give the Aguilas an early 1-0 lead.

The Aguilas added a run in the top of the 3rd inning as Betancourt lead off with a single and moved to second on a wild pitch by Marin. CJ Retherford's single scored Betancourt and Mexicali led 2-0.

Angel Chavarin got things started for the Charros in the bottom of the 3rd inning with a lead off single. Chavarin moved to second on a ground ball out and advanced to third on a wild pick off attempt by the Mexicali pitcher. Chavarin scored on a single by Eduardo Aredondo to cut the lead to 2-1 Aguilas.

Yuniesky Betancourt hit a one out solo home run, on the 1st pitch he saw from Marin, in the top of the 5th to increase the Mexicali lead to 3-1.

Leo Heras Strokes a Double

Eduardo Arredondo was ruled out at first leading off the bottom of the 5th on a challenge by the Aguilas. This would prove crucial as the next batter, Leo Heras doubled to left and Alex Liddi followed with a single. Heras scored on a single by Japhet Amador to make the score 3-2 but Manny Rodriguez lined into a double play to end the inning with the score 3-2.

The Charros were unable to score in their last 4 at bats and the Aguilas (15-9) held on to beat the Charros (11-13) by that 3-2 score. The Charros have dropped 5 games in a row.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Culiacan 7, Mazatlán 5

The Tomateros used a 4 run 4th inning to top the Venados 7-5. 38 year old former big league pitcher Dennys Reyes (1-1), picked up the win in relief and Ryan Buchter notched his 6th save. Starter Alejandro Soto (2-1) gave up 6 runs on 8 hits while striking out 3 in the loss. Joey Meneses and Sergio Gastelum homered for the Tomateros. Gastelum was 3 for 4, Meneses 2 for 3 and Ali Solis drove in 3 runs on a 1 for 4 night for Culiacan. Jose Ruiz had a home run, went 2 for 3 at the plate, drove in 2 and scored 3 for the Venados.

Ciudad de Obregon 5, Hermosillo 3

Obregon scored twice in the top of the 8th inning off of losing pitcher, Eric Fornataro (0-1) to edge the Naranjeros 5-3. Mark Hamburger (3-2) was charged with his 3rd blown save of the year but got the win in relief. Victor Arano got his 1st save of the year for the Yaquis. JC Linares was 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs for the Naranjeros and Hernando Arredondo went 2 for 5 with the other Hermosillo RBI. Reynaldo Rodriguez was 2 for 4 with his 7th home run of the season, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored while Luis Urias went 2 for 5 with an RBI for the Yaquis. Obregon improved to 12-12 on the year while the Naranjeros fell to 8-16.   

Jalisco Takes Series Opener in Mexicali 8-1

AMADOR HOMERS IN WIN

Charros Win

With 2 outs in the top of the 1st inning, Jesus "Cacao" Valdez singled and scored in front of a line drive rocket off of the bat of Japhet Amador that left no doubt as it cleared the wall in left center for a home run and a 2-0 Charros lead.

The pitching of the Charros took it from there. Starter Will Oliver (2-1) held the Aguilas to a run on 4 hits over 7 innings. Relievers Jose Felix and Mario Mendoza gave up 1 hit and no runs over the final 2 innings to preserve the win.

Jalisco added a run in the 3rd. Manny Rodriguez led off the inning getting hit by a pitch. He stole second and went to third on the throwing error by the Aguilas catcher. Rodriguez scored on a sac fly to left by Cacao Valdez.

Wellington Dotel doubled to begin the bottom of the 4th inning for Mexicali and held up at third on a single by Walter Ibarra. Yuniesky Betancourt hit a sharp grounder to third for a 5-4-3 double play that kept Dotel at third base. Chris Roberson singled to score Dotel with the only Aguilas run of the game.

Cacao Valdez Triple

Cacao Valdez tripled to lead off the 6th inning for the Charros and scored on a ground ball out by Japhet Amador. With 2 outs, Marquis Smith was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on a single by Christian Presichi to give Jalisco a 5-1 lead.

The Charros added a run in the 8th  inning and scored twice in the 9th on a double by Alejandro Ortiz that scored Amadeo Zazueta and Angel Chavarin for the final 8-1 score.

Japhet Amador went 1 for 4 with the home run and 3 RBIs. Valdez was 2 for 2 with a walk, an RBI and 2 runs scored while Alejandro Ortiz was 1 for 1 with a double and 2 RBIs for Jalisco.

Amador Home Run

Wellington Dotel was 2 for 4 with a run scored and Chris Roberson 1 for 2 with 2 walks and the only RBI for the Aguilas.

Mexicali starter Edgar Osuna (1-1) gave up 5 runs on 6 hits over 5 2/3 innings on the mound to take the loss.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Los Mochis 5, Ciudad de Obregon 1

Lamas HR / Andrey Fuentes

The Caneros got a 2 run home run from DH Antonio Lamas in the 7th inning to break a 1-1 tie and Los Mochis went on to defeat the Yaquis 5-1. Isaac Jimenez (1-0) picked up the win in relief while Yaquis reliever Giovanny Gallegos (0-1) gave up the homer to Lamas and was charged with the loss. Lamas was 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs and Jesus Arredondo went 1 for 2 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored for the Caneros. The Yaquis were held to 4 hits on the night with Iker Franco going 1 for 2 with a walk and the lone RBI for Obregon.

Culiacan 11, Mazatlán 8

The Tomateros scored 7 runs in the 4th inning and outlasted the Venados in the 11-8 slugfest. Jorge Cantu was 4 for 5 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored, Ryan Lollis 2 for 3 with a walk, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored and Sergio Gastelum 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs for Culiacan. Harold Rameriz went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored while Olmo Rosario was 1 for 4 with 3 RBIs and Jeremias Pineda 2 for 3

Gastelum Scores

with 2 runs scored for Mazatlán.. The Venados manager, Miguel Ojda was ejected in the 7th inning for arguing a play at first base. Francisco Rios (1-1) picked up the win in relief and Ryan Buchter got his 1st save of the season. Venados starter Walter Silva (0-2) was charged with the loss.

The Mayos de Navojoa and the Naranjeros de Hermosillo had the night off.

Brian Broderick Appears In 2nd Game For Kansas City Royals

Brian Broderick, late of the Charros de Jalisco, and reigning Reliever of the Year in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, made his second appearance for the Kansas City Royals this spring.

Broderick pitched a scoreless 8th inning for the Royals, giving up 2 hits with no walks and no strikeouts as the undefeated Royals beat the winless Milwaukee Brewers 6-4.

Meanwhile, Eric Farris, from the LMP Champion Tomateros de Culiacan, was 0-1 as the Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates played to a 1-1 tie.

Rico Noel, a teammate of Farris on the Tomateros, went 0 for 1 for the San Diego Padres in a 6-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Lino Rivera - Vaqueros de Laguna Manager 2015

The manager of the Vaqueros de Laguna, Lino Rivera, born in Rio Piedras Puerto Rico, pitched for 8 years in the minor leagues.  As a right hander pitching for the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals from 1987-1994, he struck out 564 batters in 706 innings.

He also pitched for the Acereros del Norte de Monclova and the Tigres de Mexico in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol from 2001 through 2003.

Rivera with the Leones

Rivera's managing career began in 2004 with the Acereros de Monclova. He managed the team through 2005 before moving on to the Leones de Yucatan from 2005-2011. In 2006 Rivera won the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Championship with the Leones.

The Sultanes de Monterrey named Rivera their manager in 2012.

Managing the Sultanes

In the fall of 2013 the announcement was made by the Vaqueros de Laguna that Lino Rivera would be their manager for the 2014 season. Rivera led the team to a 58-54 record and a trip to the playoffs where the Vaqueros fell in 6 games to the eventual League Champion Diablos Rojos de Mexico.

Laguna Manager 2014-2015

The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, the Mexican Winter league, offered opportunity for Rivera to add to his managing resume with field leader stops for the Algodoneros de Guasave, Tomateros de Culiacan and his present position with the Naranjeros de Hermosillo.