Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Culiacan Extend LMP Championship Series to Sixth Game

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

LMP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME FIVE

(3-2) Naranjeros de Hermosillo   3

(2-3) Tomateros de Culiacan        4

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/28/21 - Seeking to stave off elimination, the defending LMP champion Tomateros take an early 1-0 lead in the second.  Third baseman Michael Wing reaches on a one-out single, steals second, advances to third on a passed ball by Naranjeros catcher Julian Leon, then scores on a fielder's choice.  However, Culiacan does themselves no favors in the fourth.  Two fielding errors clear the way for two unearned runs en route to a 3-1 Hermosillo lead.  But Los Tomateros get one back in the home fifth on a run-scoring double from second baseman Ramiro Pena.  Both starting pitchers were dispatched to the showers after six.  Naranjeros starter Ryan Verdugo allowed three runs, two earned, nine hits, and one walk with three strikeouts through six innings pitched.  Tomateros starter JC Ramirez yields three runs, one earned, four hits, and two walks with four strikeouts through 5.1 innings.  In the home seventh, Culiacan right fielder Sebastian Elizalde singles home the tying run.  Hermosillo commits a big mistake in the top of the eighth.  Yadiel Hernandez is picked-off on an ill-fated attempt at stealing second base with two outs and two on base.  Culiacan reliever Sasagi Sanchez escapes without yielding a run.  Naranjeros reliever Wilmer Rios likewise pitches out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the eighth.  Tomateros left fielder Joey Meneses in the top of the ninth robs designated hitter Alex Robles of an extra-base hit.  Right fielder Sebastian Elizalde in the bottom half of the ninth, reached on a one-out single, then steals second and third on pitches that get away from catcher Julian Leon.  First baseman Efrin Navarros is intentionally walked, putting runners on the corners.  Facing Naranjeros reliever Wilmer Rios, Michael Wing lines a base hit to right field, plating the game-winning run.  Rios takes the loss; Sasagi Sanchez, with two scoreless innings pitched, earns the victory in relief.  Los Tomateros de Culiacan extend the series to a sixth game.