Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Felix Fermin - Delfines de Ciudad Carmen Manager 2015

Born in the Dominican Republic, Felix Fermin played in the major leagues from 1987-1996. In 10 years in the big league he played for the Pirates, Indians, Mariners and the Cubs. He compiled a .259 batting average with 718 hits, scoring 294 runs, hit 4 home runs and drove in 207.    
Fermin with the Indians


In 1989, while playing for the Cleveland Indians, Fermin tied a major league record with 4 sacrifice bunts in one game. He led the majors in sacrifice bunts that year with 32.

Felix coached the Aguilas Cibaenes in the Dominican Winter League from 2000-2009, winning 5 championships and reaching the finals 10 times.

The Aguilas retired his number 10 to put him alongside some notable player/managers such as Tony Pena, Julian Javier and Franklin Taveras.
Aguilas Manager Felix Fermin


From 2009-2010, Fermin managed the Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican League.

The Delfines de Ciudad del Carman named Fermin their manager in 2011 and he starts his 5th year with the club in 2015.
Cd del Carman Manager

Fermin had an opportunity to coach the Lara Cardinals of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League but preferred to stay in the Dominican Republic and signed to manage in the Winter League again in 2015, with the Toros del Este.   


Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Eagles Trade LeSean McCoy To Bills For Kiko Alonso

The Philadelphia Eagles, it seems, have traded a star running back, LeSean McCoy, to the Buffalo Bills for 3rd year linebacker Kiko Alonso.  
LeSean McCoy


Eagles coach, Chip Kelly, seems to want to rebuild the Eagles with Oregon Duck grads. Just this week we have heard that Kelly wants to trade up to take Ducks' QB Marcus Mariota in the 2015 draft.

First, let's see what McCoy has done for the Eagles. Drafted in the second round of the 2009 draft, McCoy was the 53rd person taken. In 6 years for the Eagles, LeSean has rushed 1,461 times for 6,792 yards and scored 44 touchdowns. He also caught 300 passes for 2.282 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Kiko Alonso had 159 tackles, 3rd in the league in his rookie season of 2013 but missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. That's it. Those are his stats. His only qualification is that Kelly coached Alonso at Oregon. 
A healthy Kiko Alonso

A source told ESPN's Adam Caplan that Alonso's rehab has gone very well and he has increased his training activities and has started running.

Although the NFL is perceived as a passing league, tell that to the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks. Without a running game, the passing game suffers especially when you have the less experienced QBs such as Mark Sanchez and Nick Foles.

McCoy's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, took to Twitter to say that no deal has yet been finalized.

Meanwhile, Rex Ryan gets the "ground and pound" runner he needs to take the heat off of his quarterbacks, something he lacked while the coach of the NY Jets.

Derek Bryant - Sultanes de Monterrey Manager 2015

Derek Bryant played in the Oakland Athletics organization for several years before beginning is managerial career as a player/manager for the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol in 1988. 
Derek Bryant in his younger days


In 1993 he managed the Naranjeros de Hermosillo to a league championship in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico. He would return to the Naranjeros for another LMP Championship in 2000.

During his second stint with the Sultanes, Bryant won LMB Championships in 1995 and 1996.

After two years as manager of the High Desert Mavericks, a Class A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the California League, in 1999 and 2000, Bryant returned to the Sultanes for the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

2003 found Derek Bryant manager of the Acereros de Monclova before Bryant managed the Saraperos de Satillo from 2004 until 2007.

Derek Bryant was named to the Salon de la Fama del Beisbol Profesional de Mexico, better known as the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.  
Mexican Hall of Fame


The Vaqueros de Laguna named Bryant their field boss in 2011.

In November of 2014, Bryant was again named as the manager of the Sultanes de Monterrey.


Bryant named as manager of the Sultanes

Monday, March 2, 2015

Dan Firova - Piratas de Campeche Manager 2015

Dan Firova with the Indians
Dan Firova, born in Refugio Texas in 1956, played for the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Indians in his Major League career. Although his playing time was limited, Firova learned valuable lessons about handling a pitching staff.    

Starting his managerial career in Laredo Texas in 1993, Dan moved to the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol where he became the leader of the Tigres de Puebla and then the Tigres de Mexico where he won league titles in 1887, 2000 and 2001.

Firova has also coached the Sultanes de Satillo, the Tuneros de San Luis Potosi, the Dorados de Chihuahua, the Vaqueros de Laguna, the Olmecas de Tabasco and the Piratas de Campeche.

During the 2014 season with the Piratas, Firova became the winningest non Mexican manager in league history. Dan has an LMB record on 1013-866 during his lengthy career.
Managing the Piratas

In the off season, Firova has managed the Venados de Mazatlan, the Aguilas de Mexicali and most recently, the Mayos de Navojoa in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico. He has more than 100 victories in the LMP.

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Homar Rojas - Acereros del Norte Monclova Manager 2015

Homar Rojas played professional baseball for 23 years including 4 years in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system. Rojas played for 6 different Liga Mexicana de Beisbol teams and 3 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico teams during which he compiled a .291 career batting average as a catcher.

In 1987 Rojas played for the Bakersfield Dodgers, a Single A minor league affiliate of the Dodgers in the California League. In 1988 he was moved to another Single A Dodgers team, the Vero Beach Dodgers.
Homar Rojas the Player

1989 saw Rojas start the year playing for the Triple A Dodger affiliate Albuquerque Dukes and finish up the season with the Double A team in San Antonio Texas.

Rojas began his managerial career with the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the LMB in 2005. During 2007-2008, he managed the Yaquis de Obregon, leading the Yaquis to their 1st league pennant in 27 years.

Homar managed the Broncos de Reynosa of the LMB from 2009-2012 and managed the Naranjeros de Hermosillo from 2009-2010.
Rojas With Hermosillo

In 2011, Rojas was named the manager of the Venados de Mazatlan of the LMP.

Rojas managed the Piratas de Campeche, of the LMB in 2013 and became the manager of the Acereros del Norte Monclava in 2014 where he led the team to a 60-51 record and into the LMB Playoffs.Monclova was swept in the 1st round of the playoffs by the Sultanes de Monterrey.
Acereros Manager Homar Rojas

Friday, February 27, 2015

Von Hayes - Pericos de Puebla Manager 2015

Von Hayes, Manager of the Pericos de Puebla team in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol, began his career in the Major Leagues with the Cleveland Indians in April of 1981. He played his last game 11 years later for the Los Angeles Angels. In between Hayes spent 8 years with the Philadelphia Phillies.  
Von Hayes as a player


During his career, Hayes hit .267 with 36 triples,143 home runs, 696 RBIs and 253 stolen bases.

On June 11th, 1985, Hayes became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 2 home runs in the 1st inning of a game. He led off the inning with a solo shot and later in the inning hit a grand slam off of Calvin Schiraldi leading the Phillies to a 26-7 victory over the NY Mets.

Hayes began his coaching career with the South Bend Silverhawks in 2003. He was named the Manager of the Year in the California League with the Modesto Nuts in 2004. Leading the Midland Rockhounds in 2005, Hayes was again chosen as the Manager of the Year, this time in the Texas League.
Hayes named manager of Barnstormers

The Lancaster Barnstormers named Hayes as their Manager for 2008 where he stayed until taking the same position with the Camden Riversharks in 2010. Hayes remained in Camden until he signed on to manage the Alexandria Aces of the ULB in 2013.



The Pericos de Puebla have hires Hayes to manage their team in 2015 after the Pericos lost the Liga Mexicana Beisbol Championship to the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in 2014.

Hayes as a Perico


Thursday, February 26, 2015

Miguel Ojeda - Diablos Rojos de Mexico Manager 2015


Miguel Ojeda, manager of the Diablos Rojos del Mexico, began his major league baseball career with the San Diego Padres in 2003. Following the 2005 season, Ojeda was traded to the Colorado Rockies lasting one year. He spent some of 2006 year with the Texas Rangers but was designated for assignment in May of that year. During his years in Major League Baseball, Ojeda hit .224 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs.     
Ojeda in his Major League Playing Days
 

Ojeda played for the Venados de Mazatlan in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico. While playing for the Venados in 2005, Mazatlan won the LMP Championship and went on to win the Serie de Caribe. Ojeda represented Mexico in the 2009 World Baseball Classic

Ojeda during WBC 2009
Over his long career in the LMP, Ojeda hit .246 with 749 hits, 75 home runs and 347 RBIs. He retired from baseball in 2012. The Venados retired Ojeda's number 35 during this past season.

The Diablos Rojos de Mexico named Ojeda as their manager in 2013. In 2014 he led the Diablos to a 70-42 record and the Championship of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol with a four game sweep of the Pericos de Puebla in the final round.    
Coach Miguel Ojeda


Ojeda was hired as the manager of the Venados de Mazatlan in 2014 and led the team to the playoffs in his first year. His team was swept by the Charros de Jalisco in the first round of playoffs.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Jerry Royster - Tigres de Quintana Roo Manager 2015

As part of a series of posts about the 2015 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol, I will take a look at the managers of the 16 teams. The first manager article is about Jerry Royster of the Tigres de Quintana Roo.

Jerry was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1970 and started his first major league game in August of 1973. He had a career that spanned 15 years in which he played for 5 different big league teams. Jerry compiled a .249 batting average while hitting 40 home, driving in 352 and stealing 189 bases. He ended his playing career with the Atlanta Braves in 1988.
Jerry as a player
 

His coaching career began in 1993 as a third base coach for the Colorado Rockies but lasted 1 year. Jerry was out of baseball until 2000 when, as a bench coach for Davey Lopes of the Milwaukee Brewers, he was named interim manager after Lopes got off to a disastrous start. Although the interim tag was removed 2 weeks later, Royster was fired at the end of the year following a 53-94 record.

Before being named manager of the Dodgers Triple A affiliate, the Las Vegas 51's, in 2005, Royster had been the Dodgers infield coordinator for the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

In 2007, Royster was signed as manager of the Lotte Giants of the South Korean Baseball League. He became the first non-Korean to manage in the league. He managed the Giants until 2010. 

Royster as Lotte Giants Manager

Royster was the third base coach for the Boston Red Sox in 2012.

The Tigres de Quintana Roo hired Royster as their manager in 2014 where he led the team to a 65-48 record and 1st place in the Sur Division of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol. The Tigres lost to the Pericos de Puebla in the semi-final round of the divisional playoffs.

Royster Named Tigres Manager

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

45 Things That Never Happened In MLB History Until 2014

An interesting article by Bruce Herman of Athlon Sports about 45 things that happened in the 2014 MLB season that never occurred in MLB history.

Find out who accomplished these feats:

Who hit a grand slam for two different teams in the month of April?
Who stole 3 bases in a game while his team was being no-hit?
What player hit a solo home run, 2 run home run, 3 run home run and a grand slam sequentially in successive games?

What pitcher struck out the side, on nine pitches, with the bases loaded?
Who struck out 40 batters between his 1st and 2nd walks?
Who beat one team 3 times in one year pitching for 3 different teams?

If you know the answers to these questions...you are absolutely amazing but there are even more amazing facts in Herman's article here.

22 Charros Players To Join Liga Mexicana de Beisbol

22 players from the 2014-2015 Charros de Jalisco are listed on rosters for teams in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol that begin play in April of 2015.

The LMB consists of 16 teams divided into two 8 team divisions. The Norte Division will have teams from Tijuana, Mexico City, Monclova, Monterrey, Saltillo, Reynosa, Laguna and Aguas Caliente.

The Sur Division will consist of the following teams: Quintana Roo, Puebla, Campeche, Cd. Carmen, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Yucatan and Tabasco.

Here is a list of the Charros and the LMB team they will play for. As with any Spring roster, it is not unusual for changes to occur. I will keep watching and update this list as necessary.

Diablos Rojos de Mexico
Jesus Lopez
Japhet Amador
Carlos Vasquez
Gabriel Gutierrez

Sultanes de Monterrey
Marco Tovar
Oscar Villarreal

Vaqueros de la Laguna
Ivan Zavala

Saraperos de Saltillo
Jesus Cota
Jose "Manny" Rodriguez

Toros de Tijuana
Mario Mendoza
CJ Retherford
Eduardo Arredondo

Rieleros de Aguas Caliente
Orlando Lara

Tigres de Quintana Roo
Adrian Ramirez

Pericos de Puebla
Hugo Castellanos

Piratas de Campeche
Ivan Salas

Rojos Aguila de Veracruz
Manuel Flores

Leones de Yucatan 
Juan Delgadillo
Mario Meza
Israel Nunez
Edson Garcia
Fernando Valenzuela



Monday, February 23, 2015

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Gold Glove Recipients Announced

The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico has announced the winners of the Gold Glove, by position, for the 2014-2015 season.

Fueron los mejores a la hora de estar a la defensiva, posición por posición y en base a las estadísticas oficiales. La Liga Mexicana del Pacífico da a conocer a los ganadores de los Guantes de Oro de su temporada BANORTE 2014-2015.

The Caneros de Los Mochis had 3 fielders win Gold Gloves followed by the Naranjeros de Hermosillo with 2 and the Charros de Jalisco, Yaquis de Cd Obregon, Tomateros de Culiacan and the Venados de mazatlan with 1 each.

The winners by position are: 1B - Jesus Castillo, Mazatlan .990   2B - Carlos Gastelum, Hermosillo .988   3B - Rodolfo Amador, Los Mochis .978   SS - Issmael Salas, Culiacan .986   OF - Jerry Owens, Hermosillo .994   OF - Justin Christian, Los Mochis .993   OF - Eduardo Arredondo, Jalisco .992   C - Said Gutierrez, Obregon .988   P - Jonathan Castellanos 1.000

Liga Mexicana Players Headed To Spring Training As Non Roster Invitees

The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico will send five players from the 2014-2015 to join MLB teams as non-roster players this spring training.

Xorge Carrillo, the 2013-2014 LMP Rookie of the Year, will report to the NY Mets training camp in Port St. Lucie Florida. Carrillo played for the Aguilas de Mexicali in 2014 where he hit .273 with 56 hits, 19 doubles, 9 home runs and 33 RBIs.

Walter Ibarra, also from the Aguilas de Mexicali, hit .291 with 68 hits, 9 doubles, 4 home runs and drove in 23. Ibarra will be in spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks at their facility in Phoenix Arizona.

Rico Noel, who played for the League Champion Tomateros de Culiacan, is a non roster invitee of the San Diego Padres. Noel hit .233 on the year with 42 hits, 1 double, 1 home run and 16 RBIs.

Eric Farris, formerly a Tomatero, will attempt to make the Minnesota Twins team as a non roster invitee at their Ft. Myers Florida complex. Farris last season in the LMP,  hit .309 with 64 hits, 8 doubles, 3 home runs and 32 RBIs.

Brian Broderick, a member of the Charros de Jalisco and the 2013-2014 winner of the league's Isidro Marquez Trophy as Reliever of the Year, will join the World Series runner up Kansas City Royals in Arizona to try and crack the solid core of relief pitching that got the Royals to the World Series in 2014.

Broderick was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 21st round of the 2007 MLB Draft. He was picked up as a Rule #5 draftee by the Washington Nationals in 2011 but was returned to the Cardinals in 2012. Broderick was reacquired by the Nationals that same year and traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks before the start of the 2014 season. Brian signed with the Los Angeles Angels after the 2014 MLB season but was traded to the Kansas City Royals on the 19th of December of 2014.

Broderick's stats for the 2014-2015 LMP season were very impressive. He saved 16 games in 17 chances and had a won/loss record of 3-1. Broderick allowed just 2 walks in 26 innings pitched while striking out 23. His 0.68 ERA over that time was matched by his WHIP of 0.68. Opposing hitters managed to hit just .176 off of the masterful right hander.

WDBarrsports will keep an eye on these players during spring training. Most of the teams will start playing games on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd of March and we wish all of the players Good Luck in pursuing their dreams.


Sunday, February 22, 2015

Charros Take 3 Awards For The 2014-2015 Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Season

The Charros de Jalisco were rewarded by the LMP for their outstanding 2014-2015 campaign that saw the team reach the Championship Series in their 1st year of competition in the league.

HECTOR ESPINOSO AWARD - Most Valuable Player  
Manny Rodriguez at the Plate

Juan Manuel "Manny" Rodriguez took home the Most Valuable Player Award for his outstanding, consistent and dominating performance during the year.

He finished the season with a .341 batting average (3rd), 93 hits in 67 games (1st), 23 doubles (2nd), 10 home runs (T3rd) and 48 RBIs (2nd). He led the league in Total Bases with 146 and had 33 Extra Base Hits. His .535 Slugging Percentage was also tops in the league.

Manny led all second basemen with a Fielding Percentage of .985, committing just 6 errors in 410 chances and started more double plays than any of second basemen in the league.

Japhet Amador, of the Charros, finished 2nd in the MVP balloting on the strength of his 13 home runs (T1st) and 51 RBIs (1st).

BENJAMIN REYES TROPHY - Manager of the Year

Juan Navarrate garnered 37 votes in the balloting for this award, more than twice that of his closest foe.
Navarrate piloted the Charros to a 42-26 record, finishing 2nd in the first half of the season and winning the second half to finish the year with the best record.

The Charros were the only team to finish with a winning record both home and away. Jalisco's longest losing streak was 3 games while they managed an 8 game winning streak during the season that was the longest of any team.

Navarrate was a coach for the Oakland Athletics from 1995 until 2005.

Coach Navarrate was inducted into the Mexican Baseball of Fame in 1998 after a career that saw him collect 2625 hits in 21 years of play. He played primarily at 2nd base but saw action at shortstop too.

ISIDRO MARQUEZ - Reliever of the Year

Brian Broderick was named as the inaugural Liga Mexicana del Pacifico's Reliever of the Year on his extremely efficient year in the closer role for the Charros.

Broderick had 16 saves in 17 opportunities with a 3-1 record. He issued just 2 walks in 26 innings pitched while striking out 23.

His 0.68 ERA led the league and his WHIP (Walks/Hits per Inning Pitched) was a miniscule 0.68. Additionally, he held opposing batters to a .176 batting average.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Serie de Caribe To Begin February 2nd

5 CHARROS CHOSEN TO JOIN TOMATEROS

The World Series of Caribbean Baseball is set to begin in San Juan, Puerto Rico on the 2nd of February. The Tomateros de Culiacan, by virtue of their championship season in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, will represent Mexico.

The other countries participating in the series are Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and The Dominican Republic. The rosters are expanded for the 5 teams and the Tomateros have chosen 5 Charros to help fill out their team. Manny Rodriguez, Marquez Smith, Terance Marin, Juan Delgadillo and Carlos Vasquez were selected to join the team in Puerto Rico.

The games begin on the 2nd of February and the finals are held on the 8th.

Mexico opens play against Cuba at 10:05 AM on the 2nd. They play again on the 3rd at 4:30 PM versus Puerto Rico. The team is off on the 4th but resumes play against the Dominican Republic at 4:30 PM on the 5th. The team's final game is with Venezuela at 10:05 AM on the 6th.

The 1st Semifinal game will be held at 10:05 AM on the 7th with the 2nd Semifinal game beginning at 4:30 PM.

The winners of those two games will meet in the Finals to be played at 2:30 PM on the 8th with the winner of that game crowned the Champions of the Caribbean.

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Monday, January 26, 2015

Tomateros Win LMP Championship 4 Games To 1

TOP CHARROS 4-3 IN GAME 5

With the exception of the first game, where the Tomateros de Culiacan used an offensive explosion, they used very good pitching to shut down the Charros' potent offense. Culiacan outscored the Charros in the series 28-17. It is often said that good pitching wins over good hitting in a seven game series. That adage holds true for this series.

Culiacan started the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd. Sergio Gastelum led off with a single to right, went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Ramiro Pena and scored when Rico Noel singled to center. Maxwell Leon followed with a single that moved Noel to third. Leon stole second and both runners scored when Eric Farris singled to right. The Tomateros led 3-0 after three innings.

Issmael Salas homered to left for the Tomateros in the bottom of the 4th to stretch the Culiacan lead to 4-0.

The Charros got on the board in the top of the 5th when Marquez Smith hit a solo home run to left to lead off the inning. The Culiacan lead was 4-1.

Jalisco scored again in the 6th. With one out, Eduardo Arredondo drew a base on balls and went to third on a single by Manny Rodriguez. Leo Heras grounded into a 4-6 fielder's choice to drive in Arredondo and narrow the Tomateros lead to 4-2.

CJ Retherford pinch hit for Amadeo Zazueta to lead off the 8th inning for the Charros and hit a long home run to deep center field to bring the Charros to within a run at 4-3.

Oscar Villarreal pitch a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the Tomateros to pick up the save and preserve the win for the Culiacan starter, Anthony Vasquez. Marco Tovar took the loss for the Charros.

The season was an exciting one for the fans of the Charros. They finished with the best record in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico and Manny Rodriguez stands a very good chance to be named the MVP of the league. Japhet Amador tied for the league lead in home runs and led the league in RBIs. Congratulations on a fine season! Todos Somos Charros!

The Tomateros de Culiacan move on now to the Caribbean Baseball World Series to be played in Puerto Rico.  Congratulations to the Tomateros and the fans of the Charros wish you well in the World Series.

Tomateros de Culiacan Defeat Charros 3-1

TAKE COMMANDING 3 GAMES TO 1 LEAD

The Tomateros de Culiacan hold a 3 games to 1 lead in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Championship Series with their 3-1 victory over the Charros on Sunday.

The Charros had multiple opportunities to score as they loaded the bases 3 separate times during the game but were unable to capitalize. As a team, the Charros were 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 runners.

The Charros loaded the bases, with one out, in the top of the 1st on singles by Manny Rodriguez, Leo Heras and Marquez Smith. Japhet Amador then lofted a fly ball to left for the second out and Rodriguez was thrown out at home trying to score.

Culiacan took advantage of the Charros failure to score in their half of the 1st. Rico Noel bunted for a hit and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Maxwell Leon. Noel stole third and scored when Eric
Farris launched a home run to left. Culiacan went up 2-0 after one inning.

The Tomateros added to their lead in the bottom of the 4th. Dave Sappelt drew a lead off walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Issmael Salas. Arturo Rodriguez grounded out to the pitcher as Sappelt took third. Sergio Gastelum walked and went to second on a wild pitch by Charros starter Orlando Lara. Ramiro Pena reached base safely on a fielding error by CJ Retherford as Sappelt scored. The lead was 3-0 Culiacan.

Jalisco mounted a threat in the top of the 9th. CJ Retherford walked with one out and moved to second on a wild pitch. Sebastien Valle grounded out to second to advance Retherford to third. Pinch hitter Jesus Cota singled to drive in Retherford. The Charros loaded the bases with two outs but Leo Heras lined out to second to end the game and the Tomateros took the 3-1 win.

One game remains to be played in Culiacan. Should the Tomateros win, they become the League Champions. If the Charros win, the series returns to Guadalajara for game 6 and, if necessary, game 7.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Tomateros Win, Up 2 Games to 1 in Championship Series

CHARROS COMMIT 3 ERRORS IN 4-2 LOSS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, January 23, 2015

Charros Even Championship Series At 1 Game Apiece

SHUTOUT TOMATEROS 5-0 BEHIND JUAN DELGADILLO

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Charros Fall To Tomateros 11-8

CULIACAN TAKES SERIES OPENER TO GO UP 1 GAME TO NONE

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Tomateros Reach Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Finals Against Charros

TOP AGUILAS de MEXICALI 9-8 IN ELEVEN INNINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, January 19, 2015

Charros Into Finals With 5-3 Win Over Obregon

TAKE SERIES 4 GAMES TO 2

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

Terence Marin picked up the win in relief of starter Ben Koslowski and Manny Acosta got the save. Arturo Lopez was saddled with the loss for the Yaquis. 
Starter Ben Koslowski / Bonnie Garrison Photo
Manny Acosta Picks Up The Save / Bonnie Garrison Photo



     

Saturday, January 17, 2015

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

JALISCO TAKES NAILBITER FROM OBREGON 5-3

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

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

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

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

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

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



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


Friday, January 16, 2015

Obregon Ties Series At Two Games Apiece

DEFEAT JALISCO 5-1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Good Pitching Gives Charros The Victory Over Obregon

FINAL SCORE CHARROS 4, YAQUIS 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Obregon Takes 2nd Game of Semifinals

YAQUIS TOP CHARROS 6-5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ohio State Wins College Football's National Championship

BUCKEYES DEFEAT OREGON 42-20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the ESPN article here.

Monday, January 12, 2015

John Fox and Broncos Agree To Part Ways

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

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

Read the ESPN article here.

Buffalo Bills Hire Rex Ryan as New Head Coach

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

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

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

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

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

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

NFL Championship Games Set

COLTS v PATRIOTS and PACKERS v SEAHAWKS

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

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


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

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

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

Sunday, January 11, 2015

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

JALISCO TAKES 1 GAME TO NONE LEAD IN SEMIFINALS    

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

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


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

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

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

Jesus Lopez reached for the Charros in the bottom of the 7th when the Yaquis left fielder dropped Lopez' fly ball. Lopez was not running on the fly ball and only reached first when he should easily have been on second. Eduardo Arredondo then hit into a 6-4 fielder's choice that cut down Lopez at second. Manny Rodriguez singled to put runners on first and second with one out. Japhet Amador singled to score Arredondo and Jon Weber followed with a single to right that scored Rodriguez and Heras. CJ Retherford waited out a walk to load the bases again for Jalisco and Marquez Smith came through with a two run single that plated Amador and Weber. The Charros had scored 5 runs and had a 6-1 lead. Mario Mendoza and Manny Acosta did the rest.    
Marquez Smith 2 Run Single

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

4 Elected To MLB's Hall of Fame

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to these 4 fine baseball players!

Monday, January 5, 2015

Charros Sweep Venados 4 Games to 0

JALISCO ADVANCES TO SECOND ROUND OF PLAYOFFS

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Jalisco Bests Mazatlan In Game 3 of the Series

CHARROS HANG ON TO BEAT VENADOS 3-2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Panthers Use Defense To Stifle Cardinals in NFL Wild Card Game

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

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

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

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

Read the entire ESPN recap here.


Charros First Round Series With Venados Continues

CHARROS TAKE GAME 2, 2-0

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


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

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

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

Playoff Baseball Returns to Guadalajara

CHARROS TOP VENADOS 4-1 TO TAKE GAME 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Steelers Stop Bengals 27-17

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

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

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

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

Read the ESPN recap here.