Friday, October 16, 2015

Los Mochis Sweeps Series With Culiacan; Venados and Aguilas Also Win

OUTSCORES TOMATEROS 25-11

The Caneros de Los Mochis traveled to Culiacan for 3 games with the Tomateros and came away with a sweep. The tone for the series was set on Tuesday when Culiacan blew a 5-2 lead in the top of the 9th and gave up a 3 run home run in the 10th to lose 8-5.

On Thursday, the Caneros jumped on Culiacan starter Salvador Valdez (1-1) for 4 runs in the 1st inning and never looked back on their way to a 7-2 win. Valdez gave up 5 runs on 11 hits in the first two innings to take the loss. Derek Miramontes (1-0) held the Tomateros to 2 runs on 6 hits through 5 2/3 innings to get the win for Los Mochis.

Los Mochis used 5 singles, a ground out and a hit batter to score their 4 runs in the 1st. The big hit of the inning was a bases loaded single by Sergio Garcia that scored Emmanuel Avila and Yoan Pedroso.

Garcia was 2 for 3 on the night for the Caneros with a walk and 2 RBIs an Roldolfo Amador was 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs.

Oscar Robles went 1 for 3 with an RBI in the losing effort and Cesar Tapia drove in the other run for the Tomateros going 1 for 4 at the plate.

The Tomateros committed 3 errors in the game.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Mazatlán 4, Navojoa 2

The Venados scored twice in the top of the 1st inning to beat the to best the hometown Mayos de Navojoa 4-2 and improve their season record to 2-3. The Mayos dropped to 2-3. Esteban Quiroz went 2 for 3 with 2 walks, an RBI and a run scored for Mazatlán and DH Albino Contreras was 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Eliseo Aldazaba was 2 for 5 with an RBI and Quincy Latimore 2 for 5 with a run scored for Navojoa. Jesus Sanchez (1-0) worked 2 innings in relief to get the win and Steven Hensley picked up his 2nd save. Jorge Castillo (0-1) suffered the loss for the Mayos.

Mexicali 5, Ciudad de Obregon 1

Efren Delgado (1-0) pitched 5 innings of 3 hit ball, giving up 1 run and striking out 5 to get the win for the Aguilas. Martin Sotelo (0-1) gave up 3 runs on 4 hits over 4 2/3 innings on the mound to take the loss.  Gil Velazquez was 1 for 2with a walk, an RBI and 2 runs scored for Mexicali and catched Xorge Carrillo 2 for 3 with an RBI. Said Gutierrez went 1 for 3 with a home run for the Yaquis. Obregon was held to just 4 hits on the night. The Aguilas took 2 of 3 against the Yaquis. 11,402 fans were there to root the home team to victory.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Naranjeros Fall to 0-5; Squeezed by Charros 5-2

DANIEL GUERRERO PITCHES 5 SHUTOUT

The Charros de Jalisco peeled back the Naranjeros, sweeping Hermosillo in their three game series that dropped the Naranjeros to 0-5 on the year. Jalisco improved to 4-1 and sit atop the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico standings.

Daniel Guerrero On The Mound
Starting pitcher Daniel Guerrero (1-0) threw 5 shutout innings giving up just 2 hits while striking out 4. Brian Broderick picked up his 3rd save of the young season, pitching the 9th to preserve the win for Guerrero. Edgar Gonzalez (0-2) suffered the loss for Hermosillo.

Jalisco played small ball, with just 3 of their 11 hits going for extra bases and an error by the Naranjeros led to an unearned run. The Charros did commit their first error of the year, a fielding error by first baseman Max Muncy in the 3rd inning.

The scoring began for the Charros in the top of the 3rd when Max Muncy singled to left and moved to second on a wild pitch. Muncy would score on a single to right by Alex Liddi that gave a 1-0 lead to Jalisco.

The Charros added a run in the 6th inning on a one out single by Japhet Amador, a walk to Alex Liddi and a single by Edson Garcia that plated Amador for the 2-0 lead.

Gabriel Gutierrez drew a lead off walk in the top of the 7th, moved to second on a ground out and scored when the Hermosillo pitcher threw wildly to first on a ground ball hit by Eduardo Arredondo that gave the Charros a 3-0 lead without benefit of a hit in the inning.

Jose Amador, first pitch swinging, hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 7th inning to left center that easily cleared the wall and cut the Charros lead to 3-1.

Japhet Amador drew a lead off base on balls in the top of the 8th. Amadeo Zazueta was brought in to run for "El Gigante" and went to third on a double by Max Muncy. Edson Garcia drove in Zazueta with a sac fly to center and increased the Charros lead to 4-1.
Max Muncy At The Plate

Jorge Flores and Jose Cardona hit consecutive singles to lead off the bottom of the 8th for the Naranjeros and moved up on a sacrifice bunt by Carlos Gastelum. Flores scored on a ground out by Sebastion Elizalde to draw within 2 runs of the Charros at 4-2.

Eduardo Arredondo hit a one out double in the top of the 9th and scored on a single to right by Manny Rodriguez that completed the scoring and the final 5-2 Charros victory.

The Charros are off on Thursday but begin a 3 game series against the Tomateros de Culiacan on Friday the 16th of October.
Wild and Crazy Lucha Libre Fans in Hermosillo

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Los Mochis 10, Culiacan 4

The Caneros scored 6 runs in the 4th inning and went on to beat the Tomateros 10-4 in Culican. Los Mochis had 17 hits in the game including 7 doubles and a triple. DH Saul Soto was 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs. Jesus Arredondo was also 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs. Luis Borges went 2 for 4 with a double and a home run for the Tomateros. Thomas Melgarejo (1-0) got the win and Jorge Gonzalez (0-1) took the loss for Culican.

Navojoa 4, Mazatlán 2

Hector Velazquez (1-0) worked 7 innings allowing 2 runs on 7 hits and striking out 5 as the Mayos topped the Venados 4-2 in front of 4,482 hometown fans. Esteban Haro recorded his 1st save for Navojoa. Francisco Lizarraga (1-1) was charged with a blown save and the loss for Mazatlán. Diego Madero and Lance Zawadski were both 2 for 3 for the Mayos. Esteban Quiroz was 3 for 4 with an RBI and Olmo Rosario 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Venados.

Ciudad de Obregon 5, Mexicali 3

Carlos Valencia went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs and Christian Villanueva 3 for 3 with 3 runs scored as the Yaquis beat the Aguilas 5-3 in Mexicali. Yunesky Betancourt was 2 for 2 with 2 walks, a home run, an RBI and 2 runs scored in the loss for the Aguilas. Ramon Delgado (1-0) gave up a run on 2 hits in 5 1/3 innings to get the win. Stephen Landazuri (0-1) suffered the loss

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

NFL Picks For Week 6

Finished 9-5 last week. Overall record 45-32. The Chiefs were an especially hard team to watch last week so for spite I picked the Vikings over the Chiefs this week...that and Jamaal Charles ACL problem. Jacksonville allowed the Bucs to score 38 points...shame on them but they are playing the Texans this week. (Full disclosure I picked the Texans) The Ravens lost in OT...Who knew? I think the hardest loss to take was the Chargers. They let the Steelers march 80 yards in 1:38 and gave up the touchdown. I hate the "prevent" defense.

Here are my picks for week 6:

Atlanta @ New Orleans   (L)Falcons 28-17   Atlanta is too much for the Saints
Cincinnati @ Buffalo  (W) Bengals 35-13   If Taylor wasn't hurt, a much closer game
Denver @ Cleveland   (W)Broncos 21-17   Prohibitive pick, possible upset if Browns throw for 457
Chicago @ Detroit   (L)Bears 24-21   Does the whole league have the Lions playbook?
Miami @ Tennessee   W)Dolphins 21-20   Okay...I always pick the new coach
Kansas City @ Minnesota   (W)Vikings 28-21   No Charles, no win for the Chiefs
Washington @ NY Jets   (W)Jets 17-14   Jets rested...Redskins bad
Arizona @ Pittsburgh   (L)Cardinals 35-21   No last second TD in this game
Houston @ Jacksonville   (W)Texans 19-16   Someone has to win...why not Houston
Carolina @ Seattle   (L)Seahawks 24-21   Unbeaten no more...'Hawks win
San Diego @ Green Bay   (W)Packers 28-17   Who picks against Rodgers
Baltimore @ San Francisco   (L)Ravens 23-16   Don't let me down again Flacco
New England @ Indianapolis   (W)Patriots 28-17 Checking inflation after each snap
NY Giants @ Philadelphia   (L)Giants 23-22   Eli plays well, Bradford not so much

Check back during the games on Sunday and late Monday night to see how I've done.

As always, comments are welcome. Check me out on Facebook at: www.facebook/wdbarrsports

Falcons are the first of the 5 unbeaten to fall! I finished 8-6 this week. The Falcons, Bears, Cardinals and Giants let me down. I picked the Ravens the last 3 weeks with no luck. 53-38 overall...I'll do better next week I promise

Charros Continue Winning; Shutout Hermosillo 3-0

ORLANDO LARA TOSSES 5 STRONG INNINGS

The Charros got a strong outing from Orlando Lara and the bullpen worked 3 scoreless innings giving up just 1 hit, walking none and striking out 2 in beating the Naranjeros de Hermosillo 3-0
Orlando Lara

Lara (1-0) got the win and Brian Broderick, LMP Reliever of the Year in 2014,  picked up his second save of the young season as the Charros improved to 3-1 on the year.

Nate Reed (0-1) pitched 5 innings for Hermosillo in the loss, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2 Charros.

Baseball Brings Out The Best
The Charros have played errorless ball through the first four games, a total of 35 innings. The combination of good pitching, good hitting and excellent defense should win many games for Jalisco this year.

Leo Heras got things going for the Charros in the top of the 2nd inning with a one out double to right. Heras stopped at third on a single by Jesus Lopez and scored on a perfectly executed squeeze bunt by Eduardo Arredondo to give the Charros a 1-0 lead.

Japhet Amador singled with one out in the 3rd and went to third on an infield error by the Naranjeros first baseman on a ball hit by Max Muncy. Amador scored on a double to left center by Alex Liddi with Muncy stopping at third. Muncy scored on a grounder to second by Leo Heras and the Charros led 3-0. The last 6 innings were scoreless and the Charros won the game by that score.
Pitching Change For The Charros

Japhet Amador raised his batting average to ,500 by going 3 for 4 on the night with a run scored. Alex Liddi, Leo Heras and Eduardo Arredondo had the 3 RBIs for the Charros.

Sebastion Elizalde went 1 for 4 for the Naranjeros and is hitting .500 for Hermosillo.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Los Mochis 8, Culiacan 5 (10 innings)

Yoan Pedroso Home Run
The Caneros scored 3 runs in the 9th inning to tie the game and 3 more times in the 10th to top the Tomateros 8-5. Yoan Pedroso went 2 for 5 with a 3 run home run in the 10th for Los Mochis. Ali Solis and Jorge Cantu homered for the Tomateros. Juan Noriega (1-0) got the win and Andres Avila his second save for the Caneros while Jesus Castillo took the loss for Culiacan. Oscar Villarreal was charged with a blown save.

Navojoa 6, Mazatlán 5 (10 innings)

Navojoa scored 4 runs in the 5th inning to tie the game and needed a run in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extra innings. Glynn Davis' squeeze bunt went for a singled with one out in the bottom of the 10th to score Alan Sanchez for the walk off win. Ozzie Mendez (1-0) got the win while Manny Delcarmen (0-1) took the loss. Steven Hensley was charged with a blown save. Fernando Flores went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored and Lance Zawadski hit a home run for the Mayos. Carlos Munoz was 2 for 4 with a double and a home run for the Venados.

Mexicali 8, Ciudad de Oregon 7

Yunesky Betancort Home run
The Aguilas erupted for 5 runs in the 7th inning and held on to beat the Yaquis 8-7. Jose Lopez (1-0) was credited with the win and Adam Refer got his second save of the year for Mexicali. The teams combined to use 16 pitchers in the game.The Aguilas used 9 pitchers while the Yaquis used 7. Mark Hamburger (1-1) was charged with a blown save and took the loss. Yunesky Betancourt went 2 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs while Wellington Dtel was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs for the Aguilas. Asael Sanchez was 3 for 5 with a triple and 2 RBIs for the Yaquis and Roman Pena was 2 for 3 with an RBI.
Jose Lopez Gets The Win

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Charros Win 5-2 In Hermosillo

VALDEZ AND MUNCY HOMER

Playing on a Monday night with no other LMP teams in action, the Charros had center stage in the Mexican baseball world and did not disappoint.
Charros Celebrate The Win

Powered by home runs by Max Muncy and Jesus Valdez, the Charros put away the Naranjeros de Hermosillo 5-2, collecting 12 hits along the way. The only starter without a hit was catcher Gabriel Gutierrez.

William Oliver (1-0) worked into the 7th inning, giving up both Naranjero runs on just 3 hits. Oliver was relieved in the 7th after walking the first 2 batters he faced in the inning. Brian Broderick, the last of 4 relievers used by manager Juan Navarrete, worked the final 2/3 of the 9th to preserve the win for Oliver.

Hermosillo starter Alfredo Aceves (0-1) took the loss for the Naranjeros allowing 4 runs on 5 hits including the 2 home runs in 4 2/3 innings.

Rodriguez Hits In The 1st
The Charros opened the scoring in the top of the 1st inning when Manny Rodriguez singled and scored on a single to right by Jesus Valdez. The Hermosillo right fielder misplayed the ball for an error that allowed Rodriguez to score from first to give the Charros a 1-0 lead.
Rodriguez Scores From First

Jose Amador tied the game for Hermosillo in the bottom of the 2nd inning when he took a one ball, one strike fastball to left for a solo home run that cleared the wall just to the right of the 325' sign.

Japhet Amador, the DH for the Charros, singled to right to lead off the 4th and trotted home in front of Max Muncy's home run to deep center as Jalisco retook the lead for good at 3-1.

Jesus Valdez hit a two out solo home run to the deepest part of center field in the 5th to increase to Charros lead to 4-1.

The Naranjeros mounted their biggest threat of the night in the bottom of the 7th when 3 of the first 4 batters were issued free passes to load the bases with one out. Julio Felix came on in relief of Marco Campoy and gave up a sac fly to Luis Garcia as Hermosillo narrowed the gap to 4-2, but Felix got Yunesky Sanchez to fly out to center to end the threat.

Jesus Lopez led off the top of the 9th for the Charros with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Eduardo Arredondo. Following a wild pitch that moved Lopez to third, Manny Rodriguez doubled to left center to score Lopez for the final 5-2 margin of victory.

Jesus Valdez was 3 for 4 with a home run and Max Muncy 1 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs. Manny Rodriguez went 2 for 5 with an RBI and Leo Heras 2 for 3 in the win.

Jose Amador went 1 for 3 with the home run for Hermosillo. Jesus Loya, Adan Munoz and Jorge Flores had the other 3 hits on the night for the Naranjeros.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Charros Idle; Aguilas, Caneros And Yaquis Win

MEXICALI TROUNCES NARANJEROS 14-3

The game between the Aguilas de Mexicali and the Naranjeros de Hermosillo was close until the 5th inning. CJ Retherford provided Mexicali with a 2 run cushion with a 2 run home run in the top of the 2nd inning. The Aguilas would score 4 times in the 5th, 5 runs in the 6th and added 3 more in the 7th as they manhandled Hermosillo in a 14-3 win.

The Aguilas manager substituted liberally and got 15 position players in the game. Only starting catcher Xorge Carrillo failed to get a hit. Retherford and Walter Ibarra hit home runs and drove in 5 runs while scoring 5 times. Ricky Avarez went 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs while lead off hitter Wellington Dotel scored 3 runs on a 2 for 6 night.

Jose Amador had a solo home run in 4 trips to the plate for the Naranjeros while Sebastion Elizalde was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs.

Edgar Osuna (1-0) worked 5 innings, allowing 4 hits in shutting down the Hermosillo batters to get the win. Juan Pablo Oramas (0-1) took the loss, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits, walking 3 and striking out 3.

IN THE REST OF THE LMP ACTION

Los Mochis 6, Mazatlán 4

The Caneros scored 4 times in the 5th inning and twice more in the 6th and held on to beat the Venados 6-4.

Saul Soto had a home run in 4 at bats and Jesus Arredondo drove in 2 with a double in 3 trips to the plate. Joan Pedroso went 2 for 4 with a run scored for the Caneros.

Esteban Quiroz was 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored for the Venados. Cyle Hankerd continued his hot hitting, going 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Los Mochis used 8 pitchers in the game with starter Luis Niebla (1-0) picking up the win and closer Andres Avila notching the save.

The Venados used 7 hurlers with Walter Silva (0-1) taking the loss.

Ciudad de Obregon 6, Navojoa 5

Villanueva Home Run
The Yaquis scored 3 times in the last 2 innings to overcome a 5-3 deficit and top the Mayos 6-5. Dean Anna and Christian Villanueva each homered for Obregon in the win.

Navojoa scored 4 times in the bottom of the 7th inning to take a 5-3 lead but closer Gene Escat (0-1) was charged with a blown save and the loss when he gave up 2 runs on 1 hit and walking 1 in the 9th inning. Mark Hamburger (1-0) worked just 2/3 of an inning but got the win and Josh Judy worked a perfect 9th inning to pick up the save.

Anna was 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs for the Yaquis with Reynaldo Rodriguez 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, Carlos Valencia 2 for 4 and Christian Villanueva hitting his second home run of the year in 3 trips to the plate.
Reynaldo Rodriguez Drives In 2

Designated hitter Quincy Latimore was 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs for the Mayos. Alejandro Gonzalez went 3 for 4 with a run scored and Diego Madero was 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Charros Win Home Opener Over Tomateros 6-4

EVEN RECORD AT 1-1
Coaching Staffs

Charros Introduced
The Charros de Jalisco broke open a close game with 3 runs in the 5th inning to win their home opener with a 6-4 victory over the Tomateros de Culiacan. Marco Tovar (1-0) pitched 5 strong innings allowing 2 runs on 7 hits and Brian Broderick, the reigning "Reliever of the Year" notched his first save.
Marco Tovar

Hector Rodriguez (0-1) suffered the defeat for Culiacan.

Eduardo Arredondo led off the bottom of the 1st for the Charros with a double to right and scored on a double by Jesus Valdez. A passed ball advanced Valdez to third and he scored on a single by Japhet Amador. The Charros had the early 2-0 lead.

Consecutive singles by Joey Meneses and Ryan Lollis started the top of the 2nd inning for Culiacan. A passed ball by the Charros catcher moved both runners up. Sergio Gastelum fouled a pitch off of his foot and had to be helped from the field. Two batters later Ali Solis drove in Meneses with a ball to deep short and Lollis scored on a single by Luis Borges. The score was tied at 2.

Gutierrez Heads For 2nd
Gabriel Gutierrez doubled with one out in the Charros half of the 2nd and scored on a triple by Jesus Lopez as the Charros retook the lead 3-2.

Jesus Valdez drew a walk and went to second on a single by Japhet Amador to begin the bottom of the 5th. Max Muncy reached on an infield single to load the bases with no outs for the Charros. Manny Rodriguez doubled to left center to score Valdez and Amador. Alex Liddi followed with a single to drive in Muncy as the Charros upped their lead to 6-2.

Ryan Lollis hit a solo home run to right for the Tomateros in the top of the 8th to narrow the gap to 6-3.

With one away in the top of the 9th, Everth Cabrera singled and advanced to second as Nick Van Stratten waited out a base on balls. Nick Buss followed with a single to right that scored Cabrerea. Jorge Cantu struck out and when Joey Meneses hit into a 5-4 fielders choice, the game was over with the Charros prevailing 6-4.

Japhet Amador went 3 for 4 for the Charros with an RBI, Eduardo Arredondo 2 for 5, Jesus Valdez with an RBI and 2 runs scored and Jesus Lopez was 1 for 4 with a run scoring triple.

Ryan Lollis was 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 runs scored for Culiacan and Nick Buss 2 for 5 with an RBI.

IN OTHER LMP ACTION

Mazatlán 6, Los Mochis 5

Cyle Hankerd was 3 for 3 with a home run, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored for the Venados in heir 6-5 win over the Caneros. Olmo Rosario added an RBI on a 2 for 4 night at the plate. Jesus Arredondo was 2 for 3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for Los Mochis. Francisco Lizarraga (1-0) got the win and Steven Hensley picked up the save. Tony Cordova (0-1) took the loss for the Caneros.

Ciudad de Obregon 4, Navojoa 0

Sarter Rolando Valdez and 5 relief pitchers held the Mayos to 3 hits in the4-0 shutout. Victor Arano (1-0) picked up the win while Ruddy Acosta suffered the loss. Christian Villanueva had a 3 run home run for the Yaquis going 1 for 2 with 2 walks. Alejandro Gonzalez, Jesus Castillo and Diego Madera had the 3 Navojoa hits.

Mexicali 4, Hermosillo 1

The Aguilas #1 and #2 hitters, Wellington Dotel and Walter Ibarra had half of the Mexicali hits and were 4 for 7 with 2 RBIs and a run scored as the Aguilas topped the visiting Naranjeros de Hermosillo 4-1. Javiar Solano (1-0) pitched 5 innings for the win and Adam Reifer got his first save of the year. Edgar Gonzalez (0-1) suffered the loss lasting just 1 2/3 innings and giving up all 4 Aguilas runs.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Tomateros de Culican Defeat the Charros de Jalisco 2-0 In League Opener

2015-16 SEASON UNDERWAY

Pregame Festivities
in Culican
20,790 enthusiastic fans packed the BBVA Bancomer stadium in Culiacan to watch the defending LMP Champion Tomateros take on the league runner up Charros de Jalisco on Friday. They were not disappointed as the Tomateros got very good pitching from starter Salvador Perez (1-0) and 5 relievers to shutout the Charros 2-0. Oscar Villarreal worked the 9th inning to pick up the save.

Alex Sanabia (0-1) worked 3 1/3 innings for the Charros, giving up both runs, in taking the loss. Sanabia's only mistake was a 1-0 fastball that Nick Buss sent over the right field wall for a solo home run that gave Perez all the support he needed.
Salvador Valdez

Jorge Cantu singled to lead off the bottom of the 4th inning for the Tomateros but was forced at second on a ground ball by Ryan Lollis. Sanabia then threw a wild pitch that moved Lollis to second and he scored on a single to left by Joey Menese. That would be the extent of the scoring as the Tomateros opened the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico with a win.

Jesus Valdez had 2 of the 5 Charros hits while reigning League MVP, Jose "Manny" Rodriguez went hitless, with a walk, in 3 trips to the plate. Eduardo "El Mosco" Arredondo, Japhet "El Gigante" Amador and Alex Liddi had the other hits for the Charros.

Nick Buss Homerun
Nick Buss had the home run in 4 at bats, Lollis went 2 for 3 and four other Tomateros accounted for the 7 Culiacan hits.

"El Gigante" At The Plate
These two teams meet today in Guadalajara to continue their season series at the home of the Charros. The home opening ceremonies will begin at 5 PM and, although mostly sold out, there are still seats to be had.

AM 1370 from Tlaquepaque carries all of the Charros games and highlights of all LMP games can be viewed by going to the LMP website and signing up.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

NFL Picks Week 5

This week is a difficult week to pick.

There are 5 undefeated teams each playing teams with 2-2 records. The Bengals, Packers and the Falcons are all playing at home while the Patriots and the Broncos are on the road. The Bengals will face the toughest competition in the Seahawks but the Rams could present trouble for the Packers. The Patriots face a "Romoless" Cowboys team that searches for a QB solution. If the Raiders can harass Manning that game could be very interesting.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are 3 contests showcasing teams with 1-3 records. The Bears face the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium in a game the Chiefs should dominate. The Saints take on the Eagles with the loser all but out of playoff contention, and possibly Chip Kelly facing an early exit from Philadelphia. The Browns, with their own QB problems, cruise into Baltimore to face a Ravens team that knows with a win they could still possibly challenge the Bengals for a Division Championship.

Here are my predictions. I was 9-6 last week and I am now 36-27 overall. A perfect week would be nice.

Indianapolis @ Houston   (W)Colts 21-17   Hasselback leads the Colts over the hapless Texans
Washington @ Atlanta   (W)Falcons 33-14   The Falcons should have an easy time of this one
Seattle @ Cincinnati   (W)Bengals 17-13   I like the Bengal's "D" and the 'Hawks "O" is struggling
St. Louis @ Green Bay   (W)Packers 21-19   Maybe different if played in STL
Buffalo @ Tennessee   (W)Bills 21-16   Tossup but Rex Ryan's QB is getting better every week
Chicago @ Kansas City   (L)Chiefs 28-12   Cutler picked off 3 times with 2 "Pick 6's"
New Orleans @ Philadelphia   (L)Saints 28-24   Eagles can't seem to get it together
Jacksonville @ Tampa Bay   (L)Jaguars 21-20    Bortles v Winston what a matchup!
Cleveland @ Baltimore   (L)Ravens 27-21   Flacco finally realizes preseason is over
Arizona @ Detroit   (W)Cardinals 41-14   Batted balls, stolen playbook, Lions lose
New England @ Dallas   (W)Patriots 28-17   NE comes out with "guns blazin"
Denver @ Oakland   (W)Broncos 21-13   Could easily be the biggest upset of the weekend
San Francisco @ NY Giants   (W)Giants 31-27   No way the Giants lose, right?
Pittsburgh @ San Diego   (L)Chargers 24-20   Vick is not the answer for the Steelers

Carolina, Minnesota, Miami and the NY Jets have the weekend off.

Finished 9-5 thanks to the Chiefs, Jaguars, Ravens and the Chargers really terrible defense.

Oh well...45-32 overall...I promise I'll do better this week.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

NFL Picks Week 4

Well...the Cowboys didn't have enough adrenaline to hold off the Falcons, the Ravens defense couldn't stop the juggernaut that are the Bengals and the Colts recovered from their 0-2 record to top the Titans. I went 13-3 to improve my overall record to 27-21.

This week the Patriots and the Titans have the week off so I only get to pick 15 games.

Here they are:

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh   (W)Ravens 21-10   It'll be a dog fight against Vick and the Steelers "D"
NY Jets @ Miami   (W)Jets 28-24   Dolphins are not very good offensively
Houston @ Atlanta   (W)Falcons 24-10   Atlanta outruns the Texan's "D"
NY Giants @ Buffalo  (L) Bills 31-30   Ryan needs this win to stay relevant
Oakland @ Chicago   (L)Raiders 28-17   "I'm a Believer"
Kansas City @ Cincinnati   (W)Bengals 21-10   Bengals have a very good "D" and can score
Jacksonville @ Indianapolis   (W)Colts 28-20 Luck vs Bortles at home...revitalized
Carolina @ Tampa Bay   (W)Panthers 24-17   Cam is old enough to win this one
Philadelphia @ Washington   (L)Eagles 21-19   Kelly's heroes pick up steam
Cleveland @ San Diego  (W) Chargers 35-21   Who is "Da Man" in Cleveland?
Minnesota @ Denver   (L)Vikings 29-24   Vikes roll...Manning stumbles
St. Louis @ Arizona   (L)Cardinals 24-12   Offense too much for Rams
Green Bay @ San Francisco   (W)Packers 35-17   Maybe 5 more TDs for Rodgers
Dallas @ New Orleans   (L)Cowboys 24-20   Battle of QB backups
Detroit @ Seattle   (W)Seahawks 31-21   The 'Hawks already know the plays

Check back late Monday for the results. I should be 42-21 after then.

9-6 for the week. It took an overtime win by the Colts and a fumble at the 1 yard line by Calvin Johnson to get me to that. Of course the Eagles and Raiders didn't help.

36-27 overall. 4 teams with a by next week. Jets, Miami, Minnesota and Carolina all get to relax.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Do The MLB Playoffs Need To Be Changed?

The talk around major league baseball these days, mostly from Pirate and Cub fans, is the need to revamp the current playoff system to make it more "fair".

As it stands today, the Pirates and Cubs, the two wild card teams in the National League, will face off in a one game play-in to see who gets to continue on in the playoffs. These two teams have the 2nd and 3rd best records in the league, both records better than either the Mets and Dodgers, the Division Champions of the East and West. Alas, the rules were set up this way to give one more team a chance at the World Series.

Some call the current system a watered down version of what a World Series should be about, a wild card team with a low won/loss record can become the World Champs. We need to face reality. The only way to ensure that the best two regular season teams reach the World Series is to go back to, dare I say, the way it was when the winner of the American League faced the winner of the National League in the World Series. That will never happen again. Money, read TV contracts and additional gate receipts, has changed that forever.

My take on the playoff system is this. If the wild card is the best way, let's take the example of the NBA and take the eight teams with the best records and seed them accordingly. The plan I propose would have a best-of-three 1st round with the #1 seed taking on the #8 seed and so forth with all three games played in the ballpark of the team with the better record.

With single travel days between games of a series and playoff rounds, the World Series would still be decided within 31 days from the start of the first round.

To accomplish my idea, three teams would have to be added to the current format.

The National League has the controversy this year so I'll use them for my example. As it stands now the Cardinals, Pirates and Cubs all have better records then the Mets or Dodgers. Add the Giants, Nationals and the Diamondbacks to the playoffs to make an eight team playoff.

The teams would be seeded like this: Cardinals #1, Pirates #2, Cubs #3, Mets #4, Dodgers #5, Giants #6, Nationals #7 and the Diamondbacks #8. Yes, the Diamondbacks are under .500 but this can happen and must be allowed for the format to work.

The 1st round would be a best-of-three, all in the stadium of he team with the better regular season record. One would hope this scenario would keep all eight teams fighting to win the most games possible. This would also give the team with the better record a decided advantage.

One travel day would be allowed between the last game of the season an the start of the playoffs. The games in my fictitious playoff would begin on the 4th of October. The 1st round would be played on consecutive days. All teams, in both leagues would begin and end on the same days.

Television would have 6 regional games and 2 national games to broadcast on each day.

After completion of the 1st round on the 6th of October, or a day earlier if the series is won in 2 games, a travel day is scheduled and the 2nd round of the payoffs would begin on the 8th of October. These best-of-seven series would again give the advantage to the team with the better record. There would be 2 games at home, 2 games away and then 3 games, if necessary, at home. With travel days between the sets of games the series would be over by the 16th of October.

A league championship round would begin on the 18th and, with the same 7 game format, be concluded by the 26th of October.

The World Series would begin, after a travel day, on the 28th and the World Series Champions would be crowned no later than the 6th of November.

So what would this accomplish? First, the "wild card" teams would have a three game series rather than the current one and done concept. Secondly, the teams with 1 or 2 excellent pitchers cold have them pitch the first game of the 1st round and have them available to start the first game of the 2nd round and again in game four of that series. Thirdly, the fans would have playoff baseball almost constantly for a month. Fourth, this would eliminate the stupidity of the All-Star game deciding home field advantage for the World Series. And finally, the team with the better record would have more home games to eliminate the lower seeded teams.

There you have it. I only hope that Commissioner Manfred reads this and gets the team ownership, players association and television to institute my plan for the 2016 World Series. Not to worry Commissioner, just mention my name, and my blog site when you make the announcement.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Charros de Jalisco Prepare For 2nd Season In Guadalajara

The Charros de Jalisco will embark on their 2nd season of play in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, and their quest to capture the Championship, on the 9th of October with the opening game of the League's season against the Tomateros de Culiacan.

Read a link of my article for the Guadalajara Reporter, Mexico's largest English newspaper, HERE.

I'll be following the Charros' games on my blog with artiles of interest in the Reporter.

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Thursday, September 24, 2015

NFL Picks For Week 3

Okay...so Kansas City lost on a fumble for a touchdown with the score tied 24-24 and hardly any time left on the clock. That was a precursor for my 6-10 week. Come on, did anyone really think that the Ravens would lose to the Raiders? How about Johnny football throwing 50 and 60 yard touchdowns to beat Mariota?  Jacksonville beats the Dolphins? The Giants lost again on a last drive by their opponent. What has happened to the Texan's offense?  I'll try again. I'm 14-18 overall.

Washington @ NY Giants   (W)Giants 21-17   Lightning will not strike for the third time
Oakland @ Cleveland   (W)Raiders 28-10   Going with the Raiders...Browns not very impressive
Atlanta @ Dallas   (L)Cowboys 17-10   Cowboys use adrenaline to top listless Falcons
Indianapolis @ Tennessee   (L)Titans 21-20   Pagano can blame Luck all he wants
Pittsburgh @ St. Louis   (W)Steelers 28-17   Steelers looked good...Rams not so much
San Diego @ Minnesota   (W)Vikings 30-21   Probably to avenge Ragnar
Jacksonville @ New England   (W)Patriots 35-10   Patriots will deflate more than one team's hopes
Philadelphia @ NY Jets   (W)Eagles 21-17  Must win for the Eagles and Jets...tossup
New Orleans @ Carolina   (W)Carolina 20-10   As Brees goes, so go the Saints...I'm just sayin'
Cincinnati @ Baltimore   (L)Ravens 21-17   Baltimore HAS to be better than last week
Tampa Bay @ Houston   (W)Texans 21-10   The Texans have looked bad but they are at home
San Francisco @ Arizona   (W)Cardinals 35-27   I think the 49ers are pretty bad defensively
Buffalo @ Miami   (W)Bills 21-20   Suh gets ejected and the Bills kick 4 FGs plus a 2 point conversion
Chicago @ Seattle   (W)Seahawks 31-10   Bears were bad With Cutler...now?
Denver @ Detroit  (W) Broncos 28-21   Manning and Kubiak finally on the same page
Kansas City @ Green Bay   (W)Packers 28-21   Packers OR Chiefs give it away...I choose GB

I picked 11 home teams this week. Last week 7 home teams lost. I know the home teams will turn it around for me this week.

Pretty good week...finished 13-3...overall 27-21!!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

NFL Picks Week 2

I finished with an 8-8 record in week 1...not bad considering the Seahawks OT loss to the Rams and the Chargers, in my opinion, surprising win over the Lions. I could have been 10-6...but alas...I wasn't.

Here are the picks for Week 2 in the NFL.

Denver @ Kansas City   (L)Chiefs 27-16   The Chiefs looked good in week 1, the Broncos not so much
New England @ Buffalo   (W)Patriots 35-28  Brady's offense over Ryan's defense
Arizona @ Chicago   (W)Cardinals 20-17   Cardinals fly under everyone's radar
San Diego @ Cincinnati   (W)Bengals 20-17   I kinda like the Bengals defense so far
Tennessee @ Cleveland   (L)Titans 28-17   Mariota will prove week 1 was no fluke
Detroit @ Minnesota   (L)Lions 24-13   Let's do a redo of week 1 Lions...Please
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans   (W)Buccaneers 14-10  Winston proves his toughness
Atlanta @ NY Giants   (W)Falcons 17-16   Giants just love 1 point last second losses
San Francisco @ Pittsburgh   (L)49ers 24-14  Steelers on the ropes
St. Louis @ Washington   (L)Rams 28-10  How can you pick against the Rams
Houston @ Carolina   (L)Texans 21-17   JJ needs to play both ways for Houston
Baltimore @ Oakland   (L)Ravens 35-10  The Raiders are just bad
Miami @ Jacksonville   (L)Dolphins 17-10   Suh intimidates everyone on the field
Dallas @ Philadelphia   (W)Cowboys 28-21   Kelly keeps Murray out of the game again
Seattle @ Green Bay   (L)Seahawks 21-17   The Packers are not the 2015 Rams
NY Jets @ Indianapolis   (L)Colts   21-16    The Colts were not just manhandled by the Bills right?

So...6-10 for week 2 and 14-18 overall. It's no wonder I write blogs and don't wager on professional sports.


FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR TWO CENTS!!

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Los Campeones!!

TIGRES CRUSH ACEREROS 9-0 IN GAME 5
Alfredo Amezaga named "Jugador Mas Valioso", or MVP of the Serie del Rey for 2015
Alfredo Amezaga
Jugador Mas Valioso

Watch video highlights of the Championship game HERE.

The Tigres de Quintana Roo left no doubt as to the outcome of game 5 of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Championship series. They jumped on top 2-0 after 2 innings, dealt the crushing blow with 5 runs in the 5th and added insult to injury with 2 more runs in the 7th without benefit of a hit.

Pablo "El Maestro" Ortega
Pablo Ortega was masterful, holding the Acereros scoreless on 3 hits during his 6 1/3 innings on the mound. The Tigres manager pulled Ortega after he gave up a walk and got the next batter to ground into a force out at second. Had the umpire gotten the call right, that play would have been ruled a double play and Ortega might have stayed in the game. As it was, reliever Arturo Barradas got the next hitter to ground into a double play and the inning was over. Barradas pitched 2 1/3 innings of no hit ball and gave way to closer Ramon Ramirez for the last out of the game.

Jose Oyervidez was tagged for 7 runs on 9 hits through 4 2/3 innings of work in the loss while striking out 5 Tigres. Oyervidez and 5 relief pitchers struck out 13 on the night but the Tigres collected 12 hits and were aided by 3 errors committed by the Monclova shortstop, Olmo Rosario.

And now to the game.

Jorge Cantu led off the top of the 2nd inning with a single and was forced at second on a ground ball by Greg Golson. Golson went to second on a throwing error by the Acereros shortstop and scored on a single by Alfredo Amezaga. Amezaga stole second and scored on a double by Iker Franco as the Tigres took an early 2-0 lead.

Eugenio Velez singled to start the 5th for the Tigres and went to second on a wild pitch, the Aceeros threw 3 wild pitches in the game. Carlos Gastelum sacrificed Velez to third and Velez scored on a double to right by Sergio Contreras. With two outs, Alfredo Amezaga singled to score Contreras. Iker Franco followed with a double to right center that score Golson and Amezaga. Esteban Quiroz singled to center to drive in Franco and the Tigres had built a 7-0 lead.

Alfredo Amezaga, Iker Franco and Esteban Quiroz began the 7th inning for the Tigres with walks to load the bases with no outs. Brandon Villarreal hit a slow roller to short that forced Franco at second but Amezaga scored. Eugenio Velez then struck out but the ball got past the catcher, Velez was safe at first and Franco scored just ahead of the tag at home to give the Tigres the 9-0 lead and the win.

There was an air of impending doom at Estadio Monclova from the beginning. 14,000 fans packed Acereros fell to the Tigres 7-4 in 10 innings. On Monday, the crowd was announced at 5,853 with plenty of empty seats. After the top of the 2nd inning the crowd was subdued and after the 5th, the crowd was silent. Even the stadium organ player was unable to get the fans excited.
Tigres - Los Campeones
the stadium on Sunday as the

The Tigres won their 12th LMB Championship, second only to the 16 Championships won by the Diablos Rojos del Mexico. Quintana Roo has now won 3 titles in 5 years, 2011, 2013 and this year.

     

Monday, September 14, 2015

Tigres Capture Game 4 Over Acereros With 7-4 Win

USE 3 RUN 10TH TO SECURE WIN

Watch video highlights HERE.

The Tigres de Quintana Roo pushed across 3 runs in the top of the 10th inning to win game 4 of the Serie del Rey over the Acereros de Monclova by a 7-4 score.

Carlos Bustamante
Carlos Bustamante held the Acereos scoreless through 6 2/3 innings, giving up just 4 hits, walking none and striking out 6. Reliever Ramon Rameriz worked the final 3 innings and was charged with a blown save but picked up the win following the Tigres outburst in the 10th inning.

Josh Lowey
Josh Lowey, the rained out game 3 starter, came back to start game 4 and gave up 4 runs on 8 hits, walked 2 and struck out 3. Matt Nevarez took the loss for Monclova allowing 2 runs to score in the 10th without recording an out.

Quintana Roo started the scoring in the 2nd inning on singles by Alfredo Amezaga and Esteban Quiroz. Amezaga scored on a force out by Brandon Villarreal that put the Tigres up 1-0.

The Tigres added a run in the 3rd on singles by Carlos Gastelum, Jorge Cantu and Alfredo Amezaga that scored Gastelum for the 2-0 lead.

Esteban Quiroz singled to lead off the 4th for the Tigres and scored in front of a home run by Eugenio Velez that made the score 4-0 Tigres.

Monclova mounted a comeback in the bottom of the 8th inning. They scored 3 times to pull within a run at 4-3. Jose Amador was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning and moved to second on a wild pitch. Amador scored on a double by Hernando Arredondo for the first Acerero run. With one out, Antonio Lamas singled to score Arredondo. Walks to Carlos Penuelas and Hector Garanzuay loaded the bases and pinch runner, Miguel Guzman scored on a sac fly to right by Olmo Rosario for the third run of the inning.

Jose Amador hit a one out solo home run to left in the bottom of the 9th to tie the score and send the game into extra innings.

Jose Amador holds the runner
Alfredo Amezaga drew a walk with one out in the top of the 10th for the Tigres. Iker Fanco hit a ball deep in the hole at short for an infield single. After a pitching change for Monclova, reliever Juan Noriega uncorked a wild pitch to put the Tigres runners at second and third. Esteban Quiroz was intentionally walked to load the bases. Pinch hitter Raul Sanchez hit into a force play that scored Amezaga. Eugenio Velez then reached safely on an error by the Acereros shortstop that scored Franco. Carslo Gastelum singled to score pinch runner Hiram Martinez and the Tigres had the 7-4 win.

The Serie del Rey continues on Monday in Monclova. Should the Tigres win they would be crowned Champions of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol. If Monclova wins game 5, the series would return to Cancun for game 6 and game 7, if necessary.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Monclova Overpowers Tigres In 5-3 Win

ARREDONDO AND CORDOBA HOMER IN WIN

Watch video highlights HERE.

Game 3 Rainout on Friday
In the completion of the rain delayed 3rd game of the Serie del Rey on Saturday, the Acereros de Monclova scored early and withstood a Tigres rally in the 8th to take game 3 of the series.

The Acereros had taken a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 2nd inning on a 2 run home run to left by Hernando Arredondo when the rains started falling. The game was suspended following the Tigres at bat in the top of the 3rd.

Josh Lowey had held the Tigres to no runs on 1 hit through 3 innings but was replaced on the mound by Anthony Capra. Capra got the win, limiting the Tigres to 2 hits while walking 4. Juan Noriega picked up his 4th save of the LMB playoffs.

Daniel Cabrera lasted just 2 innings and took the loss giving up the home run to Arredondo and 4 Acereros hits.

Francisco Cordoba hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 4th inning, after play had resumed, to give the Acereros 3-0 lead.

Brett Harper singled with one out in the bottom of the 5th and moved to second, one out later, on a single by Hernando Arredondo. Harper scored on a single by Francisco Cordoba to stretch the Monclova lead to 4-0.
Harper scores run #4

Iker Franco drew a lead off walk for the Tigres in the top of the 8th inning and went to third on a single by Alfredo Amezaga. Ricardo Vazquez walked to load the bases. Raul Sanchez singled to score Franco. Greg Golson followed with a single to right to drive in Amezaga and Vazquez as the Tigres cut the Acereros lead to 4-3.

Carlos Penuelas walked and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Flavio Romero in the bottom of the 8th for Monclova. Penuelas scored on a single to left by Olmo Rosario for the final score of 5-3 and the Acereros win.

Game 4 will be played in Monclova on Sunday the 13th with game 5 on Monday the 14th.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Tigres Take Game 2 Of The Serie del Rey 8-7

7 RUN 6TH DOES THE TRICK

Watch the highlights courtesy of the LMB HERE.

The Tigres sent 12 men to the plate in the bottom of the 6th inning and scored 7 runs to take the lead and held off the Acereros 8-7 to win the second game of the Serie del Rey in Cancun.

Jesus Barraza was the beneficiary of the 7 run outburst as he picked up the win in relief for the Tigres. Starter Wilmer Rios gave up 4 runs on 5 hits before being replaced on the mound Quintana Roo. Raul Barron took the loss for the Acereros.

Carlos Gastelum started the scoring for the Tigres in the bottom half of the 1st with a solo home run to right for the early 1-0 Tigres lead.

Carlos Penuelas led off the top of the 3rd for Monclova with a line drive home run to right that tied the game at 1 all.

Hector Garanzuay drew a 1 out walk to begin the 5th for the Acereros. One out later, Flavio Romero waited out a base on balls. Olmo Rosario singled to left to score Garanzuay. Jose Ruiz followed with a 3 run home run to right that scored Romero and Rosario. The Acereros had taken a 5-1 lead over the Tigres.

Estaban Quiroz
The 6th inning explosion for Quintana Roo started with a lead off walk to Esteban Quiroz. Greg Golson singled and Carlos Gastelum walked to load the bases with no outs. Sergio Contreras singled to score Quiroz and Golson. The Acereros relief pitcher uncorked a wild pitch that moved the runners to second and third. Jorge Cantu followed with a single to right that scored Gastelum and Contreras. Eugenio Velez reached base safely on a throwing error by the Monclova pitcher. Iker Franco walked to load the bases again, still with no outs. Alfredo Amezaga singled to drive in Cantu and Velez. Esteban Quiroz, the ninth batter of the inning, singled to right to score Franco and the Tigres had scored 7 runs to take an 8-5 lead.
"El Bronco"  Jorge Cantu

Monclova got a run back in the top of the 7th on a 2 out single by Flavio Romero, a walk to Olmo Rosario and a single by Jose Ruiz, 3 for 5 with 4 RBIs on the night, that scored Romero. The Acereros had narrowed the lead to 8-6.

The Acereros pushed across another run in the 8th on a double to left by Jose Amador, a single by Francisco Cordoba and a sac fly to right by Hector Garanzuay. Monclova had cut the lead to 8-7 but Ramon Ramirez, closer for the Tigres, got the Acereros to hit into 3 ground ball outs in the 9th to preserve the win for the Tigres in front of 9,476 hometown fans.

The Serie del Rey now shifts to Monclova for games 3, 4 and 5 with the Tigres holding a 2 games to none lead. Game 3 will be held on Friday the 11th of September.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Quintana Roo Takes Game 1 Of The LMB Championship Series 9-8

WALK OFF DOUBLE DECIDES GAME

Watch video highlights HERE.

The Acereros and Tigres combined for 23 hits, including 6 home runs and 5 doubles, and 17 runs in a game 1 slugfest to determine the 2015 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Champion. There were 4 lead changes in the contest. The teams used 16 pitchers with Roman Ramirez being charged with a blown save and then picking up the win for the Tigres while Juan Noriega took the loss for Monclova.

Olmo Rosario was 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs for the Acereros as Jorge Cantu went 2 for 3 with 2 home runs and 3 RBIs for the Tigres.

Monclova started the scoring in the top of the 2nd inning. With 2 outs, Jose Amador walked and Hernando Arredondo doubled to left. Both runners scored on a single by Francisco Cordoba and the Acereros were up 2-0.

Jorge Cantu Home Run
Jorge answered for the Tigres in the bottom of the inning with a solo home run to left center. Iker Franco followed with a double and scored on a single by Alfredo Amezaga, who had 3 RBIs in the game for the Tigres, as Quintana Roo tied the score at 2.

With one out in the top of the 3rd, Flavio Romero singled and came around to score on a home run to left by Olmo Rosario. One out later, Brett Harper unloaded a deep drive to left for a solo home run and the Acereros had retaken the lead 5-2.

The Tigres got back to back doubles from Greg Golson and Carlos Gastelum in the 5th inning to score a run and narrow the Acereros lead to 5-3. Sergio Contreras followed with a single to put runners on first and third with no outs. Gastelum would score on a sac fly by Jorge Canto. Eugenio Velez singled and Iker Franco walked to load the bases.  Alfredo Amezaga doubled to right to score Contreras and Velez and the Tigres stormed back to take a 6-5 lead.

Jorge Cantu hit his second home run of the night in the 6th inning as the Tigres stretched their lead to 7-5.

Francisco Cordoba led off the top of the 7th for Monclova with a walk. Following a pitching change for the Tigres, pinch hitter Abraham Ramos drew a base on balls. Cordoba scored on single by Carlos Penuelas to cut the Tigres lead to 7-6. Flavio Romero sacrificed to move both runners up and Olmo Rosario singled to left to score Ramos with the tying run.

Esteban Quiroz hit a solo home run to right with one out in the Tigres half of the 7th as Quintana Roo took the lead again 8-7.
Esteban Quiroz Home Run

Carlos Penulas, who drove in 2 runs for Monclova, drove an 0-1 pitch over the wall in right leading off the top of the 9th for the Acereros to tie the score again at 8-8.

Brandon Villareal singled with one out in the bottom of the 9th for the Tigres and came around to score on the walk off double by Esteban Quiroz and Quintana Roo took the first game of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Championship playoff by a 9-8 score.

Game 2 of the series will be played in Cancun on Wednesday the 9th of September.

Monday, September 7, 2015

Championship Run Over...Leones Drop Game 7 By A 5-4 Score

TIGRES TO FACE ACEREROS DE MONCLOVA IN LMB FINALS

Watch video highlights HERE.

Leones Acknowledge Their Fans
The Tigres scored 4 runs in the top of the 6th inning, all with 2 outs, and hung on to beat the Leones in game 7 of the Zona Sur Championship series. Yucatan relievers Miguel Aguilar and Oscar Verdugo gave up 2 walks, a hit and allowed 2 runs to score without recording the final out of the inning. Verdugo took the loss for the Leones and Daniel Cabrera picked up the win for the Tigres.

The Leones started fast, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning. Jose Aguilar singled with one out and scored when Ricardo Serrano's line drive was misplayed by the Tigres left fielder and went to the wall. Serrano wound up on third. Jesus Valdez singled to left to score Serrano and Yucatan was up 2-0. Hector Gimenez walked. Luis Garcia singled to drive in Valdez but Gimenez was thrown out at third for the second out. Jaime Pedroza struck out to end the inning but the Leones were up 3-0 after 1 inning.
Serrano Scores

The Tigres answered with a run in the top of the 5th off of Yucatan starter Jonathan Castellanos. Greg Golson led off with a single to center and scored on a double to right by Esteban Quiroz.

With two outs in the top of the 6th for the Tigres, Jorge Cantu and Jorge Vazquez singled. That was all for Castellanos who was replaced by Aguilar. Sergio Contreras singled to drive in Cantu. Greg Golson then reached on an error by the Leones shortstop that scored Vazquez to tie the game at 3. Alfredo Amezaga walked to load the bases and Iker Franco walked on 5 pitches to force in Contreras with the go ahead run. Demetrio Gutierrez came in to pitch for the Leones and walked Esteban Quiroz to force in Golson and the Tigres had a 5-3 lead.

Israel Nunez and Corey Wimberly singled in the bottom of he 7th for Yucatan and Nunez scored on a sac fly by Jose Aguilar to narrow the Tigres lead to 5-4.

There would be no more scoring in the game and the Leones, after winning 3 consecutive games, dropped the all important game 7 to the Tigres by that final 5-4 score.

The Yucatan pitching staff, which led the league in ERA for the 2015 season, came up short in the final game of the year for the Leones and the hitters, who hit .291 on the year, came up 1 run short.

There is blame enough to go around, starting with the 2 losses at home to begin the series, but the Leones as a team never quit and brought exciting baseball back to Merida, something that had been missing for some time.

The Tigres will now face the Acereros de Monclova in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Championship round set to begin in Cancun on Tuesday the 8th of September.

IN OTHER LMB PLAYOFF ACTION

Monclova 2, Tijuana 1

Watch video highlights HERE.

The Acereros scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning on singles by Jose Amador and Hernando Arredondo, a ground rule double by Francisco Cordoba and a ground ball out by Hector Garanzuay and the pitching staff did the rest as Monclova beat the Toros 2-1 to win the Zona Norte Championship.

Anthony Capra pitched 5 innings and gave up the lone run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. Josh Lowey, normally a starter for Monclova, pitched the final 3 1/3 innings to pick up the save. Lowey didn't allow a hit and struck out 3 in his time on the mound. Walter Silva pitched well over his 6 innings, giving up 2 runs on 5 hits, but the Toros bats were held in check and Silva was saddled with the loss.

Francisco Cordoba and Hector Garanzuay drove in the runs fo Monclova while Oscar Robles drove in the only run for the Toros.

Monclova moves on to face the Tigres de Quintana Roo in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Championship set to begin on Tuesday the 8th of September.