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

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

Anthony Vasquez

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ramiro Pena

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

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

COPA ZAACHILA

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.

Diablos Over Guerreros 9-4 in Game 4 of their Series

MEXICO EVEMS ZONA SUR CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AT 2 GAMES APIECE

The Diablos Rojos del Mexico got to Guerreros starter Ruddy Acosta for 3 runs in the top of the 1st inning and went on to defeat Oaxaca 9-4 to even the Zona Sur Championship series at 2 games apiece.

Jesus Fabela

Mexico's Juan Fabela set the tone for the game, leading off the game with a double and taking third on a fielding error by the Guerrero's left fielder. Fabela scored on a fielders choice by Juan Carlos Gamboa that saw Gamboa safe at first on a late throw by the pitcher. Gamboa stole second and Luis Jimenez drew a walk. The Diablos loaded the bases on a single off the bat of Ivan Terrazas. Michael Choice hit a sac fly deep to center that scored Gamboa and Emmanuel Avila singled to drive in Jimenez. Mexico had a 3-0 lead before the Guerreros came to bat.

Oaxaca got a run back in the bottom of the 2nd on a single by Henry Urrutia, a one out walk to Julian Ornelas and a single by Alan Sanchez that scored Urritia.

Mexico scored twice in the top of the 5th as David Vidal scored on a ground out by Terrazas and a sac fly by Choice that scored Jimenez for a 5-1 lead.

Alan Sanchez singled to start the Guerreros half of the 5th and came around to score on a single by Alejandro Gonzalez. Erick Rodriguez scored on a ball four wild pitch for the second run of the inning as Oaxaca cut the Diablos lead to 5-3.

With the bases loaded in the top of the 6th, David Vidal hit a sinking line drive that got past the right fielder and caromed off the wall. 3 runs scored but Vidal was out at the plate trying for an inside the park home run. Vidal was out by so much that he never even attempted a slide. The Diablos led 8-3.

David Vidal

Michael Choice hit a ball out of the stadium to left in the top of the 7th. It was a towering fly ball, the type of home run ball where the fielder merely turns and watches the flight of the ball. Mexico led 9-3.

Alejandro Gonzalez lofted a fly ball to left center that was just out of the reach of a leaping Jesus Fabela and cleared the fence for a solo home run in the bottom of the 7th for the Guerreros cutting the lead to 9-4. Oaxaca couldn't get anything else going in the inning and went quickly in the 8th and 9th innings for the final score of 9-4.

6,050 fans filled Parque Eduardo Vasconcelos in Oaxaca de Juaruz hoping to see their home town heros take a 3 games to 1 lead in the series but the Diablos came out swinging and never let up, putting a damper on the crowd's enthusiasm. Game 5 will be played at the stadium on Thursday with game 6 to be played in Mexico City on Saturday the 29th of September.

Patrick Johnson (1-0) picked up the win in relief for Mexico while Ruddy Acosta (0-1) allowed 7 runs on 7 hits, walked 4 and struck out 3 in 5 1/3 innings to take the loss.

The 1 through 4 hitters for the Diablos were 7 for 16 with 3 RBIs and 7 runs scored. Luis Jimenez was 3 for 4 with a double and 2 runs scored.

Henry Urrutia was 2 for 3 with a walk for Oaxaca. Alejandro Gonzalez and Alan Sanchez were both 2 for 4.

Guerreros Chrush Diablos 13-3 in Game Two of the Zona Sur Championship

OAXACA BATS EXPLODE FOR 19 HITS AND 13 RUNS TO EVEN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Yuniesky Betancourt Homers Twice

When the rains started falling on Saturday in Mexico City, no one could have imagined they would have opened the floodgates for the Guerreros on Sunday. Oaxaca was ahead 1-0 when the game was suspended but they scored 12 runs when the game resumed. Yuniesky Betancourt, who had given the Guerreros a 1-0 lead with a home run in the 1st inning, added the final 2 runs for Oaxaca with a 2 run home run in the top of the 9th. Betancourt drove in 3 while scoring 4 runs on a 4 for 6 hitting night.

The Diablos were held to 3 runs on 6 hits. Mexico also displayed sloppy defense with 4 errors that led to 5 runs directly but extended 3 innings for Oaxaca.

Irwin Delgado (1-0) picked up for his younger brother, Alex Delgado, after the suspended restart and scattered 6 hits over 5 innings to get the win. The Guerreros pitches struck out 12 Diablos and walked just 1 in stymying the Diablos bats.

Gonzalo Sanudo (0-1) gave up 4 runs on 3 hitsin3 innings to take the loss but 6 Diablos pitchers allowed runs to score in the 19 hit attack by the Guerreros.

Ricardo Valenzuela doubled to lead off the bottom of the 3rd for Mexico. A sacrifice bunt moved him to second. Juan Carlos Gamboa, the hero of game 1, doubled 2 outs later to score Valenzuela. A single by Yeison Asencio drove in Gamboa as the Diablos retook the lead 2-1.

Ricardo Valenzuela

David Vidal homered on a line drive to left in the bottom of the 4th to extend the Diablos short lived lead to 3-1.

Oaxaca took the lead for good in the top of the 5th inning, scoring 4 runs. A single by Alejandro Ginzalez, a 2 out double by Jay Austin, A Betancourt single, back-to-back walks to Henry Urrutia and Dustin Geiger and a single by Julio Ornelas accounted for the runs. Oaxaca never looked back as they added 8 more runs in the win.

Games 3, 4 and 5 will be played in Oaxaca beginning on Tuesday the 25th of September. If necessary, Game 6 will be played in Mexico City

Monterrey Defeats Monclova 7-3 in Game 2 of Zona Norte Championship

4 RUN 4TH SPELLS DOOM FOR ACEREROS, GIVES SULTANES 2-0 LEAD IN SERIES

Agustin Murillo

Agustin Murillo got things going for Monterrey, hitting the first pitch he saw from Acerero's starter Josh Lowey over the left field fence to give the Sultanes an early 1-0 lead in game 2 of the Zona Norte Championship round of the LMB Playoffs.

With one out in the bottom of the 2nd, the Acereros struck back. Juan Perez drove a ball deep to left for a solo home run to tie the game. After Jesus Arredondo walked, Cesar Tapia lined a 2 run home run to left as Monclova regained to lead 3-1.

In the top of the third, with singles by Yadir Drake and Ali Solis putting runners on first and second with no outs, the rains came causing a 2 hour delay. When play resumed, Julio Borbon's sacrifice bunt got Solis at second but put runners on the corners. Borbon stole second and both runners scored on a single by Ramiro Pena to tie the game at 3. After a strikeout, Felix Perez hit a 2 run home run to left to give Monterrey a 5-3 lead.

The Sultanes added 2 runs in the top of the 4th. With one out, Yadir Drake was hit by a pitch. One out later, Julio Borbon lofted a long home run to right that scored Drake and gave Monterrey a 7-3 lead.

Julio Borbon

Over the last 6 innings, the Sultanes relief pitchers held the Acereros to 3 hits and no runs to give Darin Downs (1-0) the win. The Acereros starter, Josh Lowey (0-1) gave up all 7 Monterrey runs on 7 hits, including 3 home runs, in 4 innings of work to take the loss.

The series moves to Monterrey with game 3 scheduled for Sunday the 23rd of September with the Sultanes ahead 2 games to none.

Diablos Take Opener From Guerreros 8-6

JUAN CARLOS GAMBOA'S GRAND SLAM IGNITES OFFENSE

The Guerreros de Oaxaca jumped out to an early 4-0 lead over the Diablos after 2 innings. Mexico roared back, scoring 5 runs in the 3rd inning, powered by a grand slam off of the bat of Juan Carlos Gamboa. 1 run in the 4th and 2 runs in the 5th resulted in Mexico overpowering Oaxaca to take game 1 of their Zona Sur Championship matchup. (Watch the grand slam here)

Juan Carlos Gamboa

Oaxaca scored twice in the top of the 1st on singles by lead off hitter Yordanys Linares, Jay Austin and Henry Urrutia to give the Guerreros the quick 2-0 lead.

Julian Ornelas and Samar Leyva started the top of the 2nd for Oaxaca with singles. Both runners advanced on a fly ball out. Alejandro Gonzalez was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Ornelas and Leyva scored on a throwing error by the Diablo's first baseman, Guerreros 4, Diablos 0 after two innings.

The Diablos struck back hard in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Ricardo Valenzuela led off the inning being hit by a pitch. Jesus Fabela singled to left. Carlos Figueroa waited out a walk to load the bases. With one swing of the bat, Juan Carlos Gamboa cleared the bases on a deep home run to right. The grand slam tied the game for Mexico at 4 all. Two outs later, David Vidal singled and scored on a double to the left field corner by Michael Choice. The Diablos had their first lead of the game 5-4.

Ricardo Valenzuela tripled to lead off the bottom of the 4th foe Mexico and scored on a double by Jesus Fabela to give the Diablos a 6-4 lead.

Henry Urrutia homered to left to lead off the top of the 5th for Oaxaca. Dustin Geiger walked and following a line drive out to short, Samar Leyva was awarded first base when hit by a pitch. Both runnaers advanced on a bouncer back to the mound. A wild pitch allowed Geiger to score and the score was tied at 6.

Henry Urrutia

Luis Jimenez doubled in the Diablo's half of the 5th and scored on a single by David Vidal. Vidal went to third on a single by Michael Choice and scored on a force play for the final 2 runs of the game and the 8-6 win for Mexico.

Neither starter was around for the finish although both were touched for the majority or the runs scored. Arturo Lopez (1-0) picked up the win in relief and Manny Acosta struck out the 3 batters he faced in the 9th inning to record the save. Axel Rios (0-1) gave up 3 runs on 5 hits in 1 1/3 innings of work in taking the loss.

These two teams meet for game 2 of the series on Saturday the 22nd of September with the Diablos up 1 game to none in the Zona Sur Championship.

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.

NFL Week 3 Picks

BAD WEEK LAST WEEK 7-8-1   AFTER 2 WEEKS 17-13-2

Packers and Vikings was a loss because of the Clay Matthews penalty. I've looked at that play from all angles and that was not a penalty hit. The NFL stands by the ruling on the field but this bad call cost the Packers a game and me breaking even.

The Jets didn't look good against the Dolphins. Is that more of a reflection on how far the Jets need to go or are the Dolphins this good?

What can I say about my Eagles...they looked listless and almost uncaring. Of course, they did run across the Bucs and Fitzmagic!

The 'Skins also didn't look very good! Is Luck back and can he carry the Colts. Alex Smith can't carry the Redskins.

The Patriots lost to a very good Jaguar team. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised but I am.

So...let's regroup and tackle Week 3:

Thursday

Jets @ BROWNS (-3)(WIN)     Browns are favored...think about that! Gotta go with the Browns

Sunday

Saints (-1) @ FALCONS (LOSS)     Saints have looked bad while Falcons are better that they look
49ers @ CHIEFS (-5.5)(WIN)     Media building up Mahomes...hope it continues
Raiders @ DOLPHINS (-2.5)(WIN)     Raiders will win but not this week
Bills @ VIKINGS (-16.5)(LOSS)     Don't like the point spread but I like the Vikings
Colts @ EAGLES (-6)(LOSS)     Why the Eagles give 7 I don't know but #flyeaglesfly
PACKERS (-2) @ Redskins(LOSS)     Pack fine offensively need to work on the defense
BENGALS @ Panthers (-3)(WIN)     Dalton don't let me down watch the naked bootleg right
Titans  @ JAGUARS (-10)(LOSS)   Bortles for MVP erhh Jags defense for MVP
Broncos @ RAVENS (-5.5)(WIN)     Hate taking the Ravens and points but today they make it right
Giants @ TEXANS (-6.5)(LOSS)     Look up inept in the dict. and you see a picture of the Giants
Chargers @ RAMS (-7)     Gurley and Goff they're my boys
BEARS (-5) @ Cardinals     When was the last time da Bears were a 7 point favorite
COWBOYS (-1) @ Seahawks     Tossup but I'll take Dak and Zeke over Carroll's Comedy
PATRIOTS (-6) @ Lions     Belichick vs Patricia NO! It's Brady et al vs Stafford et al

Monday

Steelers (-1) @ BUCCANEERS     Oo Oo Oo it's Fitzmagic!

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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.