Mexicali Tops Navojoa 4-3 in 16 Innings

WILL FACE MAZATLAN IN LMP CHAMPIONSHIP

Let the Cebration Begin in Mexicali

CJ Retherford's successful squeeze bunt in the bottom of the 16th inning scored Chris Roberson from third for the winning run as the Aguilas de Mexicali defeated the Mayos de Navojoa 4-3 to take game 7 of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico semifinal round and advance to the Championship series against the Venados de Mazatlán. This game was the longest in the history of the LMP Playoffs.

The Aguilas had tied the game at 3 in the bottom of the 6th inning when Retherford was hit by a pitch with 2 outs and scored in front of a home run to center by Luis Juarez. Those would be the last runs scored by either team for the next 10 innings.

19 pitchers were used in the game, 9 by the Mayos and 10 by the Aguilas. Yair Lozoya pitched the final 2 innings for Mexicali to pick up the win while Tomas Solis was charged with the run in the 16th and took the loss for Navojoa.

The teams combined to use 28 position players, 15 by the Aguilas and 13 by the Mayos. The Mexicali substitutes went 3 for 7 while the Mayos pinch hitters were 0-5. Navojoa was 1 for 9 and Mexicali 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position.

Another sellout crowd of 17,000 in Mexicali sat through a game that lasted 6 hours and 2 minutes. There is no mention of how many fans were around at the end of the game that started at 8PM (local time) on the 18th of January and finished at 2:02 AM (local time) on the 19th of January.

Both teams scored in the 1st inning. Carlos Moncrief led off the top of the 1st for Navojoa by drawing a walk. 2 batters later, Jesus Castillo waited out a walk to put runners on first and second. A double by Jose Amador scored Moncrief for the early 1-0 lead.

Mexicali answered in their half of the inning when Chris Roberson singled with 2 outs, stole second and scored on a single to left by Yuniesky Betancourt to tie the game at 1.

Navojoa added a run in the 3rd inning on a lead off single by Moncrief, a double by Nate Tenbrink and a sac fly to right by Quincy Latimore. The Mayos had a 2-1 lead after 3 innings.

In the top of the 5th inning, Tenbrink reached on a 1 out single, Latimore's single to center moved him to third and Castillo hit a sac fly to left that scored Tenbrink for a 3-1 Navojoa lead.

Luis Juarez'  home run in the bottom of the 6the inning, with Retherford aboard, tied the game at 3 all. There would be no more scoring for 10 innings.

There are several choices for Most Valuable Player (MVP) in this series. Luis Juarez won game 1 for the Aguilas with a 2 out single in the bottom of the 9th and his home run in this game tied the score. CJ Retherford's ability to lay down the squeeze after 6 hours of play in this game, his .318 batting average for the playoffs and his consistent play at first base is certainly worthy of consideration. Although he didn't make the splashy plays as did Juarez and Retherford, Xorge Carrillo hit .382 and was solid behind the plate for Mexicali.

The LMP Championship Series has the Aguilas facing the Venados de Mazatlán with the series set to begin on Wednesday the 20th of January.

Charros Infielder Alex Liddi Signs With Baltimore Orioles

THE MINOR LEAGUE DEAL WILL SEE HIM IN ORIOLES SPRING TRAINING CAMP

Liddi at bat for the Charros

Alex Liddi, infielder for the Charros de Jalisco, has been offered a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Liddi is reported to be headed to Sarasota, Florida and a spring training tryout with the Orioles.

The 1st Italian born and raised player to play in the big leagues, got his start with the Seattle Mariners who took him in the 2005 MLB International Draft. He played at various levels in the minor leagues for the Mariners and made his Major League debut in the Spring of 2011. Although he hit grand slam home runs in back to back games that spring he started the year in Triple A.

Called up to the big league club in the September roster expansion, Liddi got his 1st big league hit against the Kansas City Royals on September 9th and hit his 1st major league home run on the 20th against the Cleveland Indians.

Liddi's Official Mariners Photo

Since signing with the Mariners, he has been part of 5 different teams. The Orioles (twice), the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Kansas City Royals. The 27 year old Liddi signed with the Orioles on January 12th of this year.

In parts of 3 seasons with the Mariners, Liddi has a .208 batting average with 6 home runs and 16 RBIs in 173 at bats.

Liddi played for the Charros de Jalisco in the 2015-2016 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico season, splitting his playing time between third base and first base. Liddi hit .312 with 7 home runs and 36 RBIs in 58 games for the Charros. He was picked by the Yaquis de Obregon to join their team in the quest for an LMP Championship.

Liddi Homers for the Charros

The Olmecas de Tabasco, of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol, had expressed an interest in Liddi for the Mexican summer league before the signing.

Venados Tie Series at 3 With 6-3 Win In Obregon

YAQUIS 0 FOR 7 WITH RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION

Andres Meza gave up 3 Yaquis runs on 6 hits to get the win for the Venados on Sunday as Mazatlán battled back to tie the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico semifinal playoff round at 3 games apiece. Sergio Valenzuela pitched the final 1 1/3 innings to pick up the save. Rolando Valdez went 4 1/3 innings allowing 5 runs on 8 hits to take the loss for the Yaquis.

Agustin Murillo singled to lead off the 4th inning for Mazatlán, stole second an scored on a single by Cyle Hankerd for a 1-0 Venados lead. Carlos Munoz singled to left to put runners on first and second. Olmo Rosario singled to score Hankerd and a 2-0 Mazatlán lead.

Paul Leon began the 5th inning for Mazatlán with a single and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jeremias Pineda. Murillo followed with a single to deep short. Leon and Murillo both scored on a double to left center by Esteban Quiroz. With 2 outs, Carlos Munoz drew a walk. Ball 4 was a wild pitch that got Quiroz to third. Rosario singled to score Quiroz and the Venados led 5-0.

Carlos Valencia Home Run

The Yaquis closed the gap to 5-1 on a solo home run to left by Carlos Valencia in the bottom of the 5th inning.

Justin Greene singled to lead off Yaquis half of the 6th inning and scored on a triple by Leo Heras. Alex Liddi followed with an RBI ground out to second that scored Heras and the Yaquis were down 2 at 5-3.

With 1 out in the top of the 7th inning, Cyle Hankerd doubled to left center and scored when the next batter, Munoz, singled to center for the final run of the game and the 6-3 win for Mazatlán.

Game 7 will be played on Monday with the winner advancing to the Championship round of the LMP Playoffs to face either the Mayos de Navojoa or the Agulas de Mexicali. That series is set to begin on Wednesday the 20th of January.

Rosario was 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Munoz 2 for 4 with an RBI, Quiroz 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored and Cyle Hankerd 2 for 5 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Venados.

Valencia went 1 for 3 with the home run, Heras 1 for 4 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored and Greene 2 for 4 for the Yaquis.

Leo Heras Triple

Mayos 1-0 Over Aguilas In 10 Innings; Tie Series at 3 All

GAME 7 TO BE PLAYED ON MONDAY WITH WINNER ADVANCING

What a game! There's nothing like a pitcher's duel, extra inning affair in playoff baseball. Hector Velazquez tossed a 2 hitter over 7 innings allowing no runs and striking out 7 for the Mayos. Hector Rodriguez allowed just 3 hits, walked 1 and struck out 6 in 6 1/3 innings on the mound for the Aguilas. Neither pitcher allowed a run. Neither pitcher figured in the decision. Neither team deserved to lose.

Mayos Battery Celebrates The Win

Mexicali had scoring opportunities in the 2nd, 8th and 10th innings but their hitters went 0 for 3 with runners in scoring position. The Mayos had runners in scoring position in the 3th, 5th and 10th innings and their hitters were 0 for 7.

Mauricio Lara began the bottom of the 10th inning as the Aguilas reliever and gave up a single to Jesus Castillo. Jose Chavez reached safely on a bunt back to the mound that Lara threw away and the Mayos had runners on first and second with no outs. This was the only error by either team in the game. Nate Tenbrink laid down a sacrifice bunt to third that advanced the runners. After a pitching change by the Aguilas, pinch hitter Fernando Flores hit a sac fly to center that scored Castillo with the only run of the game and the 1-0 win for Navojoa.

Castillo Scores The Lone Run

The Aguilas had a chance to score in the bottom of the inning. CJ Retherford beat the throw on a soft ground ball to second for a single to lead off the inning. Pinch runner Jon Del Campo moved to second, one out later, on a single to left by Xorge Carrillo. As the hometown crowd of 17,000 fans cheered wildly with anticipation, their hopes were crushed when DH Luis Juarez hit into a double play to end the game.

Game 7 will be played on Monday with the winner moving on to play either the Yaquis de Obregon or the Venados de Mazatlán in game 1 of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Championship round of the playoffs set to begin on Wednesday the 20th of January.

The Mayos battled back from a 2 games to none deficit to tie the series at 3 games.

Aguilas Top Mayos 4-3 In LMP Playoffs

TAKE 3 GAMES TO 2 LEAD BACK TO MEXICALI

The Aguilas de Mexicali scored 2 runs in the 8th inning and held on to beat the Mayos de Navojoa 4-3. Jake Sanchez picked up the win in relief and closer Esmailin Caridad worked out of a 2 on, one out jam in the bottom of the 9th inning to preserve the win. Carlos Bustamante was charged with a blown save and took the loss for Navojoa.

Mexicali took the lead in the top of the 5th inning when Xorge Carrillo doubled to left with 2 outs and scored as Ricky Alvarez reached base safely on a fielding error by the Navojoa shortstop to give the Aguilas a 1-0 lead.

The Mayos responded quickly in their half of the 5th. Jose Amador was hit by a pitch leading off and went to third on a double to right by Carlos Moncrief. Both runners scored on a double by Fernando Flores for a 2-1 lead with no outs. After a coaching visit to the mound, Diego Madero singled on a bunt back to the pitcher that scored Flores when the Aguilas pitcher threw the ball away and the lead was 3-1 Mayos.

The Aguilas scored again in the to of the 6th inning. Chris Roberson singled and went to third on a single by Yuniesky Betancourt that deflected off the glove of the Navojoa shortstop. CJ Retherford followed with a single that scored Roberson and the Mayos lead was cut to 3-2.

Roberson led off the top of the 8th inning for Mexicali by drawing a walk. Carlos Bustamante was brought in to face Betancourt who singled to put runners on first and second with no outs. Retherford's sacrifice bunt moved both runners up a base. Wellington Dotel reached base on a fielder's choice that scored Roberson and got Betancourt to third. Betancourt scored on a wild pitch to give the Aguilas the 4-3 lead and the win.

Betancourt was 3 for 4 with  run scored, Retherford 1 for 3 with an RBI, Ramon Urias 2 for 5 and Xorge Carrillo 2 for 4 with a run scored for the Aguilas.

Fernando Flores went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs and a run scored for Navojoa while Carlos Moncrief was 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Game 6 will be played in Mexicali on Sunday the 17th and game 7, if necessary, will be played on Monday the 18th,

Venados Force Game 6 With 3-2 Win In LMP Semifinals

YAQUIS DROP GAME IN 13th INNING ON WILD PITCH

The Venados de Mazatlán scored the winning run on a wild pitch by Yaquis reliever Marco Carrillo in the bottom of the 13th inning to top Obregon 3-2 and force a game 6 in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico semifinal playoff round. The Venados had entered the home stand against the Yaquis tied 1 game to 1 but lost two out of three games in Mazatlán. Game 6 will be played in Obregon on Sunday the 17th of January with a game 7, if necessary, on Monday.

Justin Greene led off the game for Obregon with a single to center and went to third as Leo Heras reached base safely on a fielding error by the Venados second baseman. Greene then scored on a sac fly to right by Max Ramirez for the 1-0 Yaquis lead after the top of the 1st inning.

Mazatlán trailed by that score until the bottom of the 6th inning. Jeremiaz Pineda singled but was picked off first for the 1st out of the inning. Esteban Quiroz was hit by a pitch and moved to second one out later on a single to center by Cyle Hankerd. After a pitching change, Olmo Rosario waited out a walk to load the bases. When the Venados sent pinch hitter Carlos Munoz to the plate, Obregon countered by bringing in reliever Adrian Ramirez. The Venados won the strategy moves as Munoz singled to score Quiroz and Hankerd for a 2-1 lead.

With 2 outs in the top of the 7th inning, Alfredo Amezaga singled to right for the Yaquis and scored on a double by Daniel Castro to tie the game 2-2.

Olmo Rosario led off the bottom of he 13th for Mazatlán with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Carlos Munoz. Paul Leon was intentionally walked to set up a possible double play scenario. Jose Felix followed with a single to left. The third base coach, in my opinion, made the bad decision to send Rosario home. Rosario was thrown out at the plate but Leon was able to advance to third on the play. With 2 outs, Carrillo threw a 2-2 fastball in the dirt that got by the Yaquis catcher for the wild pitch that scored Leon with the winning run.

Pinch hitter Carlos Munoz was 1 for 2 with the 2 run RBI single for Mazatlán as Cyle Hankerd and Olmo Rosario both went 2 for 5 on the night.

Justin Greene was 2 for 5 with a run scored for the Yaquis with Alfredo Amezaga going 2 for 4 at the plate with a run scored.

The teams combined to use 17 pitchers in the game with the Yaquis using 10 and the Venados 7. Marco Carrillo took the loss while Roberto Espinosa benefited from Carrillo's wild pitch to pick up the win.

Mazatlan Doubles Up Yaquis 8-4

EVEN SERIES AT 1 GAME APIECE

The Venados got home run from Agustin Murillo, Cyle Hankerd and Esteban Quiroz to top the Yaquis de Obregon by an 8-4 score. Mazatlán broke open a close game with 4 runs in the 4th inning that put them in front 7-2 and the pitching did the rest.

Andres Meza shook off a rocky 1st inning, in which he gave up 2 runs, to work 5 2/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. Meza seemed to be in trouble each inning but got the outs when needed to pick up the win for the Venados.

Rolando Valdez took the loss for the Yaquis, going 3 2/3 innings giving up 6 runs on 8 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts.

Liddi Out At Home

Obregon made some poor decisions on the base paths in the 1st inning. Alex Liddi tried to score from first on a double by Max Ramirez and was thrown out at home for the second out. Dustin Martin was thrown out at second trying to stretch a single to left into a double. Maybe these chances, if not taken, change the complexion of the game or maybe not but this is playoff baseball. It was the 1st inning and the Yaquis had a 1-0 lead with 1 out. It wasn't the 9th inning down a run.

The Venados scored 8 runs on 14 hits. The 1 through 4 hitters went 7 for 19 with 6 RBIs and 6 runs scored with 3 home runs. Agustin Murillo was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Esteban Quiroz 2 for 5 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Cyle Hankerd 2 for 5 with a home run, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Yunesky Sanchez was 3 for 5.

Max Ramirez, before being pulled for a pinch runner, was 1 for 2 with 2 walks, an RBI and a run scored for the Yaquis. Alex Liddi was 1 for 3 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored. Carlos Valencia had an RBI for Obregon as did Dustin Martin.

The series continues in Mazatlán on Wednesday with the Venados tied with the Yaquis 1 game to 1. Mazatlán is ensured of 3 games at home before returning to Obregon if a game 6 is necessary. The winner of this semifinal series will face the winner of the Aguilas/Mayos series for the LMP Championship.

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Mexicali Overwhelms Mayos 10-1

4 RUN 1ST INNING PORTENDS OF THINGS TO COME

The Aguilas de Mexicali batted around in the bottom of the 1st inning, sending 9 men to the plate and scoring 4 runs on 4 hits with 2 walks thrown in for good measure. All the runs were scored with 2 outs as the Mayos de Navojoa faced the offensive juggernaut that was awakened in the late innings of game 1.

Aguilas Score 2

CJ Retherford's double to deep center field was the big blow of the inning, driving in Luis Juarez and Yuniesky Betancourt for a quick 2-0 lead. After a walk to Wellington Dotel on a wild pitch, Retherford scored on a single by Ricky Alvarez with Dotel moving to third. Dotel scored on a single to center by Xorge Carrillo and the Aguilas led 4-0.

Carrillo led off the bottom of the 4th with a double and scored one out later on a single to right by Chris Roberson. After Walter Ibarra flew out to center, Luis Juarez singled to score Roberson. Betancourt singled to put runners on first and second. Retherford walked to load the bases. Dotel singled to left to score Juarez and Betancourt and Mexicali had an 8-0 lead after 4 innings.

Daniel Rodriguez, the Aguilas starter, held the Mayos hitless through 4 innings but lost the no hitter and the shutout when Jose Amador hit a 2-2 fastball over the wall in left center for a solo home run that cut the Mexicali lead to 8-1. Rodriguez picked up the win, giving up the one run on 1 hit while walking 1 and striking out 7 over 6 innings of work.

Jorge Castillo, the Mayos starter, lasted just 2/3 of an inning allowing 4 runs on 4 hits with 2 walks in being charged with the loss.

The Aguilas scored single runs in the 5th and 6th to put the game away with the final score of 10-1.

Luis Juarez was 2 for 4 on the night with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Betancourt, 2 for 4 with an RBI and 3 runs scored. CJ Retherford went 1 for 3 with the 2 run double, Dotel 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs and 2 walks and Xorge Carrillo was 2 for 3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Aguilas.

Nate Tenbrink, Genaro Andrade and Quincy Latimore were all 1 for 3 for Navojoa. Jose Amador went 1 for 4 with the home run.

The Aguilas, counting the sweep of the Charros in round 1, are 6-0 in the playoffs. Game 3 will be played on Wednesday in Navojoa with Mexicali staked to a 2 games to none lead in the semifinal round. The winner of this series will face the winner of the Yaquis/Venados series for the LMP Championship.

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Yaquis Top Venados 4-1

TAKE GAME 1 OF LMP SEMIFINALS

The Yaquis de Obregon scored all of their runs in the 4th inning and the pitching staff held the Venados scoreless over the last 8 innings to take game 1 of their Liga Mexicana del Pacifico playoff series by a 4-1 score.

Arturo Lopez gave up the lone Mazatlán run in the 1st inning on a double by Jeremias Pineda, a sacrifice bunt and a ground out that gave an early 1-0 lead to the Venados.

Alejandro Soto, the Venados starting pitcher, worked 6 innings and gave up all 4 Obregon runs on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5.

Carlos Valencia's 3 Run HR

Justin Greene led off the bottom of the 4th inning for the Yaquis with a single to right and stole second. Greene moved to third as Leo Heras reached safely on a fielding error by Mazatlán. Alex Liddi, newly acquired from the Charros de Jalisco, doubled to drive in Greene. Heras was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first on the play. Dustin Martin drew a 2 out walk and Carlos Valencia launched a long home run to left that scored Liddi and Martin to put the Yaquis in front 4-1.

Neither team scored again and the Yaquis won game 1.

Jeremias Pineda was 1 for 3 in the game for the Venados and Agustin Murillo, another pick up from the Charros, drove in the lone run for Mazatlán.

Justin Greene was 3 for 4 with a run scored for Obregon. Alex Liddi was 1 for 3 with an RBI and Carlos Valencia was 1 for 3 with the 3 run home run. Daniel Castro was also 1 for 3 for the Yaquis.

Game 2 of the series continues in Obregon on Monday with games 3 and 4 in Mazatlán on Wednesday and Thursday.

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Aguilas Pull Off Improbable Win in Game 1 of LMP Playoffs

TOP MAYOS WITH WALK OFF RUN WITH 2 OUTS IN 9TH INNING

The Aguilas de Mexicali, down 6-5 entering the bottom of the 9th inning, got a bases loaded 2 out single from Luis Juarez to beat the Mayos de Navojoa 7-6 in game 1 of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico playoffs.

Juarez Walk Off Single

The walk off single completed a comeback from a 6-0 deficit that began with a 5 run outburst in the 7th inning. Jose Oyervides, arguably the ace of the Mayos pitching staff, had scattered 5 hits and struck out 9 Aguilas in 6 complete innings on the mound. Faced with a 97 pitch night by Oyervides, the Mayos manager opted to bring on Luis de La O to start the 7th inning. O lasted just 1/3 of an inning and 3 more relievers gave up 5 runs on 5 hits.

Carlos Bustamante, on in the closer role for the Mayos in the bottom  of the 9th was charged with a blown save, and the loss, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and walking 2 batters.

The Aguilas closer, Esmailin Caridad, picked up the win in relief, pitching a perfect top of the 9th for Mexicali.

The Mexicali starter, Javier Solano, lasted 4 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs on 5 hits, striking out 4 and hitting 2 batters.

Fernando Flores and Nate Tenbrink were both 2 for 5 for Navojoa. Jesus Castillo and his replacement at 1B, Victor Mendoza, combined to go 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored on the night. Jose Amador and Carlos Orrantia were each 1 for 3 with RBIs for the Mayos.

Chris Roberson went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs for Mexicali. Luis Juarez was 2 for 5 with the game winning RBI. Ramon Urias was 2 for 5 from the leadoff spot with 2 runs scored. Yuniesky Betancourt, Xorge Carrillo and CJ Retherford all went 2 for 4 for the Aguilas. Retherford and Betancourt each drove in a run while Carrillo scored a run. Pinch hitter Ramon Rios was 1 for 2 with an RBI and  run scored.

Game 2 of the series continues on Monday, the 11th in Mexicali with games 3 and 4 scheduled for the 13th and 14th in Navojoa.

Aguilas Celebrate in Mexicali


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WDBarr's Article Appears in the Guadalajara Reporter

Here is a link to an article I wrote for the Guadalajara Reporter about the Charros being eliminated from the 2016 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Playoffs.

Mayos de Navojoa Advance In LMP Playoffs

TOP VENADOS 5-4 WITH A CARLOS MONCRIEF HR

The Mayos went up 5-3 on a solo home run by Carlos Moncrief in the top of the 9th and withstood a Venados rally in the bottom of the inning to best Mazatlán 5-4 and advance in the 2016 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Playoffs.

After Navojoa had taken a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning, the Venados scored 3 times in their half of the inning. Jeremias Pineda singled, stole second, went to third on the throwing error by the catcher and scored 1 out later on a single by Cyle Hankerd. Mike Jacobs followed with a single and both runners advanced on a ground out. Edwin Salas drew an intentional walk to load the bases. Erick Rodriguez waited out a walk that scored Hankerd. Heber Gomez hit a slow roller to short that scored Jacobs for the 3-1 lead. The Mayos challenged the play at first but the "safe" call was upheld.

Navojoa got a run back in the 3rd inning on a singles by Genero Andrade, Jose Chavez and Quincy Latimore to cut the Venados lead to 3-2.

Pinch hitter Victor Mendoza hit a leadoff single for the Mayos in the top of the 7th inning and moved to second on a balk by the Venados pitcher. Diego Madero was brought in to run for Mendoza and scored 1 out later on a single by Alan Sanchez. The score was tied 3-3.

Carlos Moncrief doubled to lead off the Mayos half of the 8th inning and scored on a single to center by Jose Amador to give Navojoa their 1st lead of the night at 4-3.

Moncrief's solo home run to left, in the top of the 9th inning, put the Mayos up 5-3.

Jeremias Pineda singled with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th for Mazatlán and went to third on a wild pitch by the Mayos closer, Daniel Moskos. With 2 outs, Cyle Hankerd singled to right to score Pineda but Mike Jacobs struck out swinging to end the game.

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Yaquis Advance in LMP Playoffs

TAKE GAME 6 OVER CANEROS 4-3

The Yaquis de Obregon scored twice in the bottom, of the 1st inning and held on to beat the Caneros de Los Mochis 4-3 and advance to the semifinal round of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico playoffs.

David Reyes started the game for Obregon and went 5 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits over that span. The Yaquis manager pulled out all the stops, using 6 relief pitchers over the final 4 innings to preserve the win. Adrian Ramirez picked up the win in relief and Josh Judy worked a perfect 9th inning to get the save. Tomas Solis threw 5 1/3 innings for the Caneros giving up 3 runs in the loss.

Obregon's Alfredo Amezaga singled with one out in the 1st inning and went to third on a double by Leo Heras. Both runners scored on a double by Max Ramirez that put the Yaquis up early 2-0.

Los Mochis tied the game in the top of the 5th inning on a single by Rudolfo Amador, who later scored on a throwing error by the Obregon left fielder on a grounder by Yancarlo Angulo. Angulo went to third on the throw. Jesus Arredondo reached base safely on an error by the shortstop that scored Angulo for a 2-2 tie after 5 innings.

Carlos Valencia doubled to lead off the Obregon half of the 6th inning but was thrown out at third on a fielders choice ground ball by Christian Villanueva. Said Gutierrez singled and David Castro singled to left to score Villanueva. Justin Greene then hit a sac fly to right that scored Gutierrez to put the Yaquis up 4-2.

JC Linares drew a 2 out walk and went to second on a single by Emmanuel Avila in the top of the 8th inning for the Caneros. Antonio Lamas singled to left to score Linares to cut the lead to 4-3 but the scoring was complete and the Yaquis de Obregon took the series 4 games to 2 to advance in the LMP Playoffs.

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Yaquis de Obregon Defeat Caneros 4-1 in LMP Playoff Game 5

YAQUIS WITH 3 GAMES TO 2 ADVANTAGE IN 1ST ROUND

Rolando Valdez, starting pitcher for the Yaquis, scattered 6 hits over 6 1/3 innings on the mound, striking out 5 to pick up the win over the Caneros de Los Mochis. Josh Judy gave up the lone Los Mochis run in the bottom of the 9th on back-to-back doubles and then struck out the side to preserve the Obregon win.

Yaquis Score / Andrey Fuentes

Alfredo Amezaga tripled with one out in the 1st and scored on a sac fly to center by Leo Heras for a 1-0 Yaquis lead.

Obregon added a run in the second on a solo home run to left  by Christian Villanueva. 2-0 Yaquis.

A one out double to left by Dustin Martin and a single by Carlos Valencia made it 3-0 Yaquis after 4 innings.

Dustin Martin hit his 3rd home run of the playoffs in the top of the 9th inning, a long drive over the right field fence that increased the Obregon lead to 4-0.

Emmanuel Avila and Jesus Arredondo hit back-to-back doubles leading off the bottom of the 9th inning for the Caneros that cut he Yaquis lead to 4-1 but Judy bore down and struck out the next 3 batters to preserve the win for Valdez. Roy Merritt suffered the loss for the Caneros.

Dustin Martin and Said Gutierrez were both 2 for 4 at the plate for the Yaquis in the win while Jesus Arredondo was 3 for 4 in the loss for the Caneros.

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Mayos Top Venados 3-2 in LMP Playoffs

NAVOJOA TAKES 3 GAMES TO 2 LEAD IN 1ST ROUND GAMES

The Venados de Mazatlán scored 2 runs in the top of the 8th inning off of reliever Carlos Bustamante to tie the game at 2 all but Jesus Castillo hit a lead off home run in the Navojoa half of the inning to pull off the 3-2 win at home.

Jesus Barraza took the loss for Mazatlan and Oscar Felix was credited with the win. Daniel Moskos picked up the save.

Nate Tenbrink Home Run

Jose Chavez walked to lead off the Navojoa 3rd inning and scored, one out later, on a home run to left center by Nate Tenbrink for the early 2-0 lead.

Mazatlán tied the score in the 8th inning on a single by Paul Leon, who scored on a line drive home run to left by Erick Rodriguez.

Castillo's home run in the bottom of the 8th inning proved to be the winning run when Moskos set the Venados down in order in the top of the 9th while striking out 2. With the win, the Mayos take a 3 games to 2 lead in the 1st round of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico playoffs with game 6 shifting to Mazatlán on Thursday. If a game 7 is necessary, it would be played on Friday in Mazatlán.

Jesus Castillo was 2 for 4 with the home run an Nate Tenbrink had the 2 run home run on a 2 for 4 night at the plate.

Paul Leon was 2 for 2 with a run scored and Erick Rodriguez was 1 for 3 with a home run for Mazatlán.

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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.

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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”