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

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

Agustin Murillo

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

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

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

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

Julio Borbon

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

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

Diablos Take Opener From Guerreros 8-6

JUAN CARLOS GAMBOA'S GRAND SLAM IGNITES OFFENSE

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

Juan Carlos Gamboa

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

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

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

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

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

Henry Urrutia

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

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

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

Monterrey Opens With 4-3 Win Over Monclova

SULTANES OPEN ZONA NORTE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND WITH ROAD WIN

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

Julio Borbon

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

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

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

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

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

Yadir Drake

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

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

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

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

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

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

GUERREROS ADVANCE TO ZONA SUR CHAMPIONSHIP WITH EXCITING GAME 7 WIN

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

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

Carlos Felix

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leo Heras

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

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

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

Jay Austin

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

NFL Week 3 Picks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday

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

Sunday

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

Monday

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

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

EXCITING GAME 7...NEXT UP ACEREROS de MONCLOVA

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

Nick Struck

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

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

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

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

Ali Solis

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

Leones Win Game 6 Over Guerreros 2-0

EVEN 1st ROUND ZONA SUR SERIES AT 3 GAMES APIECE

Jorge Reyes

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

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

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

Sebastian Valle

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

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

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

GAME 7 TO DECIDE ZONA NORTE OPPONENT FOR ACEREROS de MONCLOVA

Leuris Gomez

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

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

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

Fernando Perez

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

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

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

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

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

Ramiro Pena

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

GUERREROS TAKE COMMAND OF ZONA SUR BATTLE 3 GAMES TO 2

Alex delgado

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

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

Yoanner Negrin

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

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

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

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

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

Henry Urrutia

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

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

Josh Lowey

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

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

Terance Marin

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

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

Juan Perez

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

Diablos Move to Championship Round of the Zona Sur with Series Win over Pericos

BEST PERICOS TWICE ON SUNDAY TO TAKE SERIES 4 GAMES TO 1

The Diablos got solid pitching and timely hitting in their 3-1 win in the 5th game of the series. Mexico recorded just 5 hits but made the most of them, scoring 3 runs on 3 hits off of the Pericos starter.

Mexico moves on to the Zona Sur Championship round to face either the Leones de Yucatan or the Guerreros de Oaxaca in a best of seven series. At the time of this article, Oaxaca was leading the Leones in the bottom of the 6th inning.

Carlos Figueroa started the game by drawing a walk. Juan Carlos Gamboa, the second batter, also waited out a base on balls to put runners on first and second with no outs. Yeison Asencio hit a fly ball to left that advanced Figueroa to third. Luis Jimenez singled to drive in Figueroa for the 1-0 Diablos lead.

Mexico added 2 runs in the 3rd inning. With one out, Juan Carlos Gamboa drew a walk but was forced at second on a ground ball by Yeison Asencio. Asencio scored in front of a towering home run to left off of the bat of Luis Jimenez. Diablos 3-0.

Luis Jimenez

The Perico's bats were held in check, 5 hits through 6 innings. In the bottom of the 7th, Michael Crouse hit a lead off single and advanced to second 2 pitches later on a wild pitch. Daniel Sanchez hit a grounder to short that moved Crouse to third. Oscar Sanay then singled to bring in Crouse but that would be all the scoring for the Pericos in the 3-1 loss.

Luis Mendoza (1-0) scattered 7 hits over 6 2/3 innings allowing 1 run, walking 2 and striking out 4 in recording the win. Manny Acosta earned his 2nd save of the series allowing one base runner in the 9th.

Josh Outman (2-0) pitched well except for the home run he allowed to Jimenez. He gave up all 3 runs on 3 hits, walking 3 without recording a strikeout in the loss for Puebla.

The hitting hero for Mexico was Luis Jimenez who went 3 for 4 with the home run and 2 singles, driving in all 3 runs for the Diablos.

Sergio Perez went 3 for 4 and Michael Crouse 2 for 3 with a walk, in the loss. Oscar Sanay had the only RBI for the Pericos.

Diablos Take Suspended game From Pericos 7-3

COMMANDING LEAD FOR MEXICO IN 1ST ROUND SERIES 3 GAMES TO 1

Yeison Asencio in the middle

In the completion of game 4, suspended by rain in with Mexico leading 4-2 in the 8th inning, The Diablos scored 3 times in the 9th and survived a scare in the bottom half of the inning to beat he Pericos de Puebla 7-3 and take a commanding 3 games to 1 lead in their Zona Sur 1st round series.

Mexico had scored first with a home run by David Vidal in the 2nd inning and added 3 more runs in the 3rd on a 2 run double by Yeison Ascencio and a run scoring single by Luis Jimenez.

Puebla scored twice in their half of the 3rd on singles by Antonio Lamas , that drove in Daniel Sanchez, and Delmon Young, driving in Sergio Perez.

The rains came in the top of the 8th with Mexico leading and threatening to score.

Upon resuming the game, the Diablos were unable to capitalize. Likewise, Puebla take advantage in the bottom of the inning. With runners on first and second, Michael Crouse popped up to short and Mexico caught Young too far off second for the final out of the inning.

Vidal led off the top of the 9th for Mexico with a walk and came around to score on singles by Emmanuel Avila and Michael Choice. Jesus Fabela sacrificed both runners a base. Avila scored on a wild pitch and Choice raced home on a single to left by Carlos Figueroa. 7-2 Diablos.

Carlos Figueroa

Bernardo Heras led off the bottom of the 9th for Puebla with a single and went to third on a double by Oscar Soto. One out later, Heras scored on a ground out to first by Sergio Perez but Alberto Carreon skyed out to right to end the threat and the game.

Mexico starter Carlos De Leon (1-0) got the win the day after began his game and Manny Acosta was credited with the save. Puebla starter, Daniel Flores (0-1) was tagged with the loss, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits, walking 3 and striking out 5 in 5 innings on the mound.

Yeison Ascencio was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored on the day for Mexico while team mate Carlos Figueroa went 2 for 5 with an RBI. The 1 through 6 hitters in the Diablo's lineup are all hitting above .353.

Delmon Young

Delmon Young went 4 for 4 with an RBI and Sergio Perez 2 for 5 with an RBI  and a run scored in the loss

Monterrey Takes Control of Zona Norte 1st Round Series with 10-4 Win Over Tijuana

8 RUN 7TH INNING TOO MUCH FOR TOROS

The Sultanes used an 8 run outburst in the bottom of the 7th inning to regain the lead and demolish the Toros de Tijuana 10-4 and take charge of the best of 7 Zona Norte 1st round playoff series.

Monterrey scored twice in the bottom of the 1st inning. Augustin Murillo, the hero of game 4, stroked a 2 out single. Felix Perez was hit by a pitch and Jose Amador singled to left to drive in Murillo. Ramon Rios followed with a single to right to plate Perez. 2-0 Monterrey.

Ramon Rios

Tijuana clawed their way back with single runs in the 4th, 5th and 7th innings. Junior Lake scored on a force out in the 4th. Anadeo Zazueta homered in the 5th and Juan Perez singled to drive in Gabriel Gutierrez in the top of the 7th to give the Toros a temporary 3-2 lead.

Monterrey scored all 8 of their runs in the bottom of the 7th inning with 2 outs. A Ramiro Pena double scored Sebastian Elizalde and Julio Bourbon. Augustin Murillo singled to score Pena. After an intentional walk, Lose Amador singled to score Murillo/ Felix Perez scored on a fielding error and the scoring was complete when Chris Roberson launched a towering 3 run home run to right.   10-3 Sultanes.

Junior Lake led off the top of the 8th inning with a home run for Tijuana but that would be the last of the scoring for the Toros and the final was 10-4 Sultanes.

Jose Amador went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Monterrey. Chris Roberson had the home run and 3 RBIs in 4 trips to the plate while Augustin Murillo was 2 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored.

Junior Lake

Junior Lake was 2 for 4 with a home run and Frederich Cepeda was 2 for 3 for the Toros.

Nick Struck (1-0) got the win in relief of Anthony Vasquez. Between the two, they struck out 8 while walking 3.

Daniel Moskos (0-2) allowed 2 runs on one hit and a walk without recording an out. Aaron Kurcz was charged with a blown save, allowing 5 runs on 3 hits in 2/3 of an inning for the Toros

Leones Top Guerreros 10-5 to even 1st Round Zona Sur Series at 2 Games Apiece

FINAL 3 INNINGS TOO MUCH FOR OAXACA

The Leones de Yucatan started early, with 2 runs in the top of the 1st innibg, and finished strong with 6 runs over the final 3 innings in beating the Guerreros de Oaxaca 10-5. With the win, the Leones evened their Zona Sur 1st round  playoff series at 2 games apiece.

Yucatan pounded out 17 hits in the contest, with each starter getting at least 1 hit. The 1 through 5 hitters were 11 for 21, a .524 clip, with 3 extra base hits and 6 RBIs.

Oaxaca held a 5-4 lead after 5 innings but Yucatan scored 6 unanswered runs over the last 3 innings to take the win.

Leo Heras Home Run

Walter Ibarra and Leo Heras homered for the Leones and accounted for 3 RBIs and 6 runs scored in the game. Heras also walked twice. The patient Yucatan hitters drew 6 walks in addition to their 17 hits in the game. Ibarra was 2 for 6 and Heras 2 for 4. Humberto Sosa went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs and a rub scored while Jose Aguilar and Everth Cabrera were both 2 fr 5 for Yucatan.

Samar Leyva saw his batting average rise to .308 on a 2 for 3 night with 3 runs scored for Oaxaca and Julian Ornelas was 2 for 5 with a run scored for the Guerreros.

The Leones, after falling behind 5-4, scored twice in the top of the 7th inning. With 1 out, Luis Juarez singled and Humberto Sosa doubled to put runners on second and third. Eric Aguilera struck out but Jose Aguilar singled to drive in Juarez. Sebastian Valle followed with a single  to score Sosa and the Leones had the lead for good at 6-5.

Two runs in the 8th inning and 2 more in the 9th put the game away.

Arcenio Leon (1-1) got the win in relief for Yucatan and Juan Lopez (0-1) took the loss for Oaxaca

Arcenio Leon

Monclova Doubles up Dos Laredos 8-4

LATE SCORING BY ACEREROS DO IN THE TECOLOTES

The Acereros de Monclova scored 3 times in the 5th, once more in the 6th and added 2 runs in the 7th inning to pull away from and double up the Tecolotes 8-4.

Domonic Brown

Dos Laredos took a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Juan Apodaca and Enrique Osorio led off with back-to-back singles. Johnny Davis then laid down a sacrifice bunt for a force out, but, after a challenge by the Tecolotes the runner was ruled safe and Dos Laredos had loaded the bases. Juan Martinez followed with a sac fly to right that scored Apodaca. Domonic Brown then hit a 3 run home run to right to give Dos Laredos the lead.

Monclova's Juan Castillo launched a 3 run home run to right in the 5th inning to bring home Cade Gotta and Erick Aybar and the Acereros had regained the lead 5-4.

Cade Gotta homered in the top of the 6th to increase Monclova's lead to 6-4.

After a Jesus Castillo single and a pop fly out from Francisco Peguero, Danny Espinoza hit his 3rd  home run of the series to right center to add the last 2 runs and make the score 8-4.

Castillo was 3 for 5 with a home run, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored, Cade Gotta 3 for 5 with a home run and 3 runs scored and Danny Espinoza 1 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs for Monclova.

Domonic Brown went 1 for 4 with the home run and 3 RBIs for Dos Laredos.

Zack Segovia (1-0) picked up the win in relief of starter Rolando Valdez. Alex Sanabia (0-1) allowed 5 runs on 7 hits over 4 innings to take the loss for the Tecolotes.

Monclova leads the best of 7 1st round Zona Norte playoffs 3 games to 1 with the win.

Monterrey Evens Zona Norte 1st Round with Tijuana at 2 Games Apiece

Monterrey 4     Tijuana 3

Agustin Murillo

Augustin Murillo launched a 2 out, 2 run home run to left in the bottom of the 9th inning to overcome a 1 run deficit and help the Acereros de Monclova defeat the Toros de Tijuana. Ramiro Pena had tripled to right just before Murillo's home run.

Tijuana had taken the lead in the top of the 8th on 2 singles, a sacrifice bunt and a sac fly to center by Isaac Rodriguez.

Frederich Cepeda was 2 for 4 with his 3rd home run of the series, 2 RBIs and a run scored for the Toros.

Murillo raised his batting average for the series to .462 with a 3 for 5 night including the game winning, walk off home run.

Wirfin Obispo (1-0) was the beneficiary of Murillo's heroics holding the Toros hitless over the final 1 2/3 innings to pick up the win.

Wirfin Obispo

Daniel Moskos (0-1) was charged with a blown save and took the loss for Tijuana.

13,423 fans filled Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey to watch the local team win in exciting fashion and pull even with the Toros, at 2 game apiece, in their Zona Norte 1st round series battle.

Puebla Tops Diablos Rojos in Zona Sur Playoff Clash

WIN DECREASES DIABLOS LEAD TO 2-1

The Pericos de Puebla overcame a 2 run deficit with 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning and went on to defeat the Diablos Rojos del Mexico 7-6. Although the Diablos out hit the Pericos 15 to 6, Mexico managed only 2 extra base hits and were 3 for 14 with runners in scoring position. Peubla on, on the other hand, went 3 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Jesus Fabela

Mexico scored 4 times in the top of the 5th inning. Carlos Figueroa got things going with a lead off walk and came around to score on a double by Juan Carlos Gamboa. Two outs later David Vidal walked. Michael Choice followed with a single to right that scored Gamboa. Emmanuel Avila was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Ricardo Valenzuela waited out a walk to force in Vidal and Jesus Fabela drew a walk to bring home Choice. The Diablos led 6-4.

Puebla answered in the bottom of the 6th. Delmon Young walked. Ricky Rodriguez singled to right and when the Diablos right fielder misplayed the ball, Young scored and Rodriguez wound up on third. Michael Crouse drove in Rodriguez with a sac fly to right. Bernardo Heras followed with a home run to right and the Pericos had the lead and the game.

Juan Ramon Noriega (1-0) picked up the win in relief and Jeff Johnson notched his 1st save of the series. Patrick Johnson (0-1) gave up 7 runs in 5 1/3 innings on the mound, walking 1 and striking out 7 in the loss.

Ricky Rodriguez was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and Bernardo Heras had the home run in his 4 trips to the plate for the Pericos.

Juan Carlos Gamboa and Yeison Ascencio were both 3 for 5 for Mexico.

Mexico now leads the best of 7 Zona Norte 1st round with the games continuing with 2 more in Puebla and a return to Mexico City if necessary.