Tomateros Win, Up 2 Games to 1 in Championship Series

CHARROS COMMIT 3 ERRORS IN 4-2 LOSS

The Tomateros de Culiacan took the third game of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Championship Series on Saturday, 4-2, with good pitching and good hitting. Arnold Leon pitched 8 complete innings for the win and Oscar Villarreal pitched the 9th for the save. Culiacan recorded 10 hits in the game while holding the Charros to 4 hits.

Culiacan opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st on a double by lead off man Rico Noel, who went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Maxwell Leon and scored on a grounder to first by Eric Farris. The Tomateros had taken a 1-0 lead.

Issmael Salas led off the bottom of the 2nd with a home run to left that increased the Culiacan lead to 2-0.

The Charros scored their two runs in the 3rd inning. With one out, Jesus Lopez waited out a base on balls and scored on a double to right by Eduardo Arredondo. Manny Rodriguez followed with a double that scored Arredondo to tie the game at 2 apiece.

Rico Noel doubled with two outs in the 5th for Culiacan and scored on a single to center by Maxwell Leon as the Tomateros retook the lead 3-2.

Ivan Zavala started the 6th in relief of starter Ben Koslowski for the Charros and gave up a lead off double to Issmael Salas who advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Sergio Gastelum. After Carlos Vasquez came in to replace Zavala, Ramiro Pena drove in Salas with a sac fly to left. That would be all the scoring in the game and the Tomateros had the 4-2 victory.

Charros Even Championship Series At 1 Game Apiece

SHUTOUT TOMATEROS 5-0 BEHIND JUAN DELGADILLO

The Charros used strong pitching from starter Juan Delgadillo and relievers Terance Marin and Manny Acosta to shutout the Tomateros de Culiacan in the 2nd game of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico last night and even the Championship series at 1 game apiece.

Delgadillo got the win by tossing six complete innings of 5 hit shutout ball, striking out 2 and keeping the Tomateros off balance all night. Terance Marin pitched 2 innings giving up 2 hits while holding Culiacan scoreless and Manny Acosta, who pitched the 9th inning for Jalisco, put a little scare into the fans, allowing 2 hits before getting the last out to preserve the win for Delgadillo.

The Charros scored in the bottom of the 1st on a single to left by Eduardo Arredondo, a walk to Leo Heras and a single to left by Japhet Amador that scored Arredondo for the early 1-0 Jalisco lead.

With two outs in the Charros half of the 4th, Jesus Lopez drew a walk and went to second as Eduardo Arredondo also drew the base on balls. Manny Rodriguez singled up the middle to load the bases on a ball that the Culiacan second baseman got to but couldn't turn into a force play at second. Leo Heras followed with a single to right that scored Lopez and Arredondo to open the lead to 3-0 Charros.

Jalisco scored twice in the 7th as Jon Weber singled with one out and scored in front of a home run to left by Marquez Smith as the Charros increased their lead to 5-0. When Manny Acosta got the third out in the top of the 9th, the Charros had the victory.

After a travel day on Friday, the series shifts to Culiacan for game 3 on Saturday, game 4 on Sunday and game 5 on Monday. If necessary, games 6 and 7 will be played in Guadalajara beginning Wednesday the 28th of January

Charros Fall To Tomateros 11-8

CULIACAN TAKES SERIES OPENER TO GO UP 1 GAME TO NONE

The Tomateros de Culiacan got the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Championship Series off to a wild start with an exciting 11-8 victory over the Charros de Jalisco.  

Charros Starter Marco Tovar / Bonnie Garrison Photo

Ali Solis got things going for the Tomateros in the 3rd with a one out base on balls. Solis went to second on a single to center by Rico Noel. Solis moved to third on a ground out and following a walk to Eric Farris that loaded the bases, Joey Meneses singled to score Solis and Maxwell Leon for the 2-0 Culiacan lead.  

The Charros got those runs back in their half of the 3rd on a singles by Marquez Smith and Sebastian Valle. With one out, Eduardo Arredondo singled to right to score Smith and get Valle to third. Manny Rodriguez hit a sac fly to left to drive in Valle and the score was tied at 2 each.

Dave Sappelt led off the Tomateros' 4th with a single and went to second on a single by Sergio Gastelum. Ramiro Pena singled to left and when the Charros left fielder, Jon Weber, overran the ball, Sappelt and Gastelum scored. Pena wound up on third and scored on a sac fly to left by Ali Solis as Culiacan retook the lead 5-2.  

Jalisco used three pitchers in the 5th as the Tomateros exploded for 6 runs in the inning. Joey Meneses drove in a run, Dave Sappelt belted a two run home run to right, Ramiro Pena hit a sac fly for a run and Rico Noel tripled to drive in two for the 11-2 Culiacan lead.  

In the 6th for the Charros, Leo Heras singled and CJ Retherford waited out a walk. Both runners scored on a three run home run by Japhet Amador, a long home run to left that narrowed the lead to 11-5 Culiacan.

Jalisco chipped away at the lead in the 7th. Jesus Lopez doubled to begin the inning and went to third on a fly ball to right by Eduardo Arredondo. Manny Rodriguez doubled to center to score Lopez. The lead was 11-6 Culiacan.     

With two outs in the bottom of the 9th, Eduardo Arredondo singled to deep short and scored in front of a home run to left by Manny Rodriguez to bring the Charros to within three runs at 11-8. The next batter, Leo Heras, struck out to end this very exciting game.  

Manny Rodrigues Home Run / Straffon Images

The series continues today, Thursday, in Guadalajara with a travel day on Friday and games 3, 4, and 5 in Culiacan beginning on Saturday the 24th of January.

Tomateros Reach Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Finals Against Charros

TOP AGUILAS de MEXICALI 9-8 IN ELEVEN INNINGS

The Tomateros de Culican are in the finals of the Liga de Mexicana del Pacifico against the Charros de Jalisco by virtue of their 9-8 win over the Aguilas de Mexicali in 11 innings last night. The Tomateros squandered an 8-3 lead but held on to win on a throwing error by the Aguilas pitcher in the bottom of the 11th.

The Aguilas scored two in the 1st on a walk to Gil Velazquez and a home run to left by Humberto Cota that got Mexicli off to a 2-0 lead.

John Lindsey led off the 2nd for Mexicali with a solo home run to left to up the Aguilas' lead to 3-0.

Joey Meneses singled to lead off the Tomateros half of the 2nd. Russell Branyan then singled to left with Meneses going to third. Meneses and Branyan both scored in front of Oscar Robles' home run to right that tied the score at 3.

In the bottom of the 3rd for Culiacan, Eric Farris led off with a single and went to second on a single by Russell Branyan. Issmael Salas sent a shot to left for a home run that scored Farris and Branyan and increased the Tomateros lead to 6-3.

Culiacan scored twice in the bottom of the 4th. A single by Eric Farris, with two outs, started things off. Joey Meneses followed with a single that moved Farris to third. Russell Branyan then singled to score Farris with Meneses going to third. A passed ball scored Meneses and the Tomateros were ahead 8-3.

Dave Sappelt hit a three run home run for the Aguilas in the top of the 5th that scored Chris Roberson and Gil Velazquez to narrow the Tomateros lead to 8-6.

Mexicali scored a run in the 8th on singles by Humberto Cota and Luis Juarez and a sac fly to center by Ricardo Serrano that scored Cota. The Aguilas were now 1 run back at 8-7.

The Aguilas tied the score at 8-8 in the top of the 9th on Dave Sappelt's second home run of the night, a solo blast to left that tied the game and forced extra innings.

The Tomateros won the game in the bottom of the 11th when, following a double by Joey Meneses, the Mexicali pitcher threw wildly to first on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Sergio Gastelum that scored Meneses with the winning run.

The Tomateros now face the Charros de Jalisco in a best of seven championship series that begins in Guadalajara on Wednesday night

Charros Into Finals With 5-3 Win Over Obregon

TAKE SERIES 4 GAMES TO 2

12,347 Attended The 6th Game / Bonnie Garrison Photo

The Yaquis de Obregon got to the Charros starter, Ben Koslowski in the top of the 2nd. With one out, Sergio Contreras was hit by a pitch and Said Gutierrez hit a ball deep up the middle that the Charros shortstop threw away and the Yaquis had runners on second and third. Contreras scored on a sac fly to center by Esteban Quiroz and Gutierrez scored on a single by Daniel Castro to give Obregon the early 2-0 lead.

Israel Nunez led off the 3rd for Jalisco with a double and went to third on a single by Eduardo Arredondo. Manny Rodriguez then hit a ground rule double to center that scored Nunez with Arredondo forced to stop at third. CJ Retherford hit into a 6-4-3 double play that scored Arredondo and the game was tied at 2.    

Manny Rodriguz Double In The 3rd / Bonnie Garrison Photo

Jalisco added a run in the 4th on a double by Jon Weber, a single by Marquez Smith and a sac fly to left by Jesus Lopez. The Charros had the 3-2 lead.

Manny Rodriguez led off the 5th with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Leo Heras. Rodriguez scored on a sac fly to right by CJ Retherford for the insurance run and a 4-2 lead.

CJ Retherford Drives In The 4th Run / Bonnie Garrison Photo

With one out in the Charros 8th, Jon Weber tripled to deep right center and scored on a sac fly to right by Marquez Smith for a 5-2 Charros lead.

Obregon got a run back in the top of the 9th when Corey Wimberly singled, stole second and scored on a single to center by JC Linares but it wasn't enough as Charros closer, Manny Acosta, got the final two outs for the save and the Charros were into the finals against either the Tomateros de Culiacan or the Aguilas de Mexicali that begins on Wednesday night.

During the year, the Charros were 4-5 against the Tomateros and 6-5 against the Aguilas.

Terence Marin picked up the win in relief of starter Ben Koslowski and Manny Acosta got the save. Arturo Lopez was saddled with the loss for the Yaquis. 

Starter Ben Koslowski / Bonnie Garrison Photo

Manny Acosta Picks Up The Save / Bonnie Garrison Photo

     

Charros take 3 Games to 2 Lead in Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Semifinals

JALISCO TAKES NAILBITER FROM OBREGON 5-3

Obregon jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st inning. Corey Wimberly singled and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Jose Chavez. Wimberly stole third and scored on a single to right by Brad Nelson.

CJ Retherford tied the game for Jalisco in the top of the 2nd with his second home run of the postseason, a solo shot to left to bring the Charros back 1-1.   

CJ Retherford's Home Run in 2nd / Charros Facebook Page

=Obregon retook the lead in the 5th on a solo home run to left by Corey Wimberly, his second of this playoff series and his third hit of the evening.

Jalisco took the lead again in the top of the 6th on a single by Leo Heras and a single to right by CJ Retherford. Heras scored on a throwing error by the Yaquis right fielder as Retherford advanced to third. After Jon Weber popped out to second, Japhet Amador singled to center to score Retherford as the Charros took a 3-2 lead.

The Yaquis tied the game in the bottom of the 8th on a walk to JC Linares to begin the inning, a single by Brad Nelson and a ground out to second by Yunesky Sanchez that scored Linares to tie the game 3-3.

With two outs in the 9th for Jalisco, Eduardo Arredondo singled and went to third on a single to right by Manny Rodriguez. Leo Heras then singled to right to score Arredondo with the go ahead run and CJ Retherford singled to left to score Rodriguez with an insurance run. When Manny Acosta, who picked up the win, set the Yaquis down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 9th, the Charros had the 5-3 win and a 3 games to 2 lead in the semifinals.

Manny Acosta Warming Up / Charros Facebook

The series returns to Guadalajara on Sunday afternoon for game 6 of the series and a game 7 if necessary.

Obregon Ties Series At Two Games Apiece

DEFEAT JALISCO 5-1

The semifinal series between the Charros de Jalisco and the Yaquis de Obregon is tied at 2 games apiece following Obregon's 5-1 victory over the Charros on Thursday night.

The Yaguis opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd. Yunesky Sanchez led off with a single and stole second. Sergio Contreras singled to deep short that got Sanchez to third. Armando Araiza drew a base on balls to load the bases. Daniel Castro doubled to left to score Sanchez and Contreras. After a pitching change by the Charros, reliever Manuel Flores hit Corey Wimberly with a pitch to load the bases again. With one out, JC Linares singled to short to score Araiza and the bases remained full of Yaquis. Flores got Brad Nelson to pop out to short and Carlos Valencia struck out to end the inning but the damage was done and Obregon led 3-0 after two innings.

Corey Wimberly led off the bottom of the 4th for the Yaquis with a home run to right to give Obregon a 4-0 lead.

The Charros got on the board in the top of the 6th when Leo Heras took the Yaquis starter, Virgil Vasquez, deep to right for a solo home run that narrowed the Yaquis lead to 4-1.

Armando Araiza walked to lead off the Yaquis half of the 6th. Daniel Castro sacrificed him to second. Charros reliever, Terrance Marin, threw a wild pitch that moved Araiza to third and Araiza scored on a fielding error by the Charros shortstop to give Obregon a 5-1 lead and the game.

Orlando Lara took the loss for Jalisco and Virgil Vasquez picked up the win for the Yaquis. Both pitchers are 1-1 in the playoffs.

One more game in Obregon then the series will return to Guadalajara for game 6 on Sunday afternoon and, if necessary, game 7 on Monday night.

Good Pitching Gives Charros The Victory Over Obregon

FINAL SCORE CHARROS 4, YAQUIS 2

Juan Delgadillo got the win for the Charros on Wednesday, going 5 2/3 innings, giving up just 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 4. Manny Acosta picked up his 2nd save of this postseason for Jalisco. Irwin Delgado took the loss for the Yaquis.

The Charros jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first on CJ Retherford's solo home run to left off of Yaquis starter Irwin Delgado.

In the 2nd, Jon Weber hit a one out single to right and went to third on a double by Jesus Lopez. Weber scored on a sac fly to left by Ivan Araujo to make the score 2-0 Charros.

Jon Weber drew a two out base on balls in the 4th and went to second on a single to deep short by Jesus Lopez. Weber scored on a single by Ivan Araujo to give the Charros a 3-0 lead after four innings.

The Yaquis fought back in their half of the 6th inning to cut the lead to 3-2. Carlos Valencia singled with two outs and scored in front of a home run by JC Linares.

Jalisco added an insurance run in the top of the 9th on a walk to Israel Nunez, a double by Leo Heras and a sac fly to left by Manny Rodriguez that plated Nunez and gave the Charros the final margin of victory at 4-2.

Obregon Takes 2nd Game of Semifinals

YAQUIS TOP CHARROS 6-5

The Yaquis de Obregon took game 2 of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico semifinals on Monday in Guadalajara against the Charros on the power hitting of Carlos Valencia.

Jalisco opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st. Eduardo Arredondo hit a ground rule double to right to lead off the inning but was thrown out at third on an infield single by Manny Rodriguez. The play was in front of Arredondo who should have held his position at second base. The Yaquis pitcher, Arturo Lopez, threw a wild pitch that moved Rodriguez to second. Leo Heras walked. Japhet Amador singled to shallow center and Rodriguez was cut down at the plate on a strong throw by Yaqui center fielder Corey Weber. The third base coach should have held Rodriguez at third because the ball was hit to shallow center and Wimberly was charging the ball. CJ Retherford then singled to left to score Heras and the Charros led 1-0. Those base running errors would have made the difference in the game for Jalisco. If the Charros expect to win the championship they must avoid these types of base running errors.

Obregon got that run back in the top of the 2nd on a solo home run by JC Linares that tied the score at 1 all.

Things were quiet until the top of the 6th when Obregon erupted for 4 runs. Daniel Castro hit a lead off double and went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Corey Wimberly. With two outs, Yunesky Sanchez drew a base on balls. Brad Nelson singled to score Castro and get Yunesky to third. Carlos Valencia then homered to drive in three and the Yaquis led 5-1.

The Charros answered in their half of the 6th on a one out single by Leo Heras. Japhet Amador singled to right to move Heras to third but Amador was thrown out at second trying to stretch his single into a double. Arturo Lopez the uncorked another wild pitch to score Heras from third as the Charros cut the Yaquis' lead to 5-2.

Jesus Lopez doubled with two outs in the 7th for Jalisco and scored on a single by Eduardo Arredondo. Following a pitching change by the Yaquis, Manny Rodriguez hit a two run home run to left to score pinch runner Edson garcia and tie the game at 5.

Obregon scored the eventual winning run in their half of the 8th. Brad Nelson doubled, went to third on a fly to right by Carlos Valencia and scored on a sac fly by Christian Villanueva. The final score was 6-5 Obregon.

The series shifts to Ciudad de Obregon tied at 1 game apiece. games 3, 4 and 5 will be played in Ogregon with games 6 and 7 played in Guadalajara if necessary.

Ohio State Wins College Football's National Championship

BUCKEYES DEFEAT OREGON 42-20

The Ohio State Buckeyes, of the Big 10, accomplished something not many, if any, college football team can say. Coming from what some said was a weak conference and using their 3rd string quarterback, the Buckeyes beat #1 Alabama 42-35 and #2 Oregon 42-20 on consecutive weeks.

The Buckeyes lost their starting quarterback in August, lost at home to Virginia Tech in September and lost their backup quarterback in November.

Despite these setbacks, the Buckeyes won the first ever College Football Playoff by running over, around and through the Ducks defense for 296 yards, 246 by Ezekiel Elliott, to win their 7th National Championship and their first since 2002.

Oregon had opportunities, thanks to 4 turnovers by the Buckeyes, but the Ducks couldn't convert those turnovers into touchdowns.

The key moment for Oregon, came in the 3rd quarter with the Buckeyes leading 21-17. Tyson Coleman, of the Ducks, sacked Cardale Jones for a 17 yard loss and forced a fumble recovered by Arik Armstead at the Buckeye 23 with 8:21 remaining in the quarter. The Ducks drove to the 6 yard line but the Buckeye defense held and Oregon settled for a 23 yard field goal by Aidan Schneider. Instead of the 24-21 lead, the Ducks were still trailing 21-20. They would not score again.

Marcus Mariota threw for 333 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 INT including a beautiful 70 yard catch and run to Byron Marshall that pulled Oregon to within 4 at 21-17.

Cardale Jones completed 16 of 23 passes for 242 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Jones also ran for a 1 yard touchdown.

The player of the game though, was Ezekiel Elliott, who rushed for 246 yards on 36 carries and 3 touchdowns. Elliott scored the final 3 touchdowns of the game as the Buckeye offensive line controlled the Duck's defensive line and opened big holes for Elliott.

Read the ESPN article here.

John Fox and Broncos Agree To Part Ways

Jofn Fox, the head coach of the Denver Broncos have agreed that the results of the past few seasons show a necessity for both parties to part ways.

"I had a productive visit with John Elway this afternoon in which we were both very honest about our time together and how to best move forward," Fox said in a statement Monday. "After this discussion, John and I mutually agreed that the timing was right for this decision."

Read the ESPN article here.

Buffalo Bills Hire Rex Ryan as New Head Coach

The Buffalo Bills have hired ex-Jets coach Rex Ryan to fill their head coaching vacancy.

The Bills are coming off a 9-7 season in which they showed signs of getting back to their great years. They have not made the playoffs in 15 years.

The hiring of Ryan is, in some corners, perplexing. Ryan has always been known as a defensive minded coach and not so in touch with the offensive side of the ball. His Jets finished 4-12 this season with many questioning Ryan's ability to improve Geno Smith's performance at QB and his propensity to rely on a run game that was keyed on after poor quarterback play. The Jet defense was above average.

The 2014 Bills seemed to be in the same straights as the Jets. Their defense was very good but the offense was forced to rely on Kyle Orton at QB who was unable to compete with the likes of the Patriots.

If nothing else, the Bills have stirred up interest in the Buffalo area.

Read the entire ESPN article here and decide for yourself if the Bills will be better off in 2015 under Coach Ryan.

NFL Championship Games Set

COLTS v PATRIOTS and PACKERS v SEAHAWKS

The teamswho will compete for the AFC and NFC Championship games have been decided on the field of play. The Colts will travel to New England to take on the Patriots while the Packers will head west to face the defending Super Bowl Champion, Seattle Seahawks.

The Colts upset the reigning AFC Champion Denver Broncos, in Denver, 24-13 behind Andrew Lucks' 265 yards passing with 2 touchdowns and the running of Daniel Herron who ran for 63 yards and a TD. The Indianapolis defense held Peyton Manning to just 211 yards and a touchdown while limiting the Broncos to 88 yards on the grond with no touchdowns.
Read the Grantland.com Piece here.


The upset minded Ravens were unable to overcome the play calling, Coach Harbaugh called it cheating, in the 35-31 loss to the Patriots. This despite having lead the Patriots twice by 14 points. Joe Flacco threw for 292 yards and 4 touchdowns but threw 2 interceptions, the last with 1:39 left on the clock and the Ravens driving. The Ravens defense held the Patriots to 14 yards on 13 carries but allowed Tom Brady to score on a 1 yard QB keeper. Brady meanwhile, threw for 367 yards and 3 touchdowns and Julian Edelman threw a 51 yard TD strike to Danny Amendola.

In the NFC, the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks used 3 touchdown passes from Russell Wilson and a smothering defense to defeat the 8-8-1 Carolina Panthers 31-17. Wilson threw for 268 yards with no interceptions and the the Seahawks rushed for 100 yards. Jermaine Kearse, Luke Willson and Doug Baldwin caught the TD passes from Wilson.

The Cowboys came up 1 play short of defeating the Green Bay Packers, who won the game 26-21. Aaron Rodgers threw for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions while Tony Romo tossed the ball 19 times and completed 15 of them for 191 yards and 2 touchdowns. Demarco Murray carried the ball 23 times for 123 yards and a touchdown but the play that will be remembered will be Dez Bryant's non catch of a 4th and 2 pass from Romo that turned the ball over to the Packers on downs and let Green Bay run out the clock.

Charros Score 5 Runs in 7th, Top Obregon 6-1

JALISCO TAKES 1 GAME TO NONE LEAD IN SEMIFINALS    

Marco Tovar

Marco Tovar pitched an outstanding game going 6 2/3 innings, allowing just one unearned run, scattering 7 hits but left with the score tied 1-1. Mario Mendoza got the win in relief of Tovar with the help of a 5 run Charros 7th. Manny Acosta worked the 9th for the Charros. Jose Pina took the loss for the Yaquis de Obregon.

There was playoff electricity in the air from the 12,005 people in attendence at the stadium as Marco Tovar set the Yaquis down in order and the Charros came to bat. The Charros would score in the bottom of the 1st. Manny Rodriguez was hit by a pitch. Leo Heras and Japhet Amador drew walks and Jon Weber singled to right to score Rodriguez for the early 1-0 Charros lead.                                                               

Manny Rodriguez Hit by Pitch

One of the strangest plays of the year happened in the bottom of the second. Gabriel Gutierrez was hit by a pitch with one out. Jesus Lopez singled with Gutierrez stopping at second. Eduardo Arredondo then hit a ball that he thought went off his foot that would have been a foul ball. No foul call was made by the home plate ump and the ball went to the pitcher who threw to the shortstop covering second to force out Lopez. The relay to first went wild but because Arredondo was hobbling at home and didn't run, the Yaquis retrieved the errant throw and got Arredondo at first to end the inning.

JC Linares drew a base on balls to lead off the 5th for Obregon. Two outs and a sacrifice bunt later,  Said Gutierrez reached safely on an error by the Charros CJ Retherford that scored Linares with the tying run. Corey Wimberly then doubled down the line in left. A fan in the seats along the wall grabbed the ball for a fan interference ground rule double. Tovar then got Jose Chaves to ground out to second to end the inning, but the score was tied at 1.

The Yaquis threatened in the 7th when Corey Wimberly and Jose Chaves singled with two outs. Mario Mendoza came on in relief of Tovar and struck out Yunesky Sanchez to end the inning.

Jesus Lopez reached for the Charros in the bottom of the 7th when the Yaquis left fielder dropped Lopez' fly ball. Lopez was not running on the fly ball and only reached first when he should easily have been on second. Eduardo Arredondo then hit into a 6-4 fielder's choice that cut down Lopez at second. Manny Rodriguez singled to put runners on first and second with one out. Japhet Amador singled to score Arredondo and Jon Weber followed with a single to right that scored Rodriguez and Heras. CJ Retherford waited out a walk to load the bases again for Jalisco and Marquez Smith came through with a two run single that plated Amador and Weber. The Charros had scored 5 runs and had a 6-1 lead. Mario Mendoza and Manny Acosta did the rest.    

Marquez Smith 2 Run Single

4 Elected To MLB's Hall of Fame

Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio were elected to the class of 2015 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

Johnson, a 5 time winner of the National League Cy young award, had 303 wins and 4875 strikeouts, second only to Nolan Ryan's 5714, and was named on 92.7% of the ballots.

Martinez went 219-100 while striking out 3154 and won the American League Cy Young Award 3 times. Pedro was a big reason behind the Red Sox winning the 2004 World Series and led the Majors in ERA 5 times. Martinez becomes the second Dominican to be named to the Hall of Fame along with Juan Marichal. 

"So many people in the Dominican Republic and so many people all over the world got to know me as a player but not as a person," Martinez said during an interview with MLB Network. "What I mean to the Dominican Republic -- it was a great honor to just have the opportunity to go on the first ballot."

Smoltz, named on 82.9% of the ballots, was 213-155 for his career with 154 saves, the only Major League pitcher with 200+ wins and 150+ saves.

"I'm honored, I'm humbled, and when the phone call came I was, for the first time ever, speechless," Smoltz told MLB Network.

Craig Biggio, who played his entire 20 career with the Houston Astros, had 3060 hits during his career and, although not well known outside of Houston, or baseball circles for that matter, was a tireless performer who was always rated in the top 10 of the three positions he played, catcher, outfielder and his permanent nove to 2nd base.

Congratulations to these 4 fine baseball players!

Charros Sweep Venados 4 Games to 0

JALISCO ADVANCES TO SECOND ROUND OF PLAYOFFS

Jalisco is into the second round of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico playoffs with the four game sweep of the Venados de Mazatlan. Orlando Lara pitched an outstanding game, going 7 innings, scattering 5 hits, walking 1 and striking out 5 to earn the win. Timely hitting by the offense turned 8 hits into the 4 runs scored for the victory.

The Charros scored early, plating 2 runs in the 2nd on a single to center by Jon Weber and a home run to left by Marquez Smith. Jalisco took the lead 2-0 and coasted to the win.    

Marquez Smith Home Run/Straffonimages

Jalisco added to their lead in the top of the 5th. Gabriel Gutierrez singled with one out and moved to second when Eduardo Arredondo was safe at first on an error by the Venados third baseman, Ronnier Mustelier. Manny Rodriguez came through with a single to center that score Gutierrez for the 3-0 lead but Arredondo was thrown out at third for the final out of the inning. Arredondo was hurt on the play and left the game to be replaced by Edson Garcia. No word was given on the extent of the injury to Arredondo.

Leo Heras walked to lead off the 8th for the Charros. He moved to second on an errant pick off attempt, moved to third on a ground out by Japhet Amador and scored on a single to right  by CJ Retherford. The insurance run had the Charros up 4-0.

Arredondo Injury/Straffonimages

With one out in the Venados half of the 8th, Paul Leon singled to center. Jesus Fabela followed with a single with Leon stopping at second. Ronnier Mustelier singled to score Leon as Mazatlan cut the lead to 4-1.

The Venados threatened in the bottom of the 9th when Blake Gailen and Heber Gomez led off with back-to-back singles. Charros reliever, Manny Acosta got Erick Rodriguez to hit into a double play and Jesus Castillo to ground out to second to end the game.

This series was a team effort from the first game. The pitching was unbelievably good by all four Charros starters but Marquez Smith started the scoring in all four games, either drawing a walk and coming around to score or the home run in game 4. Marquez Smith is my choice for the Most Valuable Player in the first round series.

Jalisco Bests Mazatlan In Game 3 of the Series

CHARROS HANG ON TO BEAT VENADOS 3-2

Jalisco scored 3 runs in the first five innings and hung on to defeat the Venados de Mazatlan 3-2 and take a commanding 3 games to none lead in the first round best of seven series in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico playoffs.

The Charros used another lead off walk to Marquez Smith to open the scoring in the top of the 3rd. After a Gabriel Gutierrez ground out moved Smith to second, Eduardo Arredondo singled to center to drive in Smith for the 1-0 Charros lead.         

Marquez Smith Scores from Charros Facebook

  

In the 4th, Leo Heras led off with a single and Japhet Amador walked. A sacrifice bunt by Jon Weber advanced the runners and Heras scored on a CJ Retherford ground out to first for the 2-0 lead.

Gabriel Gutierrez started the 5th for Jalisco by reaching on an error by the Venados shortstop. After Jesus Lopez flied out to center, Gutierrez moved to third on a grounder to first and scored on a Manny Rodriguez single to right to put the Charros up 3-0 through five innings.

The Venados scored a run in the bottom of the 6th on a single by Jesus Fabela and consecutive walks to Oswaldo Morejon, Blake Gailen and Ronnier Mustelier that scored Fabela. Reliever Carlos Vazquez got Jesus Castillo to ground into a fielder's choice for the third out and Jalisco maintained a 3-1 lead.

Heber Gomez drew a walk to start the bottom of the 7th for the Venados and went to second on a ground out by Erick Rodriguez. After a pitching change by the Charros, Albino Contreras singled to score Gomez and the Venados had cut the lead to 3-2 Charros.

Mario Mendoza came in to pitch the 9th for the Charros and set the Venados down to preserve the win for Jalisco starter Juan Delgadillo and pick up his 3rd save of the series.

Delgadillo went 5 1/3 innings giving up 3 hits and a run while walking 2 and striking out 5. Hugo castellanos, Carlos Vazquez, Manuel Flores, Ivan salas and Adrian Rameriz were credited with holds and Mendoza picked up the save.

Eduardo Arredondo, Manny rodriguez and CJ Retherford had RBIs for the Charros.

Panthers Use Defense To Stifle Cardinals in NFL Wild Card Game

The smothering Panthers defense held the Arizona Cardinals to 78 total yards on 47 offensive plays to defeat the Cardinals 27-16 in the first of the four wild card games this weekend.

Although Ryan Lindley completed 16 of 28 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, he was intercepted twice and sacked 4 times for 31 yards.

Cam Newton threw 2 TDs on an 18 for 32 day passing and 198 yards. Newton was intercepted once.

Jonathan Stewart carried the ball 24 times for the Panthers and racked up 122 yards and a touchdown.

Read the entire ESPN recap here.

Charros First Round Series With Venados Continues

CHARROS TAKE GAME 2, 2-0

The second game of the series between the Charros de Jalisco and the Venados de Mazatlan went to the Charros, 2-0, behind the pitching of starter Ben Koslowski, who pitched seven strong innings, and 3 relievers who held the Venaods scoreless. Mario Mendoza picked up his second save in as many days in the series. The series moves to Mazatlan for the next three games and would return to Guadalajara on Thursday the 8th if necessary.    

Ben Kozlowski courtesy Charros Jalisco

The Charros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd. As in game 1, Marquez Smith led off the inning by drawing a base on balls. Gabriel Gutierrez singled to center with Smith stopping at second. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch by the Venados starter, Anthony Vasquez. Eduardo Arredondo hit a sac fly to right that scored Smith and Jalisco broke on top 1-0 after three innings.

With two outs in the bottom of the 7th, Jon Weber doubled and came in to score on a double by Marquez Smith. The Charros had their second run and the final score of 2-0.

Eduardo Arredondo was 2 for 3 with an RBI. Jon Weber went 1 for 3 with a run scored and Marquez Smith, hitting .600 for the series, was 2 for 2 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Gabriel Gutierrez, batting .800 for the series, was 1 for 2 with a walk.

Playoff Baseball Returns to Guadalajara

CHARROS TOP VENADOS 4-1 TO TAKE GAME 1

The 2014 Liga de Mexicana del Pacifico regular season has come to an end and the Charros de Jalisco have finished as the top seed in their first year in the league. Jalisco started off the post season with a 4-1 win over the Venados de Mazatlan to go up 1 game to none in the best of seven series.

Marquez Smith got things going for the Charros in the bottom of the 3rd by drawing a lead off walk. Gabriel Gutierrez followed with a double to move Smith to third. Jesus Lopez then hit a sac fly to center that scored Smith and moved Gutierrez to third. Gutierrez scored when the Venados third baseman threw wild to first on a ground ball off the bat of Manny Rodriguez. The Charros led 2-0 and never looked back.

The Venados got a run back in the top of the 4th on a double by Ronnier Mustelier and a single by Olmo Rosario to cut the lead to 2-1 Charros.

Jalisco scored in the bottom of the 6th on singles by Leo Heras and Japhet Amador and a single by Charros newcomer, Jon Weber, formerly of the Mayos de Navojoa, that scored Heras for the 3-1 Jalisco lead.

The Charros scored their final run on a lead off, solo home run by Marquez Smith in the bottom of the 7th for the final score of 4-1.

Starting pitcher for the Charros, Marco Tovar, picked up the win, going 6 innings while scattering 7 hits, walking 1 and striking out 3. Mario Mendoza notched the save by pitching a perfect 9th inning.

Gabriel Gutierrez was 3 for 3 with a double and a run scored. Marquez went 1 for 3 with the home run, an RBI and 2 runs scored while Jon Weber was 1 for 4 with an RBI

Steelers Stop Bengals 27-17

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night 27-17 to claim the AFC North title with an 11-5 record. The Bengals are a wild card team with a 10-5-1 record.

Ben Roethlisberger completed 24 of 38 passes for 317 yards and 1 touchdown as the Steeler defense stifled the Bengal offense all night.

Andy Dalton threw for 244 yards on 27 of 38 passing for 2 touchdowns but he was also intercepted twice.

Jeremy Hill rushed for 100 yards on 23 carries for Cincinnati while the Bengal defense held the Steelers to just 30 yards on the ground on 16 carries.

Read the ESPN recap here.

Cavs Pounded by Pistons 103-80

The headline is correct. The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the lowly Detroit Pistons, in Cleveland, by 27 points.

There really isn't an excuse for the loss and LeBron James says it plainly..."We're not a very good team".

Dave McMenamin had these quotes in an ESPN story:

"We're not a very good team," James said after the defeat dropped the Cavs to 18-12. "As far as on the court, we're still trying to find our way as well. We've won some good games, we've lost some games. But right now, we're just not very good in every aspect of the game that we need to be to compete every night."

It was so bad against Detroit that the Cavs were booed off the court by their hometown fans during a third-quarter timeout amid the Pistons outscoring Cleveland 86-52 over the final three quarters.

There are still a lot of games left in the season but the Cavs need to stop talking about coming together on the court and start coming together on the court. 

Harbaugh and 49ers "Mutually Agree" to Part Ways

As if anyone doubted that Jim Harbaugh would leave the 49ers following this season, ownership, this evening, announced that the team and the coach have "mutually agreed" to part ways.

Paul Gutierrez has these quotes in an article for ESPN.com.

"Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions," Niners CEO Jed York said in the statement. "We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers. He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise throughout its history. Their commitment and hard work resulted in a period of success that should be looked back on proudly by our organization and our fans. We wish Jim and his family all the best."

"For the last four seasons I have had the great privilege to coach one of the storied franchises in the history of football," Harbaugh said in the statement. "We accomplished many great things together as a team during this period, which is a tribute to the incredible efforts of some of the most dedicated players and coaches in the NFL. I will miss competing alongside this group of players and coaches, I have the utmost respect and admiration for their hard work and support. It has been my honor to share the sideline with these mighty men. I will always appreciate and remember fondly, the passion and support of our Faithful fans, and want to express my particular thanks to them."

Look for Harbaugh to take over the head coaching position at the University of Michigan, his alma mater. I think the announcement will come before the playoffs start.

Charros Come from Behind to Beat Venados 12-7

Hugo Castellanos recorded the win for Jalisco on Sunday over the Venados de Mazatlan as the Charros took game two of the final series of the year by a score of 12-7. The game was all Venados until the Charros exploded for 7 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning.

Mazatlan jumped on Charros starter Marco Tovar for 3 runs in the top of the 1st. Blake Gailen hit a solo home run to right with one out. Ronnier Mustelier, who had doubled, scored in front of a home run by Olmo Rosario to give the visiting Venados a 3-0 lead.

The Charros fought back in their half of the inning. After Eduardo Arredondo and Manny Rodriguez fouled out, Leo Heras walked, Japhet Amador singled and CJ Retherford drew a base on balls to load the bases. Gabriel Gutierrez came through with a double to score Heras and Amador to cut the Venados lead to 3-2.                                                               

Japhet Amador  Scores Courtesy of Carros Jalisco Beisbol

Jalisco tied the score in the 3rd when Eduardo Arredondo tripled with two outs and scored when the Mazatlan shortstop botched a ground ball by Manny Rodriguez.

Ronnier Mustelier doubled with one out in the 3rd for Mazatlan and scored on a single by Heber Gomez as the Venados retook the lead 4-3.

The Venados added to their lead in the 4th on a triple by Jesus Fabela and a single by Blake Gailen to increase the Venados lead to 5-3.

Jesus Fabela singled with one out in the 6th and scored on a double by Blake Gailen. Oswaldo Morejon's single scored Gailen and Mazatlan extended their lead to 7-3.

Eduardo Arredondo singled to lead off the Charros 7th and scored on Manny Rodriguez' eighth home run of the year as Jalisco kept fighting to narrow the lead to 7-5 Mazatlan.          

Rodriguez Home Run Courtesy of Charros Jalisco Beisbol

The 8th inning was all Charros. CJ Retherford singled to lead off the inning and went to second on a single by Gabriel Gutierrez. Marquez Smith drew a free pass to load the bases. After a pitching change for Mazatlan, Jesus Lopez singled to score Retherford. Edson Garcia hit a sac fly to right that scored Gutierrez. Eduardo Arredondo then singled to reload the bases. Manny Rodriguez drilled a single to left to score Smith and Lopez and the Charros had their first lead of the game at 9-7. After Jalisco pulled off a double steal, the Venados chose to walk Leo Heras to load the bases and bring up the league leader in RBIs, Japhet Amador. Amador delivered a single that scored Arredondo and Rodriguez for an 11-7 lead. CJ Retherford hit into a 6-4 fielder's choice that gave the Charros a 12-7 victory over Mazatlan.

Eduardo Arredondo was 2 for 5 with a triple and 2 runs scored while Manny Rodriguez had a home run and 4 RBIs as he went 2 for 5. Gabriel Gutierrez went 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBIs. Japhet Amador drove in 2 runs, his 53rd and 54th on the season, going 3 for 5 while scoring a run.

Jalisco is a league best 42-25 overall and 21-11 in the second half. They have clinched the best record in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico as the Tomateros de Culiacan are 4 1/2 games back with one game to play.

Harbaugh to Meet University of Michigan Officials

Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com has filed a story on two representatives from the University of Michigan meeting with San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh. Gutierrez notes that Harbaugh has one year remaining on his contract with the 49ers.

Read the article by Paul Gutierrez here.

Charros Smother Venados de Mazatlan 9-4

The Venados de Mazatlan came to Guadalajara for the final 3 games of the regular season and lost the first game to the Charros by a 9-4 score.

The Charros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th on a single by CJ Retherford, a sacrifice bunt by Edson Garcia and a double by Gabriel Gutierrez that scored Retherford for the 1-0 Jalisco lead.

Jalisco scored again in the bottom of the 5th on a throwing error, a fielder's choice that the Venados pitcher threw away and a single by Manny Rodriguez that scored Jesus Lopez for a 2-0 lead.

With one out in the Charros 6th, Edson Garcia doubled to right and scored on a Gabriel Gurierrez single. The Charros were up 3-0 after 6 innings.

The Venados would score two runs in their half of the 7th. Jesus Castillo doubled, Heber Gomez walked, and a single by Erick Rodriguez scored Castillo. A sac fly to center by Hector Paez scored pinch runner Paul Leon and the Vendados had cut the Charros lead to 3-2.

Eduardo Arredondo singled to lead off the home half of the 7th, stole second and scored on a double to left by Leo Heras. Japhet Amador was walked intentionally and CJ Retherford flew out to right to get Heras to third. Mazatlan reliever, Francisco Felix, then threw a wild pitch that scored Heras and moved Amador to second. After Edson Garcia and Gabriel Gutierrez walked, Fernando Valenzuela doubled to right to score Amador and Garcia for the 7-2 Charros lead.

Manny Rodriguez connected for his 7th home run of the year in the Jalisco 8th, a two run shot to left that scored Eduardo Arredondo to increase the Charros lead to 9-2.

Mazatlan refused to give up. In the top of the 9th, after Ivan Salas replaced Adrian Ramirez for the Charros, Jesus Fabela and Hector Paez singled. With one out, Oswaldo Morejon singled to score Fabela with Paez stopping at second. Ronnier Mustelier singled to plate Paez but Sean Gleason got Olmo Rosario to ground into a 6-4 fielder's choice that ended the game with the Charros 9-4 victory.

Manuel Flores picked up the win for Jalisco to improve to 2-1 on the year. Flores went 6 innings, scattering 6 hits while striking out 3 and holding the Venados scoreless. Fredy Quintero dropped to 3-4 with the loss.

Manny Rodriguez was 3 for 5 with the home run, 3 RBIs, giving him 40 on the year, and a run scored as he raised his batting average to .335. Gabriel Gutierrez went 3 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Leo Heras had a double and a single in his 5 trips to the plate with an RBI.

The Charros are now 41-25 overall and 20-11 in the second half. The Venados de Mazatlan fall to 30-35 overall and 14-17 for the second half.

Penn State Wins 31-30 in OT in New Era Pin Stripe Bowl

The Nittany Lions, in their 1st Bowl Game since the Sandusky scandal, beat Boston College 31-30, in overtime, in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.

Christian Hackenberg completed 34 of 50 passes for 371 yards and 4 touchdowns for Penn State.

Tyler Murphy threw just 19 passes for the Eagles and completed 11 of them for 97 yards and 2 TDs. Murphy also had 11 caries for 105 yards and a touchdown as Boston College rushed for 285 yards. Jon Hilliman was the leading rusher for Boston College with 25 carries for 148 yards and a touchdown.

The game came down to a missed PAT by Boston College's Mike Knoll.

Check out the ESPN Box Score here.

NFL Picks Week 17

After an 8-8 week I've decided on a new strategy for picking the winners. This new plan will only work for the last week of games because I need 15 weeks of data.

I took an average of the scores by every team to pick my winners. 3 games should be toss ups, SD @ KC, CHI @ Minn and ARI @ SF.

I went against the scores in one contest, PHIL @ NYG because the Eagles will be down after elimination and Mark Sanchez is their QB.

Here Goes:

(W)Cleveland @ Baltimore     Ravens 26-19     Back to the drawing board at QB for Browns
(W)Dallas @ Washington     Cowboys 28-19     How bout them Cowboys
(W)Indianapolis @ Tennessee     Colts 29-16     Unless all the Colts rest
(W)Jacksonville @ Houston     Texans 23-15     JJ Watt sets record for TDs by DL
(L)San Diego @ Kansas City     Chargers 23-22     Go Bolts, make me a winner
(L)NY Jets @ Miami     Dolphins 24-16     Sad goodbye to Rex Ryan
(L)Chicago @ Minnesota     Bears 21-20     This is a hard one to pick
(L)Buffalo @ New England     Patriots 31-24     Patriots rest but still win
(L)Philadelphia @ NY Giants     Giants 24-17     Eagles are just bad the last 4 weeks
(W)New Orleans @ Tampa Bay     Saints 25-17     There must be a passing record for Brees to get
(L)Carolina @ Atlanta     Falcons 25-20     Falcons can win NFC South...Yes a team will be in
(W)Detroit @ Green Bay     Packers 30-20     Rodgers just getting warmed up,,,again
(W)Oakland @ Denver     Broncos 29-19     Offense starts with Peyton...he said so!
(L)Arizona @ San Francisco     Cardinals 19-18     Lindley, Lindley, he's our man!
(W)St. Louis @ Seattle     Seahawks 25-21     No trick plays this time Fisher
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh     Steelers 25-21     "No Bengals victory in Pittsburgh" says Ben

Charros de Jalisco Drop Final Game With Obregon 6-3

The Yaquis de Obregon won their final meeting of the regular season with the Charros on Christmas Day, winning 6-3 behind the pitching of Jose Pina, who gave up 3 runs on 3 hits over 7 innings. Kenneth Sims took the loss for Jalisco to fall to 1-2 on the year.

Sergio Contreras got things going for Obregon in the bottom of the 2nd, drawing a one out walk. After stealing second, Contreras scored on a single to right by Robert Saucedo. 

The Charros duplicated the Yaquis scoring plan in the top of the 3rd. With two outs, Israel Nunez was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on an Eduardo Arredondo single to center to tie the score at 1.

Obregon went ahead 2-1 in the 3rd. After loading the bases on a single, a walk and a hit batsman, Esteban Quiroz hit into a 4-6-3 double play that scored Daniel Castro.

Armando Araiza doubled to lead off the 5th for the Yaquis, advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Daniel Castro and scored on a single by Carlos Figueroa to increase the Obregon lead to 3-1.

Donell Linares hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the 6th for Obregon and Sergio Contreras scored from third on a double play grounder by Robert Saucedo to make the game 5-1 Yaquis. 

Jalisco scored twice in the top of the 7th. With one out, Gabriel Gutierrez waited out a walk, Amadeo Zazueta singled and Gutierrez scored on a single by Fernando Valenzuela, Ivan Araujo ground into a force out that scored Zazueta and the Charros had cut the lead to 5-3.

The Yaquis scored a run in the bottom of the 8th to reach the final score of 6-3 Obregon.

Despite the loss, the Charros still lead the league with a 40-25 record and 4 games to go in the regular season. Jalisco is 3 games ahead of the Tomateros de Culiacan and 4 1/2 games ahead of the Aguilas de Mexicali. The Charros are 1 game in front of the Tomateros in the second half with a 19-11 record.

ESPN's Best College Football Quotes of 2014

I guess you could say South Carolina and Baylor should be playing for the National Championship.

Read the quotes here.

Jalisco Takes game 2 of Series With Yaquis, 7-1

Game two of the series with Obregon on Tuesday the 23rd of December went to the Charros by a 7-1 score. Orlando Lara is now 7-3 on the year with the win and Japhet Amador hit his 13th home run of the season.

Manny Rodriguez singled and scored on a single to center by Leo Heras that the Yaquis center fielder mis played and threw away trying to get Rodriguez at home. Heras went to third on the throw. After Japhet Amador walked, CJ Retherford hit a grounder to third that scored Heras for the quick 2-0 Charros lead.

Christian Villanueva hiy a solo home run to left for Obregon in the bottom of the 1st that proved to be the only run the Yaquis would score on the day.

The Charros exploded for 4 runs in the top of the 5th. Ivan Araujo walked to lead off the inning. Amadeo Zazueta struck out but Edson Garcia was hit by a pitch to put two runners on for Jalisco. Manny Rodriguez skyed out to center moving Araujo to third. With Leo Heras up the Charros pulled off a double steal with Araujo swoping home and Garcia taking second. Heras reached when the Yaquis left fielder dropped a fly ball that scored Garcia. Japhet Amador followed with a 2 run shot to center and the Jalisco lead was up to 6-1.

Fernando Valenzuela walked to lead off the 9th for Jalisco and scored on 3 wild pitches by the Obregon reliever, the Charros would win this game 7-1.

Charros Best Obregon, 7-3

The Charros de Jalisco visited Obregon on Monday the 22nd for the start of a three game series with the Yaquis and took the first game by a 7-3 score. Juan Delgadillo picked up his second win in a row to improve to 3-6 and CJ Retherford hit his sixth home run of the season.

Obregon scored in the bottom of the 1st on a single by Esteban Quiroz, a stolen base and a double to right by Brad Nelson as the Yaquiz took a 1-0 lead.

CJ Retherford hit a solo home run to left in the top of the 2nd to tie the score at 1.

The Charros took the lead in the top of the 4th. Leo Heras led off with a triple and Japhet Amador walked. With one out, CJ Retherford hit a grounder to third that scored Heras with the go ahead run and a 2-1 Charros advantage.

Amadeo Zazueta and Israel Nunez singled for Jalisco in the top of the 5th. Both runners advanced on a ground ball to first. Zazueta scored on a single by Manny Rodriguez and Leo Heras walked to load the bases. Japhet Amador hit a sac fly to left to drive in Nunez and the Charros led 4-1.

The Yaquis made a run at the Charros in the 6th. With one out Esteban Quiroz singled and Christian Villanueva drew a base on balls. Brad Nelson singled to left to load the bases. Ivan Zavala relieved Juan Delgadillo for Jalisco and gave up a single to Carlos Valencia that scored Quiroz and Villanueva. Obregon had cut the lead to 4-3 but that is as close as they would get.

Manny Rodriguez singled and scored on a double by Leo Heras in the top of the 7th. Japhet Amador singled to score Heras and the Charros had increased their lead to 6-3.

In the top of the 9th, Eduardo Arredondo singled, stole second, went to third on a Manny Rodriguez ground out and scored on a single by Leo Heras for the final 7-3 score

Best Sound Bites From 2014

Yahoo Sports Best Sound Bites of 2014

Most Clicked on 2014 Stories on Yahoo Sports

It's that time of the year when we look back 2014 to remember the sports stories we all came to love/hate.

Here is 2014 in retrospect byYahoo Sports

Top Five Plays to Watch From Sunday's NFL Games

I don't like to put just links on my main page but these really are "must see" plays.

Thanks to Yahoo's Shutdown Corner Videos

Caneros Stop Charros Win Streak At 8 In A Row

los Mochis snapped the longest winning streak of the year for the Charros with a 4-3 victory on Sunday.

The Caneros scored three runs in the bottom of the 1st off of Jalisco starter Marco Tovar. Greg Golson drew a lead off walk and went to third on a single to right by Antonio Lamas. Golson scored on a double by Luis Terrero and Lamas scored on a grounder to short with Terrero moving to third. Saul Soto hit a sac fly to right that scored Terrero for the 3-0 Caneros lead.

Eduardo Arredondo led off the 3rd for the Charros by waiting out a base on balls. Arredondo advanced to second on a passed ball and scored on a ground rule double to right by Manny Rodriguez. Jalisco had cut the lead to 3-1.

The Charros tied the game in the 5th on a double by Eduardo Arredondo and Leo Heras' 9th home run of the year. The score was tied at 3 apiece.

David Kopp replaced Marco Tovar in the bottom of the 7th and gave up a two out, solo home run to Luis Terrero that gave the Caneros the 4-3 final margin of victory.

Leo Heras was 1 for 4 on the night with the home run and 2 RBIs while Manny Rodriguez went 2 for 4 with his 23rd double of the year and an RBI.

David Kopp took the loss to fall to 1-1 on the season while Carlos Fisher got the win for los Mochi to improve to 3-1 for the Caneros.

8 In A Row - Charros Beat los Mochis 6-5

With a two run rally in the 7th inning, the Charros overtook the Caneros 6-5 for their 8th win in a row, a 39-23 record overall in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, and alone at the top of the second half standings at 17-9.

The Charros started quickly against the Caneros de los Mochis. Marquez Smith singled to drive in Leo Heras for the early 1-0 lead.

Greg Golson drew a walk to lead off the Caneros half of the 1st, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, stole third and scored on a single by Carlos Pedroso to tie the game at 1 all.

Jalisco scored three runs in the top of the 5th to take a 4-1 lead. Manny Rodriguez led off with a single and stole second. Leo Heras singled to left with Rodriguez stopping at third. CJ Retherford singled to score Rodriguez. After Marguez Smith struck out, Jesus Cota singled to score Heras and move Retherford to third. Gabriel Gutierrez grounded out to first as Retherford scored to give the lead to the Charros.

The Caneros struck back in the bottom of the 5th. Justin Christian led off with a double and scored on a single to center by Juan Gamboa. With one out, Greg Golson tripled to score Gamboa. Jesus Arredondo walked and stole second. Golson scored on a ground ball to third and the score was knotted at 4.

los Mochis loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 6th and Charros reliever, Hogo Castellanos hit Greg Golson with a pitch forcing in Luis Terrero with the go ahead run for the Caneros at 5-4.

Jalisco fought back in the 7th. Leo Heras singled and with two outs, Jesus Cota singled with Heras moving to third. Gabriel Gutierrez singled to score Heras and Jesus Lopez doubled to drive in Cota. The Charros had regained the lead and the eventual final winning score of 6-5

Charros win 7th in a Row - Top Caneros 6-4

It took 10 innings but the Charros topped the Caneros de los Mochis 6-4 to win their 7th game in a row and catch Mexicali for the 2nd half lead in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico.

Jesus Lopez started things off for the Charros in the top of the 3rd by hitting a solo home run to left to lead off and give Jalisco a 1-0 lead.         

Leo Heras' Home Run courtesy of Charros Jalisco Beisbol

The Caneros scored in the bottom of the 3rd on two errors by the Charros and a sacrifice bunt by Greg Golson that scored Yancarlo Angulo and the game was tied at 1.

Leo Heras singled to lead off the 6th and Japhet Amador followed with a base on balls. After Marquez Smith's ground out moved the runners up, CJ Retherford cleared the bases with his 5th home run of the season and a 4-1 Charros lead.

los Mochis had two outs and a man on second in the bottom of the 7th when Yancarlo Angulo was hit by a pitch by Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski. Juan Gamboa singled to right to score Saul Soto to cut the lead to 4-2. Adrian Gonzalez entered the game in relief and gave up a single to Greg Golson that scored Angulo. Antonio Lamas singled to right to score Gamboa and the Caneros had tied the game at 4-4.

The score remained tied through regulation. CJ Retherford walked to lead off the Charros half of the 10th inning. Gabriel Gutierrez sacrificed Retherford to second and after Jesus Lopez flied out to center for the second out, Edson Garcia singled to score Retherford. Garcia, who had taken second on the throw to the plate, moved to third on a wild pitch. Eduardo Arredondo singled to score Garcia and when Mario Mendoza pitched a perfect bottom of the 10th, the Charros had the 6-4 victory.

Mendoza picked up the win in relief to improve to 1-1 on the year while lowering his ERA to 2.66. Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski, went 6 2/3 innings, charged with 4 runs on just 4 hits with a walk and 3 strikeouts. Santiago Gutierrez took the loss for los Mochis to drop to 2-5 on the season.

CJ Retherford was 2 for 4 on the night with a 3 run home run and 2 runs scored. Manny Rodriguez, Leo Heras, Jesus Lopez and Edson Garcia were all 2 for 5.

The Charros are now 37-23 overall in the league, 2 games ahead of the Aguilas de Mexicali and 16-9 in the second half, tied with the Aguilas.

Battle of 2-12 Teams Goes to Jacksonville

A battle of 2-12 teams that could determine who gets a shot at Marcus Mariota in the spring draft, was won by the Jacksonville Jaguars over the Tennessee Titans 21-13.

Tennessee took a 10 nothing lead before Blake Bortles hit Marcedes Lewis with a 4 yard pass with :31 seconds on the clock in the 1st half.

Toby Gerhart scored on a 1 yard run in the 3rd quarter to put the Jags ahead 14-10. Jordan Todman broke loose on a 62 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter to put Jacksonville up 21 10 with 9:13 left in the game.
Ryan Succop  hit a 23 yard field goal with about 6 minutes to go to put the score at 21-13 and the Titans were driving when Charlie Whitehurst was sacked on the last play of the game to seal the win for the Jaguars.

Naranjeros Swept By Charros

The Naranjeros de Hermosillo visited Zapopan for three games and the Charros won all three games.

Jalisco started off the scoring on Thursday night in the bottom of the 1st as Manny Rodriguez drove a pitch from Hermosillo starter, Alfredo Aceves, over the left field wall for a quick 1-0 Charros lead.

The Naranjeros threatened in the top of the 3rd. Jose Cardona hit a one out triple off the wall in center field but the Jalisco starter, Orlando Lara, got Jose Aguilar to fly out to shallow right and Carlos Gastelum to ground out to short to end the inning with no damage done.

The Charros built on their lead in the 4th on a Marquez Smith double to right and a run scoring double to center by Jesus Cota. Fernando Valenzuela followed, one out later, with a single to left that scored Cota but Valenzuela was out at second on a good throw by the Hermosillo left fielder. The Charros had a 3-0 lead.

Mermosillo got a run back in the top of the 6th on Jose Amador's 9th home run of the season to cut the Charros lead to 3-1.

Orlando Lara picked up the win to move to 6-3 on the year with 6 1/3 innings on the mound. Lara gave up 1 run while scattering 6 hits, walking none and striking out 3. Mario Mendoza got his second save of the season pitching a scoreless 9th. Alfredo Aceves took the loss for the Naranjeros to drop to 5-6 on the year.

Manny Rodriguez went 2 for 3 with his 6th home run of the year, an RBI and a run scored. Gabriel Gutierrez was 1 for 2 on the night to raise his average to .280.

Jalisco climbs to 36-23 overall and 14-9 in the second half of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico.

Charros Take 2 From Naranjeros 3-2 and 7-0

The Charros de Jalisco have taken the first two games of a three game series with the Naranjeros de Hermosillo by scores of 3-2 and 7-0.

Ivan salas got the win in the 3-2 victory pitching the top of the 9th in relief of Adrian Ramirez who had given up a 2 run home run to Jose Amador that had tied the game at 2 apiece.

Jalisco opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd on a sac fly that scored Amadeo Zazueta for the 1-0 lead.

The Charros added a run in the bottom of the 8th when Amadeo Zazueta singled and went to third on an errant pick off attempt. Zazueta scored on a single by Israel Nunez to give the Charros a short lived 2-0 lead.

After Hermisillo had tied the game in the top of the 9th, Edson Garcia, of the Charros hit a walk off single in the bottom of the 9th to score Ivan Araujo with the winning run and the 3-2 victory for the Charros.


Jalisco improved to 35-23 overall and 14-9 in the second half of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico season with the 7-0 win on Wednesday night. Juan Delgadillo improved to 2-6 on the year with 6 strong innings of 2 hit ball with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts.

The Charros scored two runs in the bottom of the 1st on a sac fly by Leo Heras that scored Eduardo Arredondo and a ground out by Japhet Amador that plated Manny Rodriguez for the 2-0 lead.

Manny Rodriguez singled to right in the 2nd that scored Eduardo Arredondo for a 3-0 Charros lead.

The same tandem scored a run in the 4th as Arredondo, who had singled and moved to second on a balk, scored on a single to left by Rodriguez that upped the lead to 4-0.

Leo Heras led off the 7th for Jalisco with his 8th home run of the year, a solo shot to right for a 5-0 lead. With two outs, CJ Retherford singled to left and IvanAraujo drew a base on balls. Amadeo Zazueta followed with a double that scored Retherford and Araujo for the final two runs and the 7-0 final score.

NFL Game Picks Week 16

After an 11-5 week last week, thank you Aaron Rogers and Chip Kelly, I'm sure to knock 'em dead this week.

(L) Tennessee @ Jacksonville     Titans 20-17     Tossup. Titans defense wins
(L)Philadelphia @ Washington     Eagles 28-24     Eagles O too fast
(W)San Diego @ San Francisco     Chargers 30-21     Harbaugh looking East
(W)Minnesota @ Miami     Dolphins 20-17     Tossup. Going with the home team
(L)Baltimore @ Houston     Ravens 20-13  Defensive struggle...Ravens with too much O
(W)Detroit @ Chicago     Lions 28-13     Cutler out...Goodbye Bears
(L)Cleveland @ Carolina     Browns 20-10     Why...I don't know
(L)Atlanta @ New Orleans     Saints 30-24     Brees wants to get to 8-8
(W)Green Bay @ Tampa Bay     Packers 35-13     It was too cold in Buffalo
(W)Kansas City @ Pittsburgh     Steelers 17-13     Good D by both teams
(W)New England @ NY Jets     Patriots 30-13     Brady or Smith...Brady
(L)NY Giants @ St. Louis     Rams 20-10     Not much O but good D in STL
(W)Buffalo @ Oakland     Raiders 17-12     I don't know...Raiders D
(L)Indianapolis @ Dallas     Colts 20-17     No Murray...No win!
(W)Seattle @  Arizona     Seahawks 22-9     Lindley v. Seahawks secondary...no way!
Denver @ Cincinnati     Broncos 28-13     Manning all better this week

Saints Beat Listless Bears 31-15 on MNF

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints looked like a new team on Monday night, defeating the Chicago Bears 31-15. Brees threw for 375 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions in the win. The Saints improved to 6-8 on the year, a game in front of the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South Division.

Jay Cutler went 17 of  31 for 194 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions against a stingy, swarming Saints defense. Cutler was sacked 7 times for the game.

Read the ESPN recap here.

Golden State Warriors Have Won 16 In A Row

Check out this week's ESPN Power Rankings here.

Royals Sign Alex Rios For 1 Year at 11 Million

The kansas City Royals have signed free agent outfielder, Alex Rios to a 1 year, 11 million dollar contract to replace Norichika Aoki in right field.

Read the ESPN article here.

Dodgers Sign Brett Anderson

The LA Dodgers have signed former Colorado LHP Brett Anderson to a 1 year, 10 million Dollar deal sources said.

Read the ESPN story here.

Jason Motte to Sign With Cubs

Jason Motte, who has played his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals, has agreed to a 1 year deal with the Chicago Cubs for a reported 4.5 million dollars.

Motte missed the entire 2013 season after undergoing "tommy john" surgery.

In 2012, Motte had 42 saves and an ERA of 2.75

Kentucky Remains Unanimous #1 in Men's Basketball

The 11-0 Kentucky Wildcats remained the unanimous #1 in the NCAA Men's Baskaetball AP Top 10. Two days after losing Alex Poythress, their leading scorer, to an ACL injury, the Wildcats beat North Carolina 84-70.

Duke, Arizona, Louisville and Wisconsin remain unchanged to round out the top 5.

The top 7 spots remain the same with Virginia at #6 and Villanova at #7. Gonzaga leapfrogged Texas for the 8th spot and Kansas remained at #10. Wichita State is at 11 and Ohio State comes in at #12.

MLB Signings of Note This Week

Chase Headley is reported to have signed a 4 year 52 million dollar contract with the NY Yankees. Headley was traded to the Yankees prior to the deadline in 2014 and hit a combined .243 with 13 HRs and 49 RBIs last season.

The Chicago White Sox have signed free agent, Melky Cabrera to a 3 year 42 million dollar contract. Cabrera hit .301 with 16 home runs, 73 RBIs and 81 runs for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014.

Bryce Harper and the Washington Nationals have avoided a grievance hearing by agreeing to a 2 year 7.5 million dollar contract. In an injury plagued 2014 season, Harper nit .273 with 13 HRs and 32 RBIs.

Charros Sweep Navojoa with 5-2 Victory

The Charros de Jalisco swept the three game series with the Mayos de Navojoa with a 5-2 victory on Sunday night. Ivan Zavala pitched the 8th inning for the Charros to pick up the win while Brian Broderick notched his 16th save of the year.

Jalisco scored two runs in the top of the1st. Eduardo Arredondo singled to right and Manny Rodriguez was hit by a pitch. Leo Heras laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Japhet Amador singled to center to score Arredondo and Rodriguez for the quick 2-0 Charros lead.

The Mayos got a run back in their half of the 1st on a single by Alan Sanchez and a one out double to left by Jose Chavez that scored Sanchez to cut the Charros' lead to 2-1.

Tim Fedroff led off the bottom of the 2bd for Navojoa with a single to right. After Carlos Orrantia struck out, Fernando Flores doubled to score Fedroff and the score was tied at 2.

There would be no more runs scored by either team until the top of the 9th. Jose Lopez replaced Esteban Haro on the mound for Navojoa and got the first two batters out on fly balls to the outfield. The third batter, CJ Retherford, doubled and scored on a double to right by Edson Garcia. Jesus Lopez then singled to put runners on the corners with two outs. Lopez stole second and Garcia and Lopez both scored on a throwing error by the Navojoa shortstop on a ground ball. That made it a 5-2 ball game as Broderick pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to give the win to Zavala.

Ivan Zavala, normally an 8th inning set up man, got the win to go to 1-0 on the year with a 2.70 ERA while Jose Lopez took the loss for the 19-37 Mayos.

Edson Garcia was 1 for 1 with a double and an RBI after replacing Jesus Cota in left field. Japhet Amador was 1 for 4 with his 46th RBI of the year. CJ Retherford went 2 for 4 to up his batting average to .368 on the season.

The Charros are now 10 games over .500 at 33-23 and 12-9 for the second half. Jalisco is one full game ahead of both Mexicali and Culiacan for the overall Liga Mexicana del Pacifico lead.  

Charros Best Mayos 5-1

After falling behind 1-0 in the 1st, the Charros erupted for 5 runs in the 3rd to defeat the Mayos de Navojoa in the second game of a three game set in Navojoa.

Jose Chavez singled to start the bottom of the 1st for the Mayos. Carlos Orrantia singled to center to put runners on the corners with no outs. Jon Weber singled to score Chavez and give Navojoa a one run lead at 1-0.

The Charros bats remained quiet until the top of the 3rd when Gabriel Gutierrez singled to right to lead off the inning and went to third on a single by Ivan Araujo. Jesus Lopez singled to score Gutierrez with Araujo stopping at second. Eduardo Arredondo reached safely on a sacrifice bunt that the Mayo's first baseman misplayed to load the bases for the Charros. Manny Rodriguez hit into a double play that scored Araujo and got Lopez to third. Leo Heras drew a base on balls. Japhet Amador singled to score Lopez and move Heras to second. Heras stole third in front of a Marquez Smith walk that loaded the bases again for Jalisco. CJ Retherford singled to left to score Heras and Amador and the Charros were on top 5-1.

The Mayos only threat after the first came in the bottom of the 8th. With the benefit of 2 walks, Navojoa chased the Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski. Adrian Ramirez, on in relief, got Jose Chavez to pop out to second and Carlos Orrantia to pop out to first. Ivan Salas relieved Ramirez and got Jon Weber to fly out to left to end the threat.

Ben Koslowski went 7 innings giving up just 3 hits and 1 run, all in the 1st inning, t improve to 3-2 on the year. Kozlowski struck out 4 but also walked 4. The Mayos did not get a hit after the 1st inning.

Salvador Robles took the loss for the Mayos to fall to 1-7 on the season.

The Charros are now 32-23 overall and 11-9 in the second half of the season.

Marcus Mariota Wins Heisman Trophy

As if there was any doubt, Marcus Mariota won the Heisman Trophy for 2014.

Read the ESPN article here.

Muschamp Returns to Auburn as Defensive Coordinator

Auburn University has reportedly inked Will Muschamp to a 3year deal worth between 1.6 and 1.8 million dollars a year. This would make Muschamp the highest paid defensive coordinator in college football.

It appears that Muschamp's interview with the University of Houston for their head coaching position  may have been a ruse to force Auburn's hand.

Read the ESPN article here.

Muschamp's "I'm just a ball coach"  Auburn introduction.

Charros Top Navojoa 2-1 Behind Orlando Lara's Strong Outing

The Mayos de Navojoa may be in last place in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico but you wouldn't have known it last night as it took a strong pitching performance by the Charros starter, Orlando Lara, to defeat the Mayos 2-1.

Manny Rodriguez drew a walk to begin the Charros 4th. Leo Heras walked and both runners advanced on a wild pitch by the Navojoa starter, Hector Velazquez. With one out, CJ Retherford singled to score Rodriguez and Jalisco led 1-0.

Navojoa tied the game in the bottom of the 5th on a lead off walk to Eliseo Aldazaba and a single to right by Rolando Acosta that put runners on the corners. Tim Fedroff then grounded into a 6-4-3 double play that scored Aldazaba with the tying run.

The Charros lead off hitter in the 6th, Manny Rodriguez, doubled to left and went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Leo Heras. Rodriguez scored on a sac fly to right by Marquez Smith and the Charros had regained the lead 2-1. That would prove to be the winning run as the pitching, by both teams, took over.

Manny Rodriguez was 1 for 3 with his 21st double of the year and 2 runs scored. CJ Retherford singled once in his three at bats and drove in the first run for the Charros. Marquez Smith, though hitless on the night, hit the sac fly to drive in the eventual winning run in the 6th inning. Gabriel Gutierrez was 2 for 2 with a double and a stolen base.

Orlando Lara, now 5-3 on the year, got the win, allowing just 2 hits and a run in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out 6 but walked 4, continuing a pattern by the Charros starters of late. Brian Broderick pitched the 9th to pick up his 15th save of the year.

Hector Velazquez, for the Mayos, matched Lara's pitching for 6 innings, giving up just 4 hits and 2 runs with 4 strikeouts. He walked 3 and saw his record fall to 0-5 on the season.

Jalisco remains atop the overall standings with a 31-23 record, one game ahead of Mexicali, los Mochis and Culiacan who are all 30-24. The Charros are 10-9 in the second half of the season one game behind the leaders.

2015 Alpine Cowboys Hot Stove Talk

I wrote an article for the bigbendcourier.com on the upcoming season for the Alpine Cowboys, a team in the Pecos League.

The Cowboys made it to the finals last year and came up a game short of the Pecos League Championship.

Read the article here and follow the Pecos league beginning in May of 2015. I will have updated articles here and you can follow the games on pecosleague.com. The Cowboys home games are carried on KVLF 1240 AM.

Arizona Cardinals Over Rams 12-6

The Arizona Cardinals rode the toe of Chandler Catanzaro to victory last night, 12-6, over the St. Louis Rams. The two teams combined for 6 field goals and 0 touchdowns.

The Cardinals became the first team this year to win a game without scoring a touchdown while the Rams have not allowed a touchdown in their last three games.

Drew Stanton, who left the field in the 3rd quarter with an injury, and Ryan Lindley were a combined 16 of 30 passing for 139 yards and no touchdowns for the Cardinals while Shaun Hill was 20 of 39 for 229 yards, no touchdowns and one interception for the Rams.

Arizona rushed for 143 yards on 33 carries, led by Kerwynn Williams' 75 yards and the Rams were held to 69 yards on the ground with Tre Mason running for 33 yards on 13 carries.

Read the ESPN recap here.

Tomateros Defeat Charros 5-2

The Tomateros de Culiacan took the rubber match of the 3 game series with the Charros, 5-2, on a night that Jalisco's offense was ineffective, the fielding was erratic and the their starting pitching was poor.

Rico Noel drew a walk and stole second to lead off the game for Culiacan. Noel then stole third and scored on a throwing error by the Charros catcher. The Tomateros had a 1-0 lead with out benefit of a hit.

The Charros answered in their half of the first when Leo Heras singled and Japhet Amador was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Marquez Smith singled to right and Heras scored. Jalisco had tied the score at 1, after 1 inning.

Culiacan loaded the bases with 2 outs in the top of the 3rd and Joey Meneses singled to score Ramiro Pena and Issmael Salas to give the Tomateros a 3-1 lead.

CJ Retherford hit his fourth home run of the season, a solo shot to left, to pull the Charros to within a run at 3-2 in the bottom of the 3rd.

Ali Solis was hit by a pitch to start the 4th. Rico Noel walked. Ramiro Pena moved both runners up on a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher. Eric Farris then hit a sac fly to right to score Solis and Russell Branyan doubled to left to score Noel. Culican took the lead with the eventual final score of 5-2.

The Charros were unable to score two separate times with the bases loaded after the 4th inning. Jalisco was 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position while stranding 13.

Juan Delgadillo took the loss for the Charros to fall to 1-6 on the season, giving up all 5 Tomateros runs on just 4 hits but he hit 2 batters and walked 4 more in just 3 2/3 innings on the mound. The Jalisco relief pitchers pitched 5 1/3 innings of scoreless 2 hit ball, to keep the game as close as it was for the Charros.

Juan Castillo got the win in relief for Culiacan. The Tomateros pitchers scattered 11 hits by the Charros. Oscar Villarreal pitched the 9th to notch his 5th save of the year