Oaxaca Rallies for 6-5 Win in 10 Innings Over Monterey

SAMAR LEYVA'S WALK OFF SINGLE DOES IN OBISPO AND SULTANES

Samar Leyva

The Sultanes de Monterrey appeared to be cruising toward victory in game 5 of the Serie del Rey in Oaxaca. Monterrey jumped out to a 5-1 led through the top of the 5th inning. The Sultanes had 10 hits, including 3 doubles, a triple and a home run by Ramiro Pena in those 5 innings. Meanwhile the Guerreros scratched out a run in the 1st before their offense went dark.

That all changes in the bottom of the 5th inning though. With one out, Alejandro Gonzalez reached base on a throwing error by the Sultane's shortstop, advancing to second. Erick Rodriguez singled to center to drive in Gonzalez. Jay Austin followed with a single, Rodriguez stopping at second. A double by Julian Ornelas scored Rodriguez. After a pitching change, Yuniesky Betancourt singled to bring home Austin. A ground ball to first, which the first baseman misplayed, scored Ornelas and the Guerreros had tied the game at 5.

Neither team scored the rest of the way and regulation ended with the score knotted at 5.

Monterrey would not score in the top of the 10th inning opening the door for Leyva's heroics. Wirfin Obispo, the Sultane's closer, opened the bottom of the 10th by catching Ornelas looking at strike three. Betancourt singled to left. Henry Urrutia struck out swinging for the second out. The 7,230 fans in Parque Eduardo Vasconcelos (and thousands watching at home) grew nervous with a runner on second and one out away from being eliminated from the quest for the Copa Zaachila.

Wirfin Obispo

With the Guerrero's pinch hitter Dustin Geiger at the plate, Betancourt stole second. Geiger drew a four pitch base on balls to put runners at first and second. Alan Sanchez, the next batter, also waited out a walk to load the bases. Samar Leyva then stroked his walk off single to left to plate Betancourt with the winning run.

Obispo took the loss for Monterrey, issuing 2 walks and giving up 2 singles in the 10th while Samuel Zazueta was the beneficiary of Leyva's heroics, allowing 3 hits over 2 innings of relief work for the Guerreros.

Monterrey still leads the Serie del Rey 3 games to 2 as both teams head to Monterrey for game 6 on Tuesday the 9th of October. Game 7 (if necessary) will be played in Monterrey on Wednesday the 10th.

Monterrey Scores Early and Hangs on to Defeat Oaxaca 3-2 in Game 4

SULTANES TAKE 3 GAMES TO 1 LEAD IN SERIE DEL REY CHAMPIONSHIP

Dallas Martinez

Dallas Martinez of the Sultanes and Jose Carlos Medina of the Guerreros squared off in the 4th game of the Serie del Rey with Martinez out dueling Medina in a thrilling 3-2 win for Monterrey.

Martinez threw 6 innings of 4 hit ball without giving up a run, walking 2 and striking out 3 in getting the win. Medina scattered 7 hits over 7 innings of work, walking 1 and striking out 2. The top of the 2nd would spell the downfall of Medina when he would give up 5 of those 7 hits and commit a throwing error.

Jose Amador lead of the top of the 2nd with a double and went to third on a single by Chris Roberson. Ramon Rios then singled to right to score Amador and put runners on first and second with no outs. Sebastian Elizalde hit a bouncer back to the mound but a throwing error by Medina allowed Roberson to race home with the 2nd run of the inning. Monterrey had runners on second and third with no outs and a 2 run lead. After Ali Solis flew out to right for the 1st out, Julio Borbon singled to left to score Rios for the 3-0 Sultanes lead.

Sebastian Elizalde

With 1 out in the bottom of the 7th inning, Alan Sanchez singled to right and scored on a triple to center by Samar Leyva. A passed ball by the Sultane's catcher allowed Leyva to score and cut the lead to 3-2. Oaxaca put men on first and second with 1 out but Jay Austin ground into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

The Monterrey relievers would hold the Guerreros scoreless over the final two innings and The Sultanes held on for the 3-2 win.

The Sultanes take a 3 games to 1 lead in their quest for the Copa Zaachila in the Serie del Rey. Game 5 will be played in Oaxaca on Sunday the 7th of October with game 6 (if necessary) in Monterrey on Tuesday the 9th of October.

It should be noted that only 2 teams have come back from a 3 games to 1 deficit (or 3-0) since 1970 in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol. The 1971 Algodoneros de Guasave (now the Charros de Jalisco)were down 3 games to 1 and defeated the Diablos Rojos del Mexico 4-3. Those same Diablos fell behind the Tigres de Angelopolis 3 games to none and came back to win 4 games to 3.

But despite history, baseball aficionados will always say..."That's why we play the game"!

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

STRONG START BY JOSE DE PAULA AND TIMELY HITTING BY MONTERREY

Jose De Paula

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

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

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

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

Julio Borbon

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

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

Ramon Rios

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

COPA ZAACHILA

Sultanes With Thrilling Win, 7-6, Over Guerreros in Game 2 of Serie del Rey

FELIX PEREZ' WALK OFF HOME RUN WINS IT!

Felix Perez

The Sultanes de Monterrey, who had been held in check by the Guerreros pitchers for 17 innings, broke loose for 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to win game 2 of the Serie del Rey 7-6 and even the series at 1 game apiece.

Oaxaca scored 4 times in the top of the 3rd, aided by a 2 run home run by Alan Sanchez for a 5-2 lead. The Guerreros seemed to have a comfortable lead after adding a run in the 5th to make the score 6-2.

The Sultanes, who had looked listless and at times confused at the plate eked out 2 runs in their half of the 5th to cut the lead to 6-4 but it took a 2 out fielding error by the Guerreros third baseman that allowed a run to extend the inning.

Wirfin Obispo, on in relief for Monterrey, gave up a hit in the top of the 9th but struck out 2 to set up the 9th inning heroics for the Sultanes.

Carlos Felix, the Guerreros closer, on to pitch the 9th got pinch hitter Victor Mendoza to ground out to third for the first out. Julio Borbon stroked a single to right putting a runner at first. Ramiro Pena skyed out to center for out number 2.

After a lengthy mound visit by the Guerreros' manager, Agustin Murillo took the 1st pitch he saw from Felix deep to left for the 2 run home run that tied the game at 6 all. The home run by Murillo was his 1st hit of the series.

Agustin Murillo

The next batter, Felix Perez, sent the capacity crowd home dancing, singing and cheering when he launched a walk off home run to right to give Monterrey the 7-6 win. Perez' home run won the game but Murillo's home run woke up the team and the crowd.

The Sultanes pitchers gave up 12 hits and 6 runs early but they buckled down when it counted giving up 3 hits and no runs while striking out 5 Oaxaca batters over the last 4 innings.

Wirfin Obispo was the benefactor of Perez' heroics as he was credited with the win while Carlos Felix was charged with a blown save and the loss for Oaxaca.

The series moves to Oaxaca for games 3, 4 and 5 and after a day of travel resumes on Friday the 5th of October. 

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.

Oaxaca is the Zona Sur Champion Following the 8-4 Defeat of Mexico

GUERREROS TO FACE SULTANES DE MONTERREY IN LMB CHAMPIONSHIP

The Diablos Rojos del Mexico, playing in front of 6,400 fans at Estadio de Beisbol "Fray Nano" in Mexico City came out swinging in game 6 of the Zona Sur Championship Series against the Guerreros de Oaxaca, scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 1st for the early 3-0 lead.

Patrick Johnson

Mexico starter, Patrick Johnson, held the Guerreros in check for 5 innings, with just a home run to Henry Urrutia in the 2nd marring his efforts. The game fell apart for the Diablos in the top of the 6th. Yordanys Linares led off with a double to the right field corner and went to third on a bunt by Jay Austin. Yuniesky Betancourt was safe at first on a play challenged by the Diablos and the bases were full. After a pitching change, Henry Urrutia hit a sac fly to left to score Linares. Dustin Geiger doubles to score Austin. Julian Ornelas followed with a double to center to score Betancourt and Geiger. Oaxaca had scored 4 times and took a 5-3 lead.

The Diablos got a run back in their half of the 6th on singles by Jesus Fabela, Carlos Figueroa and Juan Carlos Gamboa to cut the lead to 5-4.

Oaxaca's Erick Rodriguez drew a lead off walk in the top of the 7th inning. Yordanys Linares singled. With one out and runners on first and second, Mexico intentionally walked Henry Urrutia to load the bases. Dustin Geiger waited out a walk of his own to force in Rodriguez. Julian Ornelas followed with a single to score Linares and Urrutia for the 8-4 lead and the Zona Sur Championship.

Julian Ornelas

The Diablos manager, Victor Bojorquez was ejected during the inning for arguing balls and strikes. After Michael Choice was called out on strikes in the bottom of the 7th, he too was ejected for arguing with home plate umpire, Daniel Rubio.

Ozzie Mendez (1-0) picked up the win in relief for the Guerreos while Patrick Johnson (1-1) gave up the big inning to Oaxaca to take the loss.

Julian Ornelas went 3 for 3 with 4 RBIs for Oaxaca while team mates Henry Urrutia was 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBIs and Yordanys was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

Juan Carlos Gamboa was 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Luis Jimenez 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and Jesus Fabela 2 for 3 with a double, a walk and a run scored for the Diablos.

The Guerreros de Oaxaca will now face the Sultanes de Monterrey for the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Serie del Rey to begin in Monterrey Monday the 1st of October.

BUENA SUERTE A AMBOS EQUIPOS! 

Oaxaca Ekes Out Win Over Diablos 2-1 in Game 5

GUERREROS SCORE BOTH RUNS IN BOTTOM OF THE 6th INNING ON NO HITS

Jose Carlos Medina

It was a real pitcher's duel between the Guerreros and the Diablos on Thursday night. Oaxaca won the game 2-1 as starter Jose Carlos Medina (1-0) held Mexico to 1 run on 3 hits over 6 innings of work. Carlos Felix pitched the 9th inning to earn the save. Octavio Acosta (0-1) took the loss being charged with both runs on 4 hits, striking out 4 and walking 3 in 5 1/3 innings.

Mexico didn't get a ball out of the infield until Yeison Asencio hit a fly ball to right in the 3rd inning.

In the top of the 4th, Juan Carlos Gamboa drew a 1 out walk. David Vidal singled moving Gamboa to third. With runners on the corners, Luis Jimenez singled to drive in Vidal and give the Diablos a 1-0 lead.

Oaxaca was held scoreless until the bottom of the 6th. With 1 out, Yuniesky Betancourt waited out a walk The next batter, Henry Urrutia, also walked. Dustin Geiger was hit by a pitch to load the bases. That was all for Acosta. Reliever Fabian Cota, walked Julian Ornelas to force in Betancourt. Samar Leyva lofted a sac fly to right to score Urrutia as the Guerreros took a 2-1 lead.

Samar Leyva

Neither team threatened in the remaining innings and the Guerreros de Oaxaca had the win and a 3 games to 2 lead in the Zona Sur Championship Series of the LMB.

6,030 fans filled Parque Eduardo Vasconcelos to watch the home team win the game. At one point during the top of the 8th inning, 7,700 fans from around Mexico, the United States and the Caribbean were watching the contest on Facebook.

The Series returns to Mexico City for game 6 on Saturday the 29th of September and game 7, if necessary, will be played on Sunday the 30th. The Zona Sur Champion will play the Sultanes de Monterrey for the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol title.

Monterrey Opens With 4-3 Win Over Monclova

SULTANES OPEN ZONA NORTE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND WITH ROAD WIN

If you are the type of person who loves to watch good baseball, pitching, hitting and defense, then last night's game between the Sultanes de Monterrey and the Acereros de Monclova was right up your alley. Plenty of offense, good pitching and a dramatic finish!

Julio Borbon

The game started off as if this was going to be an offensive game. The Sultane's lead off hitter, Julio Borbon took an 0-1 pitch deep to right center to give the Sultanes a quick 1-0 lead. Not to be out done, the Acereros responded with home runs from Erick Aybar and Francisco Peguero in their half of the 1st to take a 2-1 lead.

The pitching for both teams settled down but Monclova added a run in the bottom of the 3rd on a single by Jesus Castillo, a walk to Danny Espinosa and a Juan Perez double to left that scored Castillo. Acereros 3-1.

Ali Solis led off the top of the 6th for Monterrey with a single and went to third on a single by Julio Borbon. Solis scored on a double play ball off the bat of Ramiro Pena. The Sultanes trailed 3-2.

Leading off the top of the 8th inning, Solis singled again. Marco Guzman entered the game as a pinch runner for Solis. Julio Borbon hit a ball back up the middle that the Acereros second baseman got to but couldn't get to the shortstop in time for a force out. Pinch running for Solis paid off as the speedy Guzman was safe at second. Ramiro Pena laid down a sacrifice bunt that moved the runners up. Following an intentional walk to Felix Perez, Chris Roberson walked on 4 pitches to force in Guzman with the tying run. The Acereros pitchers only walked 3 batters all night but these two were costly.

Yadir Drake launched a long fly ball to left in the top of the 9th inning that appeared to glance off of the glove of the Acereros left fielder before landing over the wall for the home run and a 4-3 lead for the Sultanes.

Yadir Drake

The Acerero's Rodolfo Amador singled off of Wirfin Obispo in the bottom of the 9th and stole second. Amador was stranded as Cade Gotta struck out to end the game.

Anthony Vasquez started the game for the Sultanes and gave up all 3 Monclova runs on 6 hits, including 2 home runs, walking 2 and striking 1 in 5 innings. Nick Struck (1-0) worked the 8th to get the win and Wirfin Obispo pickup the save, although not without drama.

Andre Rienzo pitched well for the Acereros, going 6 1/3 innings, scattering 6 hits but did not figure in the decision. Mario Morales was charged with a blown save for giving up the run in the 8th and Zack Segovia (0-1) took the loss, allowing the home run to Drake in his inning on the mound.

Julio Borbon was 3 for 5 with a home run, Ali Solis 2 for 3 and Yadir Drake had the home run in his 4 trips to the plate.

Erick Aybar went 2 for 4 with a home run and team mate Francisco Peguero 1 for 3 with his 1st inning home run.

Oaxaca Need 11 Innings to Beat Leones de Yucatan 5-2

GUERREROS ADVANCE TO ZONA SUR CHAMPIONSHIP WITH EXCITING GAME 7 WIN

The Guerreros de Oaxaca needed 11 innings to overcome the Leones de Yucatan but the wait, and the excitement were worth it. With the 7th game win, the Guerreros move on to face the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in the Zona Sur Championship round of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol  (LMB)

The teams combined used 16 pitchers, 7 by Oaxaca and 9 by Yucatan. These pitchers threw 368 pitches (240 for strikes), gave up 21 hits, surrendered 2 doubles, a triple and 2 home runs while striking out 25 opponents. They had good control of those pitches, walking just 5 over 22 innings.

Carlos Felix

Carlos Felix was the beneficiary of the runs scored by Oaxaca in the 11th inning, having worked the final 2 1/3 innings, holding the Leones hitless while striking out 2.

Andres Meza (0-1) took the loss. He worked the final 1 2/3 innings for the Leones and allowed 3 runs on 3 hits, including a home run in the 11th inning.

Singles by Henry Urrutia and Dustin Geiger started the top of the 2nd inning for the Guerreros. Julian Ornelas' sacrifice bunt was misplayed by the Leones first baseman to load the bases. Samar Leyva hit a sac fly to left to drive in Urrutia and give the Guerreros a 1-0 lead. Oaxaca loaded the bases again in the inning but were unable to score.

Julian Ornelas singled to begin the top of the 4th, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single by Alejandro Gonzalez. Oaxaca led 2-0.

The Guerreros loaded the bases again in the top of the 5th but couldn't push any runs across.

Leo Heras hit a 330' home run to right just inside the foul pole to start the bottom of the 5th for Yucatan that cut the lead to 2-1.

Leo Heras

Ricardo Serrano singled in the bottom of the 7th. Diego Madero was inserted as a pinch runner for Serrano. Madero moved to second on a sacrificed bunt and scored on a single to right by Heras.

There was no scoring by either team until the 11th inning.

Samar Leyvetripled to lead off the top of the 11th for Oaxaca. One out later Leyva scored on a single by Alan Sanchez. Following a strikeout by Yordanys Linares, Jay Austin, hitting just .200 for the series, launched a 2 run home run to right center that put the icing on the cake for Oaxaca and a dagger to the heart of the Leones.

Jay Austin

Oaxaca took this hard fought series from the Leones in 7 games and will now face the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in a best of 7 series for the Zona Sur Championship and the right to face the winner of the Zona Norte series between the Acereros de Monclova and the Sultanes de Monterrey.

Monterrey Wins 4-3 Over Tijuana to Advance to Zona Norte Championship

EXCITING GAME 7...NEXT UP ACEREROS de MONCLOVA

The Sultanes scored first and held on through an exciting bottom of the 9th inning to beat the Toros de Tijuana 4-3 and now move on to face Monclova in the Zona Norte Championship round of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol playoffs.

Nick Struck

Nick Struck (2-0) picked up the win in relief of starter Jose De Paula. Struck went 2 2/3 innings, giving up a hit while striking out 2, Wirfin Obispo earned his second save of the series although over 2 innings he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, including a home run in the bottom of the 9th.

Horacio Ramirez (0-1) was tagged for 2 runs on 3 hits over 4 1/3 innings on the mound in taking the loss. Although Ramirez took the loss, the Toros relievers were responsible for the overall damage. Aaron Kurcz gave up a home run to Ali Solis in the top of the 7th and closer Jake Sanchez allowed what would be the winning run to score on a home run to Chris Roberson in the top of the 9th.

Tijuana made things interesting in the bottom of the 9th inning. Trailing 4-1, Frederich Cepeda singled to begin the inning. Jorge Cantu followed with his 3rd home run of the series, and his 3rd hit of the game, to plate Cepeda and pull the Toros to within a run at 4-3. With 2 outs, Xorge Carrillo singled to center and Juan Perez was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Jose Guadalupe Chavez struck out to end the exciting 9th inning and the game.

Monterrey had just 6 hits in the game with Solis and Roberson getting 5 of them and driving in all 4 runs for the Sultanes.

Ali Solis

Jorge Cantu went 3 for 4 with the home run and all 3 RBIs for the Toros.

Leones Win Game 6 Over Guerreros 2-0

EVEN 1st ROUND ZONA SUR SERIES AT 3 GAMES APIECE

Jorge Reyes

Four Leones pitchers, from starter Jorge Reyes (1-0) to Chad Gaudin shut down the Guerreros de Oaxaca for 9 innings on 5 hits with no runs for the 2-0 win. The game was not without drama though. The top of the 9th was quite nerve wracking for the 6,049 fans in attendance at Parque Kukulkan in Merida.

Chad Gaudin, although earning the save, made things interesting for the Leones in the inning. Gaudin caught Jay Austin looking for the 1st out. Yuniesky Betancourt singled with a single. (Betancourt had 3 of the 5 hits for Oaxaca) Henry Urrutia doubled to left with Betancourt stopping at third. Dustin Geiger then waited out a base on balls, loading the bases with 1 out. Orlando Pina then popped up to second, the infield fly rule was called. for the 2nd out. Samar Leyva struck out swinging for the 3rd out that ended the threat and the game.

Sebastian Valle gave the Leones pitching all the run support they would need with one swing of the bat. Eric Aguilera led off the bottom of the 4th for Yucatan with a single to center. Jose Aguilar laid down a sacrifice bunt that moved Aguilera to second. Valle then took an 0-2 pitch from Delgado deep to left center, scoring Aguilera and giving Yucatan a 2-0 lead.

Sebastian Valle

Irwin Delgado (0-1) pitched a complete game for Oaxaca allowing the 2 runs on 8 hits with a walk and 3 strikeouts in taking the loss.

These two teams meet again on Wednesday for the deciding 7th game of their 1st round Zona Sur playoffs to determine who will face the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in the Zona Sur Championship round.

Tijuana Bests Monterrey 6-1 To Even Series at 3 All

GAME 7 TO DECIDE ZONA NORTE OPPONENT FOR ACEREROS de MONCLOVA

Leuris Gomez

Toros starter, Leuris Gomez (1-0), came up with an outstanding game when Tijuana needed it most. Gomez held the powerful Sultanes offense to 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 6 to help the Toros to a 6-1 win over the Sultanes de Monterrey in game 6 of their Zona Norte 1st round series. 5 relievers allowed just 2 hits over 3 2/3 innings, with no walks and 7 strikeouts.

Edgar Gonzalez (0-1) gave up 4 runs on 5 hits, with 2 home runs, over 5 1/3 innings on the mound to take the loss.

Junior Lake singled with 2 outs in the bottom of the 1st inning and scored when Frederich Cepeda tripled to center field. The Sultanes center fielder, Chris Roberson, misplayed the ball as it bounced over his head. The Toros led 1-0.

Fernando Perez

Fernando Perez hit a rocket of a home run to center, scoring Dustin Martin who had walked to increase the Toros lead to 3-0 after 4 innings.

Ramiro Pena got back a run for the Sultanes in the top of the 6th inning with a home run to right. Toros 3-1.

Frederich Cepeda hit a solo home run to left center in the Toro's half of the 6th to get the run back as Tijuana had their 3 run lead back at 4-1.

Isaac Rodriguez led off the bottom of the 8th inning with a single to center and went to third on a wild pitch. Rodriguez scored on a single by Junior Lake. Lake stole second and went to third on a wild pitch ball four to Miguel Torreno. Arimendy Alcantara walked to load the bases. After Lake was forced out at home, Torreno scored on a ground out force play.

This would end the scoring. Thr Toros went on to the 6-1 win and even the series at 3 games apiece. Game 7, to decide who faces Monclova in the Zona Norte Championship round will be played on Tuesday night.

Ramiro Pena

Oaxaca Tops Yucatan 5-1 as Alex Delgado Tosses 3 Hitter

GUERREROS TAKE COMMAND OF ZONA SUR BATTLE 3 GAMES TO 2

Alex delgado

The Guerreros scored all the runs they would need in the first 2 innings on Sunday's game against the Leones de Yucatan to win game 5 of their series. With that run support, Alex Delgado (2-0) carried Oaxaca on his back through 6 innings, allowing 3 hits and a run while striking out 8 to get the win.

Delgado's counterpart, Leones starter Yoanner Negrin (0-1) was responsible for all 5 Guerrero runs. Negrin was tagged for 10 hits, including a 2 run home run by Henry Urrutia in the 1st inning. Negrin went 6 innings, striking out 3 and walking none in taking the loss.

Yoanner Negrin

Jay Austin stroked a one out single for Oaxaca in the bottom of the 1st and came around to score ahead of Urrutia's long home run to center for the 2-0 Guerreros lead.

Samar Leyva was hit by a pitch to start the bottom of the 2nd inning. Erick Rodriguez singled with Leyva stopping at second. Alejandro then hit what should be called a swinging bunt that forced Rodriguez at second. With runners at first and third, Yordanys Linares singled to center scoring Leyva as Gonzalez stopped at second. Jay Austin singled to plate Gonzalez and advance Linares to third. Yuniesky Betancourt hit a fly ball to right that scored Linares but a 9-2-6-3-6 relay caught Austin between first and second for the back end of a double play.

Yucatan scored their lone run in the top of the 6th, With 1 out, Ricardo Serrano singled to left. A wild pitch put Serrano on second. With 2 outs, Walter Ibarra singled to left to score Serrano. When Leo Heras struck out, the threat and the inning were over for the Leones.

And then the rains came. After a 2 hour and 41 minute rain delay, play resumed and the pitching took over. Neither team was able to mount any offense over the remaining 3 innings and the score stood  5-1 Guerreros.

The winner of this Zona Sur 1st round series will face the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in the Zona Sur Championship round. The Diablos took their series from the Pericos de Puebla 4 games to 1 on Sunday.

Henry Urrutia

Acereros Advance to Zona Norte Finals; Defeat Tecolotes 4 Games to 1

MONCLOVA SCORES 3 RUNS ON 4 HITS IN 3-1 WIN

Josh Lowey

The pitchers duel in this game was a good one. Josh Lowey (1-0) threw 4 hit ball over 7 2/3 innings, with 2 of those hits coming in the 8th inning, allowing 1 run, walking 3 and striking out 4 in the win. He walked a batter and gave up 2 singles in the 8th resulting in a run for Dos Laredos. Josh Lueke worked the 9th inning to record his 2nd save of the series.

The Tecolotes starter, Terance Marin (0-1), pitched a complete game allowing 3 runs on 4 hits over those 9 innings. The one pitch he would like to have back is the one that Juan Perez took deep in the 7th inning. Marin walked 1 and struck out 2 in his outing.

Terance Marin

The game was scoreless until Monclova scored their runs in the top of the 7th. Erick Aybar singled to lead off the inning and moved to second on a fly ball to center by Jesus Castillo. With 2 outs, Danny Espinosa doubled to left to score Aybar. Wild pitch advanced Espinosa to third but Juan Perez launched his home run to bring in Espinosa and give the Acereros a 3-0 lead.

Dos Laredos attempted to mount an offense against Lowey in the bottom of the 8th. Juan Apodaca opened the inning by drawing a walk and moved to second on a single by Enrique Osorio. One out later, a single by Juan Martinez scored Apodaca and signaled the end to Lowey's night. The Tecolotes loaded the bases against 2 relievers but Balbino Fuenmayor struck out to end the threat and the scoring for Dos Laredos.

Juan Perez

There would be no rally in the 9th as Josh Lueke shut down the Tecolotes and Monclova won the game and the series to advance to the Zona Norte finals against either Monterrey or Tijuana. Monterrey currently leads their series 3 games to 2.