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

GAME 7 TO BE PLAYED ON MONDAY WITH WINNER ADVANCING

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

Mayos Battery Celebrates The Win

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

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

Castillo Scores The Lone Run

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

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

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

Aguilas Top Mayos 4-3 In LMP Playoffs

TAKE 3 GAMES TO 2 LEAD BACK TO MEXICALI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YAQUIS DROP GAME IN 13th INNING ON WILD PITCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mazatlan Doubles Up Yaquis 8-4

EVEN SERIES AT 1 GAME APIECE

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

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

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

Liddi Out At Home

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

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

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

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

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Mexicali Overwhelms Mayos 10-1

4 RUN 1ST INNING PORTENDS OF THINGS TO COME

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

Aguilas Score 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Yaquis Top Venados 4-1

TAKE GAME 1 OF LMP SEMIFINALS

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

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

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

Carlos Valencia's 3 Run HR

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

Neither team scored again and the Yaquis won game 1.

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

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

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

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Aguilas Pull Off Improbable Win in Game 1 of LMP Playoffs

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

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

Juarez Walk Off Single

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aguilas Celebrate in Mexicali


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WDBarr's Article Appears in the Guadalajara Reporter

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

Mayos de Navojoa Advance In LMP Playoffs

TOP VENADOS 5-4 WITH A CARLOS MONCRIEF HR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Yaquis Advance in LMP Playoffs

TAKE GAME 6 OVER CANEROS 4-3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YAQUIS WITH 3 GAMES TO 2 ADVANTAGE IN 1ST ROUND

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

Yaquis Score / Andrey Fuentes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mayos Top Venados 3-2 in LMP Playoffs

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

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

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

Nate Tenbrink Home Run

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Terance Marin on the Mound

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

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

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

Cacao Scores the 1st Run

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

Liddi Scores on a Single by Olivo

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

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

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

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

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

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Jalisco Falls To Aguilas 4-3

LIDDI AND ESPINOZA HOMER IN LOSS

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

Marco Duarte

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

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

Charros Starter Orlando Lara

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

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

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

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

Liddi Home Run

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

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

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Aguilas Take Game 2 Over Charros 5-2

TAKE TWO GAMES TO NONE LEAD TO GUADALAJARA

Agustin Murillo Picked Off at 1st

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

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

Cacao Doubles in the 1st

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

Cacao Scores on Liddi Single

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

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

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

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

Add caption

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

Charros Drop Game 1 to Aguilas 2-1

ALEX LIDDI HOME RUN LONE JALISCO OFFENSE

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

Charros starter Terance Marin

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

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

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

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

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

Liddi HR in the 4th

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

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

Despite 30-38 Record Charros Make 2015 LMP Playoffs

CHARROS EDGE INTO LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO PLAYOFFS

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NFL Picks Week 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wdbarr1

Charros Reach Midway Point of Liga Mexicana del Pacifico Season

RECORD STANDS AT 17-17

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

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

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

Japhet Amador draws a walk

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

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

Alex Liddi at 3rd Base

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

 

The Best Baseball Song Ever

Here is my favorite baseball song.

Listen to Los Tigrillos do it HERE!

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

NFL Picks Week 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charros Lose At Home To Aguilas 3-2

LEO HERAS 3 FOR 4 IN LOSS

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

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

Starter Terance Marin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leo Heras Strokes a Double

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

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

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Culiacan 7, Mazatlán 5

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

Ciudad de Obregon 5, Hermosillo 3

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

Venados Sweep Charros With 6-2 Win In Game 3

JALISCO DROPS 4TH STRAIGHT GAME

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

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

Charros Starter Marco Tovar

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

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

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

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

Arredondo Sac Fly Scores Lopez

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

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

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

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Hermosillo 7, Los Mochis 6

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

Navojoa 3, Mexicali 1

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

NFL Picks Week 9

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

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

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

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

Here goes:

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

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

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

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

NFL Picks Week 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charros Defeat Yaquis 4-3

3 RUN 6TH INNING SEALS THE WIN

Alex Sanabia On The Mound

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

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

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

Rodriguez RBI Single

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

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

Heras Lead Off Double

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

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

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

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

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Culiacan 4, Navojoa 2

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

Mexicali 6, Hermosillo 5

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

Los Mochis 4, Mazatlán 3 (10 innings)

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

Charros Fall Short In 10-9 Loss To Obregon

JAPHET AMADOR HITS 2 HOME RUNS

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

Amador's 2nd Home Run

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Liddi Home Run

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

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

Amezaga Single

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IN OTHER LMP ACTION:

Culiacan 12, Navojoa 6

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

Hermosillo 6, Mexicali 5

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

Los Mochis 3. Mazatlán 1

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