Charros Swept by Aguilas; Lose game 4 by a 7-4 Score

AGUILAS SCORE 6 RUNS IN THE 7th TO PUT AWAY CHARROS

The Charros de Jalisco were officially eliminated from the Liga Mexicana del Pacifco playoffs on Wednesday night. The Aguilas de Mexicali used a 6 run outburst in the 7th inning to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 7-3 lead from which the Charros would not recover.

Terance Marin on the Mound

Terance Marin, the Jalisco starting pitcher, took the loss working 6 innings and left the game after scattering 5 hits, giving up 1 run and striking out 2. Marin had thrown 83 pitches in those 6 innings.

I give these stats because the Charros manager, Homer Rojas, replaced Marin with reliever Manuel Flores to start the 7th inning. Flores walked the first batter he faced and gave up singles to Jon Del Campo and Roman Urias that allowed the Aguilas to cut the Charros lead to 3-2. Rojas replaced Flores with reliever Ivan Salas. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners up a base, Salas unleashed a wild pitch that scored Del Campo and tied the score at 3 all. Mexicali went on to score 4 more runs in the inning to bury the Charros.

Should Rojas have left Marin in the game? The answer is a resounding yes! Marin had thrown 83 pitches in 6 innings, an average of 14 pitches per inning, and held the Aguilas in check. Even using a 110 pitch count, Marin should have been able to pitch 8 innings. This was an elimination game. Lose and go home. Rojas should have allowed Marin to pitch until he proved ineffective. Marin could not have pitched worse than Flores and Salas. He deserved the chance as did the 8,800 plus fans that hoped for a victory to extend the Charros season.

Cacao Scores the 1st Run

Jalisco jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the 1st inning. Cacao Valdez drew a 2 out walk and moved to second on a one hop fly ball to center by Alex Liddi. Valdez scored on a single to center by Agustin Murillo and Liddi came home on a single to left by Miguel Olive that gave the Charros a 2-0 lead.

Liddi Scores on a Single by Olivo

Asael Sanchez singled to lead off the 4th for Jalisco, stole second, went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Luis Medina and scored on a throwing error by the Aguilas catcher to extend the Charros lead to 3-0.

Mexicali struck back in the top of the 5th inning on a walk to Luis Juarez, a single by Xorge Carrillo and a line drive single to center by Chris Roberson that scored Juarez and cut the Charros lead to 3-1.

The Aguilas scored all the runs they would need in the 7th inning and the Charros entered the bottom of the 9th inning behind 7-3. Asael Sanchez doubled to lead off the inning and scored, one out later, on a double by pinch hitter Ivan Araujo. That would be all the scoring and the Aguilas move on to the next round of the LMP playoffs with the 4 game sweep of the Charros under their belts.

Ex Charros player, CJ Retherford, went 3 for 5 on the night for Mexicali while teammate Wellington Dotel was 2 for 4.

Jesus "Cacao" Valdez and Miguel Olivo were both 2 for 4 for the Charros and Asael Sanchez was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored.

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Jalisco Falls To Aguilas 4-3

LIDDI AND ESPINOZA HOMER IN LOSS

The Charros de Jalisco are fast running out of time in the 2016 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico playoffs. Last night's 4-3 loss to the Aguilas de Mexicali have Jalisco in an 0-3 hole from which it seems improbable they can recover.

Marco Duarte

Marco Duarte threw 7 shutout innings in his start for the Aguilas allowing 4 hits and striking out 7 in the win while Jose Manuel Lopez picked up the save, striking out the 2 Charros he faced in the bottom of the 9th.

Orlando Lara gave up all 4 Mexicali runs, 3 via the home run ball, scattering 6 hits and striking out 4 over 6 1/3 innings of work. Julio Felix and Manuel Flores held the Aguilas hitless over the final 2 2/3 innings in relief of Lara.

Charros Starter Orlando Lara

Ramon Urias got things going for Mexicali in the top of the 1st inning when he sent an 0-1 fastball from Lara deep to left center for a solo home run that quieted the home town Charros fans.

Wellington Dotel led off the top of the 2nd with a single to center, advanced to 2nd, one out later, on a ground ball to the pitcher and scored on a double to left center by Xorge Carrillo that gave Mexicali a 2-0 lead.

Dorel doubled in the 4th inning and scored on a long home run to left by Chris Roberson giving the Aguilas a 4-0 lead.

The Charros bats were silent until the bottom of the 8th inning when Alan Espinoza hit a rocket of a home run over the left field wall. The Mexicali left fielder, Ramom Rios, could only turn and stare as the ball cleared the wall quickly. The lead was down to 4-1, Aguilas.

Liddi Home Run

With 1 out in the bottom of the 9th for Jalisco, Cacao Valdez doubled to left. Alex Liddi, who earlier had twice driven balls deep to center for outs, hit a 1-1 pitch from the Mexicali reliever, Yair Lozoya, over the fence in right that scored Valdez and cut the lad to 4-3. Miguel Olivo and Agustin Murillo both struck out to end the game with the Aguilas taking game 3 by that 4-3 score.

The LMP Playoffs continue with game 4 on Tuesday night at 7:30 in Guadalajara. Should the Aguilas win, they move on to the next round of the playoffs. If the Charros win, game 5 will be played at the Estadio de Los Charros on Wednesday night the 6th of January.

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Aguilas Take Game 2 Over Charros 5-2

TAKE TWO GAMES TO NONE LEAD TO GUADALAJARA

Agustin Murillo Picked Off at 1st

The offensive woes that plagued the Charros in 2015 continue in the playoffs of 2016. On Friday Jalisco scored 1 run, on a solo home run, and went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position. Saturday was better in that the Charros scored 2 runs and had more scoring opportunities but went 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position. Terance Marin pitched very well in game 1 and Michael Nix, with the exception of the home run, was adequate in game 2 but the offense was unable to respond.

Mexicali takes a 2 games to none lead in the best of 7 playoff series before heading to Guadalajara for games on Monday and Tuesday. A game 5, if necessary, will be played at the stadium in Guadalajara on Wednesday. All games in the Estadio Panamericano begin at 7:30 PM.

Cacao Doubles in the 1st

Jalisco jumped in front early on a 2 out double by Cacao Valdez in the 1st inning. Valdez scored on a single to left by Alex Liddi. Miguel stranded Liddi at second on a swinging strikeout.

Cacao Scores on Liddi Single

Yuniesky Betancourt singled to lead off the Aguilas half of the 2nd and trotted home in front of a home run by former Charros' player, CJ Retherford that gave Mexicali a 2-1 lead. After a walk to Wellington Dotel, Xorge Carrillo hit a one out single that moved Dotel to third. Carrillo stole second and both runners scored on a single by Ramon Rios for a 4-1 lead.

Mexicali added a run in the 6th inning on a lead off double by Retherford and an RBI single by Dotel putting the Aguilas up 5-1.

The Charros would cut the lead to 5-2 in the top of the 7th, Agustin Murillo, obtained in the Leo Heras trade with the Yaquis, doubled to lead off the inning. Asael Sanchez walked. A passed ball moved the runners to second and third. Murillo scored on a ground ball out by Ivan Araujo.

Esmailin Caridad set the Charros down in order in the top of the 9th to get the save and preserve the win for the Aguilas starter, Hector Rodriguez.

Add caption

Michael Nix took the loss for the Charros giving up 4 runs on 8 hits, striking out 5 but walking 3.

Charros Drop Game 1 to Aguilas 2-1

ALEX LIDDI HOME RUN LONE JALISCO OFFENSE

In a pitchers duel worthy of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Championship playoffs, Terance Marin squared off against Javier Solano to produce one of the more entertaining games in the Charros season.

Charros starter Terance Marin

Marin pitched 7 strong innings for the Charros giving u just 2 runs while scattering 6 hits, striking out 6, walking 3 and throwing 1 costly wild pitch.

The Charros offense sputtered once again, getting just 5 hits, two of them by Liddi and scoring 1 run in support of Marin.

Jalisco had runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs in the 3rd inning but failed to score. They wouldn't get runners in scoring position again until Liddi led off the top of the 7th with a double. Again the Charros were unable to score.

Yunesky Betancourt, of the Aguilas, singled to lead off the bottom of the second, advanced to second on a fly ball to center, moved to third on a ground out by Wellington Dotel and scored on a wild pitch by Marin to put Mexicali up 1-0. Luis Juarez followed the wild pitch with a singl and scored on a double to left center by Xorge Carrillo with what proved to be the winning run and a 2-0 lead.

Alex Liddi, given the green light on a 3-1 pitch, drilled a fast ball over the wall in left center to cut the lead to 2-1 in the 4th inning but the Charros would score no more.

Liddi HR in the 4th

Marin was charged with the loss. Javier Solano went 7 innings for Mexicali allowing 1 run on 4 hits and striking out 7 Charros. Esmailin Caridad picked up the save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning in relief.

Game 2 of the first round series continues on Saturday the 2nd of January on Mexicali before returning to Guadalajara foe game 3 on Monday the 4th of January.

Despite 30-38 Record Charros Make 2015 LMP Playoffs

CHARROS EDGE INTO LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO PLAYOFFS

The Charros de Jalisco, who finished the year with a 30-38 record, managed to take the 6th, and last, playoff position over the Naranjeros de Hermosillo and last years LMP Champion Tomateros de Culiacan.

 

Jalisco garnered 8 total points in the 2 halves of the LMP season to earn the right to face the #1 seeded Aguilas de Mexicali in round 1 of the playoffs. The playoffs are scheduled to begin on Thursday, January 1st.

The best of 7 series begins in Mexicali on the 1st with game 2 scheduled for the 2nd. After a travel day, the series will shift to Guadalajara for games on the 4th, 5th and 6th (if necessary). Should games 6 and 7 be required, they will be played in Mexicali on the 7th and 8th of January.

The Charros present a different lineup for the playoffs then took the field for opening day. Leadoff hitter Eduardo “El Mosco” Arredondo is injured and not listed on the Charros roster. Likewise, Japhet “El Gigante” Amador has left the team to prepare for the upcoming baseball season in Japan. 37 year old catcher, Miguel Olivo, a 17 year veteran of the big leagues, replaces Gabriel Gutierrez behind the plate. Alex Liddi, the 1st Italian born and raised major league ball player, anchors the infield and Jesus “Cacao” Valdez led the LMP in batting average.

On the downside, Juan Navarette, the Manager of the Year in the LMP for 2014, was fired with 9 games to go in the season and last years MVP, Manny Rodriguez, has suffered through an off year, hitting just .256 for the season.

Facing the #1 seeded Aguilas will be a tough task. The Charros hitters left too many runners in scoring position throughout the year and the pitching staff gave up too many hits when faced with the same scenario.

Regardless of the negatives, the Charros are in the playoffs and anything can happen. Each team starts the “second season” at 0-0.

Baseball fans know that, despite the season results, the player stats and personnel changes, the game is played “between the lines” and the Charros have proven themselves winners on the field.

Yogi Berra once famously said…”it ain’t over till the fat lady sings”. We in Guadalajara simply say “Todos Somos Charros”

NFL Picks Week 11

Last week was a week to forget! I finished 5-9 for an overall record of 81-64. My only consolation is that must of the people who get paid to make these picks also had a bad week.

The Jets loss to Buffalo, although unexpected by me, was not an upset. Nor was the Bears victory over the Rams because the Rams are the quintessential up and down, don't know what you'll get, in the parity that is today's NFL.

The Broncos were absolutely humiliated by the Chiefs and the Packers were crushed by the Lions, that's right...the Lions.

The Eagles "O" was so bad that even when they drove the length of the field for a game winning FG, they missed it. The Cowboys scored 6 points against the Bucs in the loss and then cut Brandon Weeden to make way for "Romo the Savior's" return. Believe it or not the 'Boys can still win the pathetic NFC East.

New Orleans was blown out by the Redskins and fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan who quite possibly could wind up with his brother Rex in Buffalo. I just wish he would cut his hair!

The Raiders let me down in their loss to the Vikings as did the Seahawks in losing to the Cardinals.

And then there are the Bengals. Pay close attention to this...the undefeated Bengals lost to the 3-5 Texans at home in front of a national TV audience on Monday Night Football. There were 15 punts in the game, 14 penalties along with 3 turnovers...a real exciting game...if you're a Texan's fan. And, the Texans worked their way into playoff contention in the weak AFC South.

So we dust off our boots and try to do better this week!

Tennessee @ Jacksonville   (L)Titans 21-20   The experts pick Jax, I pick Mariota over Bortles
Indianapolis @ Atlanta   Falcons 24-21  Falcons had a week off and Julio Jones goes crazy
Denver @ Chicago   Broncos 23-17   Osweiler ROCKS or maybe Trevor Siemian
Oakland @ Detroit   Raiders 20-17   No Raiders, this is really you're last chance with me
Dallas @ Miami   Dolphins 17-14   In Miami with the "D" really, no chance Cowboys
Tampa Bay @ Philadelphia   Eagles 13-10   The Eagles still have a chance...Please
Washington @ Carolina   Panthers 24-13   Cousins is no Superman, there's only room for 1
St. Louis @ Baltimore   Rams 10-9   The Rams are up this week
NY Jets @ Houston   Jets 31-17   The Jets aren't the hapless Bengals
Kansas City @ San Diego   Chiefs 30-13  The Chargers are listless and inept
Green Bay @ Minnesota   Packers 21-20   The Packers WILL NOT lose 4 in a row
San Francisco @ Seattle   Seahawks 21-19   Despite the record the 'Hawks are good
Cincinnati @ Arizona   Cardinals 28-12   The "Red Ryder BB Gun" returns with a pop
Buffalo @ New England   Patriots 24-14   Even without Edelman or a running back Pats win

Check back on Sunday and late Monday to see hoe I've done!

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Charros Reach Midway Point of Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Season

RECORD STANDS AT 17-17

The Charros lost on Wednesday night to the Mayos de Navojoa to reach the halfway point of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico season with a 17-17 mark. They are currently in a 3-way tie with the Mayos and the Yaquis de Obregon.

There are many reasons for the .500 season from the pitching staff, with a 4.46 earned run average, to the inability of the team to hit with runners in scoring position. Manny Rodriguez, last years Most Valuable Player in the league, is hitting a mere .226.

Two other mainstays of last years team, Eduardo “El Mosco” Arredondo and Gabriel Gutierrez have not played in the past few games with Gutierrez no longer listed on the Charros’ official roster.

Japhet Amador draws a walk

Japhet “El Gigante” Amador and Alex Liddi are two of the bright spots in an otherwise average season for the Charros. Amador is tied for the league in home runs with 10 and leads the league in RBIs with 32. Liddi, the extranjero from Italy, is 3rd in the league in batting average at .361, 2nd in hits with 48 and 2nd in doubles with 12.

Liddi was the 1st player born and raised in Italy to play in the major leagues. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2005 at the age of 17, worked his way through the minor leagues and made his major league debut with the Mariners on the 7th of September 2011. Liddi got his 1st big league hit 2 days later against the KC Royals and hit his 1st major league home run against the Cleveland Indians on the 19th.

Alex Liddi at 3rd Base

Alex has been on the roster of 4 major league teams and in January of this year signed a minor league deal with the Royals that should see him in spring training with teammate Brian Broderick as they both try to play their way onto the roster of the reigning World Series champions    

 

The Best Baseball Song Ever

Here is my favorite baseball song.

Listen to Los Tigrillos do it HERE!

Give me a better one and I'll change my mind!

NFL Picks Week 10

Last week didn't go very well for me. I finished 5-8 for a 76-55 overall record.

The Packers have lost in consecutive weeks to the Broncos and the Panthers...pretty good competition, consequently not a bad loss there. The Rams loss to the Vikings was disappointing as was the Saints OT loss.

The Falcons are lucky they are in the NFC South. They have looked very vulnerable after an impressive 5-0 start.

There isn't much you can say about the Chargers except that they are really, really bad.

I'll start over this week to get back on track.

Buffalo @ NY Jets   (L)Jets 23-20   Ryan v Ryan and the Jets win
Detroit @ Green Bay   (L)Packers 33-17   The Pack is back even if it is against the Lions
Carolina @ Tennessee   (W)Panthers 27-13   Carolina will have to prove me wrong
Chicago @ St Louis   (L)Rams 26-24   Up and down Rams up again this week
Miami @ Philadelphia   (L)Eagles 24-23   Maybe Suh should apologize to the Dolphin fans
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh   (W)Steelers 24-21   Luckily it's Cleveland this week Ben
Dallas @ Tampa Bay   (L)Cowboys 26-22   The 'Boys have to win this week...right?
New Orleans @ Washington  (W)Redskins 27-23   I know but the Saints can't close
Jacksonville @ Baltimore   (L)Ravens 27-24   Okay Ravens, ONE MORE chance!
Minnesota @ Oakland   (L)Raiders 24-21   Same goes for you Raiders!
Kansas City @ Denver   (L)Broncos 24-20   World Series hangover still?
New England @ NY Giants   (W)Patriots 31-17   Giants tough at home...nah
Arizona @ Seattle   (L)Seahawks 27-23   'Hawks begin their march to the Super Bowl
Houston @ Cincinnati   (L)Bengals 26-17  Another MNF fantastic matchup

So, the Bengals, Patriots and Panthers march on while everyone else cries "look at me" in hopes of attracting attention.

The Chargers, Colts, 49ers and Falcons have the week off...thank goodness.

Check back all day Sunday and late Friday night to see how I stack up against your horrible picks!

Charros Lose At Home To Aguilas 3-2

LEO HERAS 3 FOR 4 IN LOSS

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

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

Starter Terance Marin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leo Heras Strokes a Double

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

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

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Culiacan 7, Mazatlán 5

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

Ciudad de Obregon 5, Hermosillo 3

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

Venados Sweep Charros With 6-2 Win In Game 3

JALISCO DROPS 4TH STRAIGHT GAME

The Charros fell behind early to Mazatlán and couldn't catch up as they lost the series to the Venados. Jalisco was outscored by Mazatlán 17-7 in the series.

Jesus Sanchez (2-1), the Mazatlán starter, threw 6 innings of shutout ball, holding the Charros to just 3 hits while striking out 3.

Charros Starter Marco Tovar

Marc Tovar (2-2) pitched well for 5 1/3 innings before his game fell apart in the 6th inning when the Venados scored 3 runs to take a 6-0 lead.

Mazatla scored in the bottom of the 1st inning when Cyle Hankerd hit a sacrifice fly to left that scored Jeremias Pineda for the 1-0 lead. Pineda had reached third on a wild pitch by Tovar.

Hankerd drove in 2 more in the bottom of the 3rd inning, doubling to right to score Pineda and Jose Ruiz to give Mazatlán a 3-0 lead.

The Venados broke the game open in the 6th inning. Hankerd led of with a single. Olmo Rosario singled to left and Albino Contreras laid down a bunt single that loaded the bases. Jose Felix grounded into a 6-4 fielders choice that scored Hankerd. Jesus Fabela doubled to score Rosario. After Ivan Zavala replaced Tovar on the mound for the Charros, Paul Leon hit a sac fly to right for the third run of the inning and a 6-0 Mazatlán lead.

Arredondo Sac Fly Scores Lopez

Jalisco rallied for 2 runs in the top of the 8th. Jesus Lopez led off the inning being hit by a pitch. Alejandro Ortiz walked and Fernando Valenzuela drew a base on balls to load the bases with no outs. Eduardo Arredondo  hit a sac fly to center to score Lopez and the Charros were on the board. Manny Rodriguez followed with a single to right that scored Ortiz but when Leo Heras and Japhet Amador hit ground ball outs the inning was over and the final score was 6-2 Venados.

Cyle Hankerd was 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs, Jesus Fabela 2 for 3 with an RBI and Jose Ruiz 2 for 4 for the Venados.

Arredondo and Rodriguez had the RBIs for the Charros who were held to 4 hits on the evening.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Hermosillo 7, Los Mochis 6

The Naranjeros scored 7 runs in the 8th inning to turn a 5-0 deficit into a 7-5 lead and held on to top the Caneros 7-6. Hermosillo had 11 hits, all singles, in the win while Los Mochis got home runs from Juan Carlos Gamboa and Sergio Garcia in the loss. Derek Eitel (1-2) picked up the win in relief with Juan Urquidez notching his 2nd save of the year. Andres Avila (0-2) lasted just 1/3 of an inning in the 8th giving up 3 runs on 2 hits to take the loss. Gamboa was 3 for 4 with the home run, Saul Soto 2 for 5 with an RBI and Emmanuel Avila 1 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Caneros. Jose Amador went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored, Carlos Gastelum 2 for 4 with an RBI and JC Linares 2 for 4 for Hermosillo.

Navojoa 3, Mexicali 1

The Mayos scored twice in the 1st inning and held off the Aguilas 3-1. Eddie Gamboa (2-0) pitched 8 innings, allowing 5 hits and a run while striking out 6 and Carlos Bustamante recorded his 4th save of the year. Marco Duarte (0-2) gave up all 3 Mayo runs and walked 5 in the loss for Mexicali. Diego Madero was 2 for 4 with an RBI and Alan Sanchez drove in a run on a 1 for 3 night at the plate for the Mayos. CJ Retherford went 2 for 3 and Walter Ibarra 3 for 4 in the Aguilas loss.

NFL Picks Week 9

Last week was a good one for me. I went 11-3 to improve to 71-47 overall. A last minute switch to the Lions over KC cost me a game and the Falcons let me down in the loss to the Buccaneers. The Bronco win over the previously undefeated Packers was a toss up but the Broncos "D" held Rodgers to 77 total yards through the air.

This week I am picking the Packers to bounce back and defeat the last unbeaten team in the NFC, the Panthers, with a better defensive showing and much more offense. I'm sticking with the resurgent, once again relevant, Raiders to top the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

The up and down Eagles go to Dallas and should, should mind you, beat the Romoless Cowboys.

Cincinnati and the Patriots will remain unbeaten and the Broncos have a contest in Indianapolis that will test their new found offense.

Here goes:

Cleveland @ Cincinnati   (W)Bengals 28-13   Johnny Football starting, Browns falling again
Miami @ Buffalo   (L)Dolphins 24-22   Miami recovers from the Patriots loss to top Bills
St. Louis @ Minnesota   (L)Rams 20-17   Rams are good defensively with just enough offense
Washington @ New England   (W)Patriots 35-10   Redskins no match for Patriots
Tennessee @ New Orleans   (L)Saints 28-13   Titans new coach no match for Brees and Saints
Jacksonville @ NY Jets   (W)Jets 27-21   Still chasing New England
Oakland @ Pittsburgh   (L)Raiders 17-13   Oakland is back and better than ever
Green Bay @ Carolina   (L)Packers 28-24   77 total passing yards for Rodgers...not again!
Atlanta @ San Francisco   (L)Falcons 35-20  Kaepernick sits while 49ers fall
NY Giants @ Tampa Bay   (W)Giants 30-20   Manning needs this win
Denver @ Indianapolis   (L)Broncos 27-17   Could be the upset of the week but I don't think so
Philadelphia @ Dallas   (W)Eagles 21-20   Pick 'em...neither team very good
Chicago @ San Diego   (L)Chargers 23-21  Really...these two teams on MNF?

6 teams are on their by week. The Ravens, Texans, Chiefs, Lions, Cardinals and Seahawks. Check back throughout the Sunday games to see how I am doing and late Monday night.

Not a very good week...I finished 5-8 with some help from the Rams, an OT loss by the Saints, the Packers, Falcons and the woeful Chargers.

There is nothing to say except...wait'll next week. I fell to 76-55 overall!

NFL Picks Week 8

I went 8-6 for the second week in a row. The Bills should have been a shoo-in but put themselves in a 21 point hole they were almost able to climb out of...almost! The Steelers lose to the Chiefs...who would have thought? Colts and Cowboys looked horrible in loses and it's a good thing the Ravens lost QB/OC communications or I would have been 7-7.

By the way, why can't Joe Flacco call his own play if there is no communication? Don't the Ravens anticipate problems and have alternative plans?

Here goes this week. Make sure you check back to see how I did against you!

Miami @ New England   (W)Patriots 28-20   Can't see the Patriots losing to the revitalized Dolphins
Detroit @ Kansas City   (L)Lions 17-13   Only because no Charles makes things tough
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta   (L)Falcons 31-30   Atlanta rights the ship and sets sail
Minnesota @ Chicago   (W)Vikings 21-20   Vikes overcome much to beat Da Bears
Arizona @ Cleveland   (W)Cardinals 31-17   Cards defense too much for the Brows
San Francisco @ St. Louis   (W)Rams 21-10   I like the Rams "D" at home
NY Giants @ New Orleans   (W)Saints 17-16   Out on a limb pick here
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh   (W)Bengals 21-17   Steelers mistake prone; Bengals capitalize
San Diego @ Baltimore   (W)Ravens 24-22   I'll give you 1 more chance Baltimore
Tennessee @ Houston   (W)Texans 14-10   TJ Yates off the bench to lead TD drive
NY Jets @ Oakland   (W)Raiders 28-21   Let down from NE game and Raiders are tough
Seattle @ Dallas   (W)Seahawks 24-17   Randall AWOL, Romo out, no Bryant...Oh oh
Green Bay @ Denver   (L)Packers 31-17   The shine comes off the Broncos
Indianapolis @ Carolina   (W)Panthers 27-17   Undefeated season for Panthers?

The Bills, Jaguars, Redskins and Eagles have the week off. They all need it.

I changed my mind at the last second and picked the Lions to best the Chiefs...oh well that one is on me. But the Falcons losing to the Bucs, in OT no less, is all on the up and down Falcons. The Broncos held Aaron Rodgers to 77 yards passing on a 14 for 22 game. That's right 77 yards for an entire game. The Broncos "D" really looked good and Peyton Manning had a pretty good game too.

Okay...I called the game with the Panthers beating the Colts but how does a professional, undefeated team such as the Panthers take a 17 point lead with 10:51 to play in the game and turn it into a nail biter that has to be won in OT? Who knows!

I had a pretty good week, finishing 10-3 to bring my overall record to 71-47.

Charros Defeat Yaquis 4-3

3 RUN 6TH INNING SEALS THE WIN

Alex Sanabia On The Mound

The Charros scored 3 runs in the 6th inning to overcome a 3-1 deficit and defeat the Yaquis de Obregon 4-3.  Alex Sanabia (1-1) pitched 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits as he kept Jalisco in the game until the bats woke up. Brian Broderick picked up his 6th save of the year on a night when his parent club, the Kansas City Royals, were beating the NY Mets to take a 2 games to none lead in the World Series.

Mark Hamburger (1-2), of the Yaquis, did not record an out while giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in the 6th. He was also charged with his 2nd blown save of the season.

Amadeo Zazueta got things going for the Charros with a lead off single in the top of the 3rd, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Eduardo Arredondo and scored on a single by Manny Rodriguez that put Jalisco up 1-0.

Rodriguez RBI Single

Obregon quickly answered in their half of the 3rd inning when Iker Franco led off the inning with a solo home run to left center that knotted the score at 1 all.

Roman Pena drew a lead off walk for the Yaquis in the bottom of the 5th and moved to second on a bunt single by Iker Franco. Both runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Luis Urias and scored on a single to left by Luis Durango as the Yaquis took a 3-1 lead.

Heras Lead Off Double

Leo Heras doubled leading off the top of the 6th for the Charros and Japhet Amador followed with a base on balls. Cacao Valdez singled sharply to left to load the bases with no outs. Alex Liddi followed with a single to center that scored Heras. Marquez Smith singled to score Amador and the bases remained loaded with no outs. One out later, Zazueta singled to right to score Valdez for the 4-3 Charros lead and the final score.

Alex Liddi was 2 for 3 with an RBI, Cacao Valdez 3 for 4 with a run scored and Amadeo Zazueta 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored for the Charros.

Luis Durango went 2 for 2 with a walk and 2 RBIs and Iker Franco 2 for 2 with a walk, an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Yaquis.

The Charros improved to 9-7 on the season while the Yaquis fell to 8-8.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Culiacan 4, Navojoa 2

The Tomateros scored 3 runs in the 2nd inning and held on to top the Mayos 4-2. Jaime Pedroza hit a solo home run for Culiacan in the 8th inning to cement the win. Ryan Lollis added a run scoring triple in 4 trips to the plate and Nick Buss went 1 for 3 with an RBI for the Tomateros. Glynn Davis was 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs, Jose Chavez and Carlos Orrantia were both 2 for 4 with a run scored for the Mayos. Hector Rodriguez (1-2) pitched 6 innings of shutout ball on the way to the win and Ryan Buchter notched his 3rd save. Ruddy Acosta (0-2) gave up 3 runs on 4 hits over 5 innings to take the loss for Navojoa.

Mexicali 6, Hermosillo 5

Mexicali improved to 12-4 on the year jumping out early with 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st and held on to beat the Naranjeros 6-5. Alfredo Aceves (0-3) gave up 6 runs on 7 hits in 2 1/3 innings on the mound to take the loss for Hermosillo. Javier Solano (3-1) allowed 2 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings of work to get the win and Jake Sanchez recorded his 3rd save. DH Francisco Mendez was 3 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs, CJ Retherford 2 for 4 with an RBI and Wellington Dotel 3 for 4 for the Aquilas. Sebastian Elizalde was 1 for 3 with a 2 run home run and Carlos Gastelum 1 for 5 with 2 RBIs for the Naranjeros.

Los Mochis 4, Mazatlán 3 (10 innings)

The Caneros got a walk off single by Saul Soto in the bottom of the 10th that scored Sergio Garcia to best the Venados  4-3 in 10 innings. Los Mochis had to score 2 runs in the inning because the Venados had taken a 3-2 lead in the top of the 10th. Steven Hensley (1-1) was charged with a blown save and took the loss for Mazatlán. Reliever Isaac Jimenez (2-0) recorded the final out in the top of the 10th and was the winner for the Caneros after the walk off by Soto. Emmanuel Avila was 2 for 5 with an RBI and Soto 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs and a run scored for Los Mochis. Cyle Hankerd was 2 for 5 with2 RBIs and Harold Ramirez 3 for 4 for the Venados.

Charros Fall Short In 10-9 Loss To Obregon

JAPHET AMADOR HITS 2 HOME RUNS

In a game where neither pitching staff pitched very well and both offenses were hitting on all cylinders, The Charros lost a heartbreaker of a game to the Yaquis 10-9.

Amador's 2nd Home Run

Jalisco wasted 2 home runs and 4 RBIs by Japhet Amador and a home run and 3 RBIs by Alex Liddi. The Charros had 11 hits in the game, 5 for extra bases.

The Yaquis got 2 run home runs from Reynaldo Rodriguez, in the 7th, and Said Gutierrez in the 8th to overcome an 8-6 deficit in the win.

Obregon jumped on top in the bottom of the 1st inning, scoring 4 runs on 2 doubles, 2 singles and a walk.

Thet added a run in the 3rd inning when Reynaldo Rodriguez reached on an error by the Charros third baseman and scored on a double by Christian Villanueva to give the Yaquis a 5-0 lead.

Japhet Amador and Alex Liddi hit solo home runs in the top of the 4th inning to narrow the Yaquis' lead to 5-2.

Alex Liddi Home Run

Angel Chavarin started things off in the 5th inning for the Charros with a walk. When the dust had settled, Jalisco had sent 10 men to the plate and scored 6 runs. Amador had a 2 run single and Alex Liddi a 2 run double in the inning as Jalisco took an 8-5 lead.

The Yaquis began their comeback in the bottom of the 6th inning with a lead off walk to Christian Villanueva, a single by Carlos Valencia and a ground out by Roman Pena that scored Villanueva to cut the Charros lead to 8-6.

Amezaga Single

In the bottom of the 7th, Alfredo Amezaga singled to center and scored on a 2 run home run by Reynaldo Rodriguez. The Yaquis had tied the score at 8 all.

Roman Pena singled in the Yaquis half of the 8th inning and came around to score on a 2 run home run by Said Gutierrez that gave Obregon a 10-8 lead.

Japhet Amador led off the top of the 9th for the Charos with his second home run of the night. Jalisco was down by a run at 10-9 but when Cacao Valdez lined out to center and Liddi and Marquez Smith struck out the Yaquis ad the win.

Mario Mendoza (0-1) gave up the home run in the 8th to take the loss. Adrian Ramirez was charged with a blown save for the Charros.

Armando Aguila (1-0) got the win in relief and Josh Judy picked up his 3rd save.

Amador was 3 for 5 with 2 home runs, 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored while Alex Liddi went 2 for 5 with a double and a home run and 3 RBIs for the Charros.

Rodriguez went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored and Roman Pena 2 for 3 with a walk and 3 RBIs for the Yaquis.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Culiacan 12, Navojoa 6

Joey Meneses hit a 2 run home run for the Tomateros, Ryan Lollis went 2 for 5 and Jaime Pedroza 3 for 5 in Culiacan's 12-6 win over the Mayos. Carlos Rodriguez, Quincy Latimore and Jesus Castillo were all 2 for 4 with home runs for Navojoa in a losing effort. Francisco Rios (2-1) picked up the win in relief and Ryan Buchter notched his 2nd save. The Mayos starter, Jose Oyervidez (1-1) gave up 9 runson9 hits over 4 1/3 innings to take the loss.

Hermosillo 6, Mexicali 5

A 3 run bottom of the 9th inning wasn't enough for the Aguilas as they fell to the Naranjeros 6-5. Sebastian Elizalde had 2 home runs for Hermosillo including a 2 run shot in the top of the 9th inning that put the Naranjeros up 6-2. Elizalde was 3 for 5 with 4 RBIs on the night and Luis Garcia 2 for 3 with a home run. Francisco Cordoba had a 2 run home run in the Aguilas' half of the 9th inning and CJ Retherford went 2 for 3 in the loss. Juan Pablo Oramas (2-2) got the win and Efren Delgdo (1-1) took the loss.

Los Mochis 3. Mazatlán 1

The Caneros scored twice in the 3rd inning on a walk, a single and a 2 run double to right by Juan Carlos Gamboa that scored Gilberto Galavis an D'Arby Myers and held on to top the Venados 3-1.
Derek Miramonte (2-1) threw 7 innings of shutout ball to pick up the win and Andres Avila got his 7th save of the year. Amilicar Gaxiola (0-1) went 6 1/3 innings and gave up all 3 Caneros runs in the loss. Paul Leon went 1 for 3 with an RBI for Mazatlán while Gamboa was 1 for 4 with the 2 RBIs for Los Mochis.

Mayos de Navojoa Shutout Tomateros 7-0

JESUS CASTILLO 3 for 5 IN ROMP

The reigning champions of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, the Tomateros de Culiacan, fell to 3-12 on the season with a 7-0 shutout at the hands of the Mayos de Navojoa in front of 16,800 hometown fans.

The game was scoreless through 6 innings of play until Navojoa loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the 7th inning on a fielding error, a hit batter and a single by Jesus Castillo. Pinch hitter Victor Mendoza reached base on an error by the shortstop that scored Lance Zadwadski and Eliseo Aldazaba to give the Mayos a 2-0 lead.

Mayos Score the 1st of 7 Runs in Win Over Tomateros

In the top of the 8th inning, Zadwadski hit a solo home run to increase the lead to 3-0. Aldazaba followed with a one out walk and scored when Jesus Castillo hit a 2-2 pitch over the wall in right center for a 5-0 Mayos lead.

Quincy Latimore drew a one out walk in the top of the 9th inning and scored in front of a home run by Aldazaba for the final 7-0 score.

Jorge Castillo (1-1) held the Tomateros scoreless through 6 1/3 innings on 4 hits while striking out 3. Juan Robles pitched the last 2 1/3 innings to pick up a save because he "entered the game with a less than a 3 run lead and pitched at least one inning". A quote from MLB rules on saves. Even though the final score was 7-0, it was only 2-0 when Robles entered the game, thus the save.

Jose Meraz (0-1) was charged with the loss in relief for the Tomateros.

Lance Zadwadski was 1 for 5 with the home run and 3 runs scored, Eliseo Aldazaba 1 for 3 with a home run, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored and Jesus Castillo 3 for 5 with a home run and 2 RBIs for the Mayos as the Mayos improved to 9-6 on the year.

Charros Drop Game 3 To Aguilas 9-7

LEO HERAS HOMERS IN LOSS

On a night when neither team pitched very well, the Aguilas de Mexicali scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 4th inning and held off the Charros 9-7 in front of 13,783 hometown fans.  The Charros had 10 hits including 3 doubles, a triple and the home run by Heras but could not overcome the Mexicali 4th.

The Charros are now 8-6 following a 6-1 start to the year while the Aguilas improved to 11-3.

The Aguilas jumped on top in the bottom of the 1st inning. Wellington Dotel led off the inning with a solo home run to right. Walter Ibarra and Yuniesky Betancourt followed with singles and CJ Retherford hit a sac fly to center to score Ibarra for the 2-0 Mexicali lead.

Heras Home Run at bat

Leo Heras got the Charros on the board with a one out solo home run to cut the lead to 2-1 Mexicali.

The Aguilas exploded for 6 runs in their half of the 4th. CJ Retherford was hit by a pitch to get things started. One out later, pinch hitter Ramon Ruiz doubled to center as pinch runner Ramon Urias scored from first. Pinch hitter Francisco Cordoba became the second player for the Aguilas to be hit by a pitch in the inning. Missael German doubled to score Rios and after a fly ball out, Dotel singled to score Cordoba and German. Walter Ibarra followed with a home run and the Aguilas led 8-1.

The Charros' Marquez Smith hit a one out single in the top of the 5th inning and went to second as Amadeo Zazueta reached on a fielding error by the Mexicali shortstop. Edson Garcia singled sharply to left to load the bases with 2 outs. Fernando Valenzuela Jr. waited out a walk to bring home Smith as the Charros cut the lead to 8-2.

Jesus "Cacao" Valdez hit a one out single in the 6th inning and went to third on a double by Alex Liddi. Marquez Smith then tripled to drive in Valdez and Liddi. Angel Chavarin hit a sac fly to center to score Smith and get the Charros to within 3 runs at 8-5.

The Aguilas answered with a run in their half of the 6th. Missael German singled, stole second, went to third on a ground out and scored on a single by Dotel. 9-5 Mexicali.

Edson Garcia doubled to lead of the Charros' 7th inning, went to third on a single by Valenzuela Jr. and scored on a passed ball to make the score 9-6.

Zazueta Double

Amadeo Zazueta doubled in the 9th for Jalisco, got to third on a fly ball to right by Garcia and scored on a ground ball to first for the final score of 9-7 Mexicali.

Orlando Lara (1-1) lasted 3 innings on the mound, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits to take the loss. Carlos Vazquez, who relieved Lara, threw 2/3 of an inning and gave up 5 runs on 4 hits including the 2 run home run to Ibarra.

Charros Starter Orlando Lara

Stephen Landazuri (2-1) went 5 1/3 innings for the Aguilas to get the win and Jake Sanchez picked up his 2nd save.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Los Mochis 4, Ciudad de Obregon 3

The Caneros scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning, 2 on a triple by D'Arby Myers, to take a 4-2 lead and held on to beat the Yaquis 4-3 for a sweep of the 3 game series. Tomas Solis (1-0) gave up all 3 Yaquis runs on 5 hits but benefited from the 3 run 4th for the win. Andres Avila pitched a perfect 9th inning to pick up his 6th save. Ramon Delgado (2-1) took the loss. Juan Carlos Gamboa hit a home run in 4 trips to the plate and Gilberto Galavis was 2 for 3 with an RBI for the Caneros. Luis Urias was 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs for the Yaquis.

Navojoa 3, Hermosillo 2 (1st game, 8 innings)

Navojoa tied the game in regulation on a 2 run home run by Jose Chavez and got a walk off single by Carlos Rodriguez in the bottom of the 8th for the win. Carlos Bustamante (2-0) picked up the win in relief and Ronnie Shaban (0-1) suffered the loss. Chavez was 1 for 4 with the home run and Rodriguez 2 for 2 with the game winning RBI for the Mayos. Roberto Ramos was 1 for 2 with an RBI and Jose Cardona 1 for 1 with an RBI for the Naranjeros.

Navojoa 1, Hermosillo 0 (2nd game, 7 innings)

Hector Velazquez (2-0) pitched 5 1/3 innings of 3 hit shutout baseball, Oscar Felix threw 2/3 of an inning of scoreless ball and Luis De La O picked up his 1st save in the 1-0 win. The Mayos swept the double header in front of 7,312 delighted hometown fans. Alan Sanchez was 1 for 2 with a double, driving in the lone run of the game for Navojoa. Jerry Owens, Sebastian Elizalde and Jose Amador were all 1 for 3 for the Naranjeros in the loss. Marcos Rivas (0-1) took the loss for Hermosillo.

Mazatlán 6, Culiacan 3

The Venados took 2 of 3 from the Tomateros with the 6-3 win on Sunday. Mazatlán got home runs from Carlos Munoz and Esteban Quiroz as the Venados pounded out 13 hits, 6 for extra bases. Luis Heredia (1-0) picked up the win in relief and Felipe Arredondo (0-2) gave up 5 runs on 7 hits in just 3 innings on the mound to take the loss for the Tomateros. Quiroz was 2 for 5 with the home run, Munoz 2 for 3 with the home run and 2 RBIs and Erick Rodriguez 3 for 4 with an RBI for Mazatlán. Ryan Lollis and Jaime Pedroza were both 2 for 4 for the Tomateros and Jorge Cantu had the lone RBI for Culiacan. (their other 2 runs were unearned)

Aguilas Get Walk Off Triple To Top Charros 5-4

JALISCO'S 3RD EXTRA INNING CONTEST IN LAST 4 GAMES

Manager Juan Navarrete

The Charros lost this game on two decisions made by the coaching staff. After Jalisco took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 6th inning, manager Juan Navarrete made the decision to pull starter Marco Tovar. To this point Tovar had given up 1 run and gotten the 1st out of the inning before giving up a single. Reliever Manuel Flores came in and gave up a 1st pitch 2 run home run that tied the game. The second mistake occurred in the top of the 9th inning. With one out and runners on first and second, Leo Heras doubled, scoring the runner on second but the third base coach made the decision to send the runner who had been on first, home. The relay throw nailed the runner and although the Charros had regained the lead, the Aguilas would score in the bottom of the 9th.

Marquis Smith walked with one out in the top of the second for the Charros and went to second when Alejandro Ortiz hit a slow roller to short for a single. Amadeo Zazueta followed with a single to center to score Smith that gave Jalisco a 1-0 lead.

Zazueta RBI Single

The Aguilas tied the score in their half of the 2nd inning when CJ Retherford drew a walk and scored on a triple to the alley in left center by Luis Juarez.

Jalisco retook the lead in the 4th inning on a double to left by Alex Liddi and an RBI single by Amadeo Zazueta. The Charros led 2-1.

The Mexicali reliever, Jose Lopez, hit Marquis Smith with one out in the top of the 6th. Alejandro Ortiz doubled to center with Smith stopping at third. Zazueta was intentionally walked to load the bases. Pinch hitter Christian Presichi hit a ground ball to third that scored Smith to give the Charros a 3-1 lead.

Marco Tovar

Marco Tovar, the Charros starter, got the first batter in the bottom of the 6th, CJ Retherford, to fly out to left and then gave up a single to Chris Roberson. Manuel Flores was brought in to face Luis Juarez who hit the first pitch he saw from Flores for a 2 run home run that tied the game at 3 all.

Manny Rodriguez hit a one out single to center in the top of the 9th and after Cacao Valdez walked, Rodriguez scored on a double by Leo Heras. Pinch runner Edson Garcia was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first on the hit. Jalisco was once again back on top 4-3.

Brian Broderick, in to pitch the 9th, gave up a single to Wellington Dotel, got the next two batters out but gave up a run scoring single to CJ Retherford. Pinch runner Jon Del Campo was picked off second for the third out but the score was tied and the game was headed for extra innings.

The Aguilas Xorge Carrillo singled with one out in the bottom of the 10th and scored when Missael German tripled to left center to give Mexicali the walk off 5-4 win.

Francisco Gil (1-0) picked up the win in relief. Brian Broderick (0-1) was charged with his 1st blown save of the year and took the loss.

The Charros fell to 8-5 on the year while the Aguilas improved to 10-3 and sit atop  the LMP standings.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Los Mochis 6, Ciudad de Obregon 5

Avila HR / Andrey Fuentes

The Caneros scored 5 times in the first 4 innings and withstood a 3 run rally by the Yaquis in the 9th inning to beat Obregon 6-5. Emmanuel Avila was 2 for 5 with a 3 run home run and Gilberto Galaviz went 3 for 3 with a run scored for Los Mochis. Reynaldo Rodriguez was 2 for 4 with a walk and a home run, Christian Villanueva 2 for 5 and Iker Franco 2 for 4 for Obregon in the loss. Roy Merritt (1-0) got the win for the Caneros as Andres Avila picked up his 5th save of the year. Irwin Delgado gave up 5 runs on 7 hits in 3 1/3 innings to take the loss for the Yaquis.

Mazatlán 5, Culiacan 2

The Venados scored 3 runs in the 3rd inning on their way to a 5-2 win over the Tomateos. Culiacan, last years LMP Champions, fell to 3-10 on the year while the Venados moved to 5-8. Esteban Quiroz was 3 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored and Heber Gomez 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Mazatlán. Jorge Cantu went 1 for 5 with 2 RBIs for the Tomateros. Alejandro Soto (1-0) worked 5 2/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits for the win with Steven Hensley notching his 4th save. Marco Camarena (1-1) gave up all 5 Venado runs on 8 hits in 4 2/3 innings and was charged with the loss.

Hermosillo 6, Navojoa 2

The Naranjeros scored 5 runs in the first 2 innings and went on to a 6-2 victory over the Mayos in Navojoa. Jerry Owens and Jose Amador homered for Hermosillo and Carlos Gastelum was 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Diego Madero was 2 for 4 with his 3rd triple of the year for the Mayos. Alejandro Gonzalez went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and Jesus Castillo  2 for 4 with a run scored for Navojoa. Nate Reed (1-1) scattered 10 hits over 5 2/3 innings giving up both Mayos runs to get the win. Danny Gutierrez (0-2) lasted just 1 1/3 innings allowing 5 runs on6 hits to take the loss for the Mayos.

Jalisco Takes Series Opener in Mexicali 8-1

AMADOR HOMERS IN WIN

Charros Win

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

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

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

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

Cacao Valdez Triple

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

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

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

Amador Home Run

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

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

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Los Mochis 5, Ciudad de Obregon 1

Lamas HR / Andrey Fuentes

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

Culiacan 11, Mazatlán 8

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

Gastelum Scores

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

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

Mayos Take 2 0f 3 From Charros With 4-3 Win

11 INNING VICTORY 2nd EXTRA INNING GAME OF SERIES

The Mayos de Navojoa improved to 6-5 on the season with the win in Guadalajara while dropping the Charros to 7-4. The two teams used a combined 15 pitchers and 23 position players. The game started in dry conditions but it began drizzling later. The rain was from the outer bands of hurricane Patricia, expected to hit the southern Mexican coast Friday or Saturday.

Charros Starter Alex Sanabia

Juan Robles (1-0) picked up the win in relief and Jesus Garcia picked up his 1st save of the year. Adrian Ramirez was charged with a blown save and Luis Rodriguez (0-1) was charged with the loss for Jalisco.

Jalisco opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st inning on a single by Eduardo Arredondo, a ground rule double by Manny Rodriguez and a ground ball double play by Cacao Valdez that scored Arredondo for the 1-0 lead.

Diego Madero led off the Mayos half of the 3rd inning with a triple and scored one out later on a ground ball to short and the score was tied at 1 all.

Madero hit his second triple of the game in the 5th inning and scored when the Charros shortstop missed the throw in from the outfield. Navojoa had taken a 2-1 lead.

Rodriguez' Home Run

Manny Rodriguez tied the game at 2 all for the Charros with a solo home run to left leading off the bottom of the 6th.
 
Pinch hitter Christian Presichi led off the bottom of the 7th inning for Jalisco with a single and went to third on a single by Gabriel Gutierrez. A wild pitch moved Gutierrez to second. Amadeo Zazueta singled to score Presichi as the Charros retook the lead 3-2.

Eliseo Aldazba hit a solo home run with 2 outs in the top of the 9th inning as Navojoa tied the score at 3.

The Charros loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 9th inning but Cacao Valdez grounded into a 5-2 fielders choice that got Gutierrez, who had doubled to lead off the inning, at home and Japhet Amador flew out to center to end the inning.

Lance Zadwadski singled to start the 11th for the Mayos and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jesus Castillo. Luis Rodriguez was intentionally walked and with 2 outs, Diego Madero reached first safely on a throwing error by the Charros shortstop as Zadwadski scored and Navojoa was on top 4-3 and the win.

Manny Rodriguez went 2 for 4 with a home run and Gabriel Gutierrez was 3 for 5 in the loss.

Rain Soaked Charros Fans

Eliseo Aldazaba was 1 for 4 with the game tying, 2 out, home run and Diego Madero had 2 triples and a single in 5 trips to the plate for Navojoa.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Mexicali 5, Culiacan 2

CJ Retherford went 3 for 4 with3 RBIs and Chris Roberson scored 2 runs and drove in 1 on a 3 for 5 night in the Aguilas 5-2 win in Culiacan. Oscar Robles was 3 for 4 with 3 doubles and Ryan Lollis 3 for 3 for the Tomateros. Javier Solano (2-1) was the winning pitcher and Jake Sanchez got his 1st save for the Aguilas. Oscar Villarreal (0-1) took the loss for Culiacan. 19,173 hometown fans watched the Tomateros record fall to 2-9 while the league leading Aguilas improved to 9-2.

Los Mochis 7, Hermosillo

Los Mochis scored 6 times in the 5th inning on their way to a 7-1 win over the Naranjero. Lead off hitter Juan Carlos Gamboa went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored, Antonio Lamas 2 for 4 with an RBI and Jesus Arredondo 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs for the Caneros. Roberto Ramos was 1 for 4 with a run scoring double in the 1st inning for Hermosillo. Luke Irvine (2-0) pitched 7 innings to pick up the win while Alfredo Aceves (0-2) gave up all 7 runs in 4 2/3 innings in the loss.

Ciudad de Obregon 5, Mazatlán 1

Bernadina Home Run

Roger Bernadina hit a solo home run and scored 2 runs on a 1 for 4 night at the plate in the 5-1 Yaquis win in Mazatlán. Reynaldo Rodriguez added a 2 run triple for Obregon. The Venados scored their only run on a single by Heber Gomez in the top of the 8th inning. Rolando Valdez (1-1) pitched 6 shutout innings, giving up 3 hits in earning the win. Sergio Valenzuela (1-1) took the loss, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits in 5 1/3 innings on the mound.