Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Tomateros de Culiacan Win Second Straight LMP Championship Series

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Mexicana del Pacifíco

LMP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME SEVEN

(4-3) Tomateros de Culiacan         7

(3-4) Naranjeros de Hermosillo     6

FINAL/10 inn

BOXSCORE 1/30/21 - In the all decisive game seven, Los Naranjeros starter Cesar Vargas toes the rubber opposed by Tomateros right-hander Edgar Arredondo at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo.  Los Naranjeros small-ball their way to a 1-0 lead in the first.  Left fielder Norberto Obeso leads off the game with a base hit, is sacrificed over to second, advances to third on a fielder's choice, then scores on a liner to center field by first baseman Victor Mendoza.  But their lead is short-lived.  Cesar Vargas yields two runs on three hits and two walks before ever recording an out in the top of the second.  He exits the game leaving the bases loaded.  Center fielder Yoelkis Guibert then greets Hermosillo reliever Marcelo Martinez with a two-run single to right.  Los Tomateros again load the bases but leave all three runners stranded, not before taking a 4-1 lead.  All runs are charged to Vargas.  Hermosillo opens the bottom of the second with a lead-off walk and a double from catcher Julian Leon.  Shortstop Jasson Atondo's sac-fly scores Rolando Acosta from third, making it a 4-2 game.  With two outs in the top of the third, first baseman Jesse Castillo homers to right, giving Los Tomateros a 5-2 lead.  Hermosillo runs into more trouble in the fifth, but this time it's behind the plate.  Replacement catcher Alejandro Flores allows lead-off batter Joey Meneses to safely reach on a third strike passed ball, then permits him second base on yet another passed ball.  Meneses then scores on a fielder's choice making for a 6-2 Culiacan lead.  In the bottom of the fifth, Jasson Atondo scores from third on a fielder's choice bringing Los Naranjeros back within three.  Hermosillo strikes again in the seventh.  With two outs and runners on first and second, third baseman Isaac Paredes homers into left/center bleachers off Tomateros reliever Carlos Torres tying the game at six.  Two subsequent singles and a hit by pitch load the bases, but Los Tomateros escape further damage remaining deadlocked at six.  That's the way the score stays, and into extra innings, they go.  But Los Tomateros waste little time.  With one out in the tenth, Jesse Castillo hits his second home run of the game.  Hermosillo goes down quietly in the bottom of the tenth, and Culiacan's comeback is complete.  The defending champions come all the way back from a 3-1 series deficit against the favored Naranjeros de Hermosillo to win three straight games and clinch back-to-back LMP championships. Second, only to Hermosillo, this marks the team's 13th LMP championship.  It's their second in a row and their third title in the last four years.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Tomateros de Culiacan Push LMP Championship Series to Seventh Game

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

LMP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME SIX

(3-3) Tomateros de Culiacan        6

(3-3) Naranjeros de Hermosilla    2

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/29/21 - The game begins as another tightly contested affair at Estadio Sonora.  Culiacan first baseman Joey Meneses drives in the first run of the game with a two-out base hit in the first.  Hermosillo's second baseman Luis Alfonso Cruz doubles home the tying run in the third.  The game stays knotted through five, then Culiacan begins pulling away.  They retake the lead in the sixth on a one-out walk to right fielder Sebastian Elizalde, a base hit by Joey Meneses, and a triple from first baseman Efrin Navarro.  Afterwhich, third baseman  Michael Wing doubles home Navarro for a 4-1 Tomateros lead.  Hermosillo starter Juan Pablo Oramas is dispatched to the showers.  Next in, designated hitter Jesse Castillo greets Naranjeros reliever Ozzie Mendez with a single through the right side, scoring Wing for a 5-1 Culiacan lead.  Not yet done, the defending champs pick up another run when Efrin Navarro singles leading off the eighth, and scores on a sac-fly for a 6-1 Tomateros lead.  Hermosillo scores once in the ninth, giving this game a 6-2 final in favor of Culiacan.  After Los Naranjeros took a 3-1 series lead, the defending champion Tomateros have now won two straight forcing a decisive game seven.

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.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Naranjeros de Hermosillo One Win Away From Clinching LMP Championship

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

LMP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME FOUR

(3-1) Naranjeros de Hermosillo   1

(1-3) Tomateros de Culiacan        0

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/26/21 - Game four features a finely played pitcher's duel.  Right-hander Jose Samayoa toes the rubber for Hermosillo and is opposed by Manny Barreda for Culiacan.  The pitchers trade zeroes through the first five innings.  Los Naranjeros unlock the scoreless tie in the sixth on third baseman Isaac Paredes' two-out double off the left field wall scoring Jose Cardona from third.  Jose Samayoa, in the bottom of the frame, retires the side in order.  Manny Barrera tosses a scoreless top half of the seventh, and Samayoa in the bottom of the frame again retires the side in order.  He exits on the winning side of a 1-0 game, having allowed no runs in just two hits and no walks with six strikeouts through seven innings full.  Pitching duties are handed off to right-hander Robinson Leyer.  Manny Barrera pitches all nine innings, albeit in a hard-luck losing effort, allowing just one run on six hits and three walks with two strikeouts.  In relief of Robinson Leyer, Hermosillo summons 35-year old Fernando Salas, who successfully closes out the bottom of the ninth to earn his third save of the series.  Starter Jose Smayoa is near perfect en route to the victory.  In facing 22 batters, Jose throws 89 pitches with 54 (60.6%) going for strikes.  He retires ten in a row to start the game, then retires nine in a row after yielding a lead-off hit in the fifth.  Hermosillo is now just one victory away from winning the series, dethroning the defending champion Tomateros and capturing their 17th ever LMP title.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Naranjeros Grab 2-1 Lead Over Tomateros in LMP Championship Series

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

  

LMP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME THREE

(2-1) Naranjeros de Hermosillo   5

(1-2) Tomateros de Culiacan        4

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/25/21 - Facing Tomateros starter Edgar Arredondo in the top of the first, Los Naranjeros, on a clutch two-out base hit and run batted in from first baseman Victor Mendoza, promptly jump out to a 1-0 lead.  Hermosillo rallies for two more in the third on a sac-fly from third baseman Isaac Paredes and another hit and run batted in from Victor Mendoza.  With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Culiacan string together only their second and third hits of the game, followed by a base on balls issued to Yoelkis Guibert loading the bases.  Los Naranjeros stick with their starter Cesar Vargas who then walks shortstop Jose Guadalupe Chavez to push across Culiacan's first run.  Center fielder Jose Cardona makes a fine play on a long fly by second baseman Ramiro Pena bringing Culiacan's threat to a close.  Edgar Arredondo's outing ends at five innings.  He exits on the losing side of a 2-3 game after yielding three earned runs on four hits and four walks with five strikeouts.  Culiacan right fielder Sebastian Elizalde singles to open the bottom of the sixth.  Left fielder Joey Meneses then doubles, putting two runners in scoring position.  First baseman Efren Navarro follows with a double, tying the game at three.  Naranjeros starter Cesar Vargas is finally dispatched to the showers.  Facing reliever Raul Barron with two outs, center fielder Yoelkis Guibert singles home the go-ahead run.  With a runner on base in the top of the eighth, Naranjeros catcher Julian Leon homers to left of reliever Sasagi Sanchez giving Hermosillo a 5-4 lead.  Shortstop  Jasson Atondo follows with a double instigating another pitching change.  No other scoring takes place.  Hermosillo reliever Raul Barron earns the win, and Fernando Salas the save.  Los Naranjeros secures a 2-1 series lead.

1. GAME ONE
2. GAME TWO

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LVBP and LMP Championship Series Game Two Recaps

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional

LVBP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME TWO

(2-0) Caribes de Anzoátegui    1

(0-2) Cardenales de Lara         0

F/11 innings

BOXSCORE 1/23/21 - Right-hander Andres Machado toes the rubber for Anzoátegui and is opposed by right-hander Raul Rivero for Lara.  Both engage in a scoreless duel through the game's first five innings.  Machado exits after facing 16 batters, allowing no runs on just one hit and no walks with two strikeouts through five innings pitched.  He is relieved by southpaw Liarvis Breto in the sixth.  Raul Rivero allows no runs on three hits, and no walks with four strikeouts through six innings pitched.  He is relieved by Vicente Campos for the seventh.  Through this point, second baseman Cesar Hernandez accounts for Lara's only hit back in the first inning.  The scoreless duel continues into the eighth.  With two outs in the bottom of the frame, Lara finally strings together consecutive base hits.  But reliever Jake Sanchez strikes out right fielder Ezequiel Carrera swinging to end the inning.  Los Caribes put a runner in scoring position with two hits in the top of the ninth but leave him stranded.  Reliever Mayckol Guajpe retires Los Cardenales in the bottom of the ninth, and into extra innings they go at Estadio Antonio Herrera Gutierrez.  Los Caribes finally breakthrough in the top of the eleventh.  With two outs and runners on first and second, shortstop Luis Sardiñas singles home the game's first run.  To close out the bottom half of the frame Anzoátegui then summons right-hander  Lester Oliveros who immediately walks the lead-off batter, and before you know it, Los Caribes walk the bases loaded.  Right-hander Jean Toledo is summoned from the bullpen.  With one out, first baseman Osman Marval hits a comebacker to the pitcher resulting incredibly in a 1-2-3 inning-ending double-play to end the game.  Seven members of Los Caribes bullpen join together in limiting Lara to no runs on just two hits and five walks with two strikeouts through the game's final six innings.  Thrillingly, Los Caribes take a two-games to none series advantage over Los Cardenales de Lara.

1. GAME ONE

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

LMP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME TWO

(1-1) Tomateros de Culiacan        6

(1-1) Naranjeros de Hermosillo    1

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/23/21 - Early runs are scarce at Estadio Sonora at Hermosillo.  Southpaw Anthony Vasquez climbs the hill for Culiacan and is opposed by fellow southpaw Juan Pablo Oramas for Los Naranjeros.  Hermosillo opens the scoring in the third; shortstop Jasson Atondo doubles and scores.  Culiacan first baseman Efren Navarro ties the game with a home run leading off the fifth.  Los Tomateros then pull away in the seventh on right fielder Sebastian Elizalde's home run and catcher Alexis Wilson's single and run batted in for a 3-1 Tomateros lead.  Sebastian Elizalde then doubles home an insurance run in the eighth.  With two outs and a runner on second, Hermosillo brings in left-handed reliever and Mets farmhand  Heriberto Ruelas.  Center fielder Yoelkis Guibert greets him with a two-run home run to right field, giving Culiacan a late 6-1 lead and their final margin of victory.  Tomateros closer Alberto Baldonado enters the game in the ninth.  After yielding a lead-off single, he fans the next three batters to end the game.  Anthony Vasquez allows just one run on six hits and no walks with seven strikeouts through 6.1 innings pitched for the victory.  Naranjeros starter yields one run on just two hits and no walks with eight strikeouts through six innings but escapes with a no-decision.  The defending LMP champions even the series at one game apiece.

1. GAME ONE

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LBPRC, LVBP & LMP Championship Series Round-Up

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

LBPRC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME TWO

(2-0) Criollos de Caguas      7

(0-2) Indios de Mayagüez    5

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/22/21 - After two scoreless albeit active innings, Caguas breaks out for three runs in the top of the third.  Leading off, Mayagüez starter and Mets farmhand Joel Huertas plunks shortstop Edwin Diaz with a pitch then issues consecutive bases on balls to left fielder Rey Fuentes and to reigning league MVP and Mets product Johneshwy Fargas.  Center fielder Jarren Duran bounces into a (4 to 6) force play, with Diaz scoring on the play.  After which, Indios manager Luis Matos pulls Huertas from the game.  When play resumes with two outs, third baseman Jose Miranda singles home two runs.  Mayagüez gets one back in the bottom half of the frame on doubles by shortstop Jeremy Rivera and right fielder Jack Lopez making it a 3-1 game in favor of Caguas.  Indios second baseman Christian Colon is ejected by the home plate umpire for arguing a called third strike with one out in the bottom of the fourth.  That's when the saturated skies over Estadio Isidoro Cholo Garcia burst open, and down came the rain.  Caguas starter Hector Santiago does not continue after the delay.  He allows one run on two hits and a walk with three strikeouts through 3.2 innings pitched.  Pitching duties are handed off to Luis Cruz.  In the top of the fifth, Caguas catcher Jonathan Morales is issued a bases-loaded walk by Indios reliever Eric Stout who soon after unleashes a wild pitch allowing Jose Miranda to score from third for a 5-1 Criollos lead.  Mayagüez claws back with a run in the bottom of the fifth on a sac-fly from Ivan De Jesus Jr.  The teams repeat the cycle in the sixth; Caguas scores twice, and Los Indios answer with one.  Yadier Molina and Jose Miranda drive in runs for Caguas; Jeremy Rivera drives in one for Mayagüez.  Los Indios manufacture two more runs in the ninth but ultimately come up short against Los Criollos for a second straight game.  Six Caguas relievers join to yield four runs on seven hits and two walks over the final 5.1 innings.  Chris Muller earns the victory in relief.

1. GAME ONE 

Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional

LVBP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

(1-0) Caribes de Anzoátegui   6

(0-1) Cardenales de Lara         0

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/22/21  Game one opens with a pitching duel pitting David Martinez of Anzoátegui against Logan Darnell for Lara.  The two traded zeroes for five innings.  Los Caribes finally break the scoreless tie in the sixth.  Darnell is removed from the game after yielding a lead-off single and issuing consecutive walks to load the bases.  Reliever Vicente Campos induces consecutive (six-to-four) force outs, but Los Caribes score each time.  Anzoátegui scores twice more in the seventh on runs batted in from right fielder Herlis Rodriguez and center fielder Rafael Ortega.  Not yet done, Los Caribes rally for yet another pair in the eighth on a run batted in from first baseman Tomás Telis and a bases-loaded walk issued to third baseman Niuman Romero for a 6-0 Caribes lead and the final margin of victory.  Caribes shortstop Luis Sardiñas finishes 4 for 4 with a double and a run scored.  Anzoátegui starter David Martinez allows no runs on four hits and two walks with two strikeouts through 4.1 innings but exits to a no-decision.  Long time Caribes veteran Jean Toledo earns the victory in relief.  Six members of the bullpen join in limiting Los Cardenales to no runs on just three hits and four walks with three strikeouts to preserve the shutout and close out their series-opening victory on the road.

• Game Two: Saturday

 

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

LMP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

(0-1) Tomateros de Culiacan        1

(1-0) Naranjeros de Hermosillo    2

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/22/21  The much-anticipated series between this season's top-seeded club versus the defending LMP champions is underway.  Hermosillo jumps out to a prompt 2-0 first-inning lead looking to unseat the still reigning title bearers.  Right fielder Yadiel Hernández doubles home the first Naranjeros run, then soon scores on a fielder's choice.  Tomateros starter JC Ramirez and Naranjeros southpaw Ryan Verdugo continue dueling; the score remains unchanged through the eighth.  The defending champs ultimately bow to Los Naranjeros but not before ruining the shutout on the run batted in by first baseman Efren Navarro.  JC Ramirez allows two runs on six hits and one walk with six strikeouts over six innings pitched in a bit of hard luck losing effort.  Hermosillo starter Ryan Verdugo yields no runs on five hits and no walks with five strikeouts through seven innings for the victory.  Fernando Salas earns the save.

• Game Two: Saturday

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Culiacan To Face Hermosillo In LMP Championship Series

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

SEMIFINALS

GAME SIX

(4-2) Tomateros de Culiacan  3

(2-4) Yaquis de Obregon         0

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/19/21 - Strong pitching on both sides rule the night at Estadio de Los Yaquis.  With one out in the second, Culiacan first baseman Efren Navarro triples and scores on third baseman Michael Wing's double.  After which, all remains quiet through the seventh inning.  The defending champs score twice more in the eighth, first on a wild pitch unleashed by reliever Miguel Aguilar, then on an RBI hit from right fielder Sebastian Elizalde for a 3-0 lead.  Tomateros starter Edgar Arredondo yields just five hits and no walks with four strikeouts through six very efficient innings pitched for his second victory of the series.  The bullpen completes three scoreless innings to preserve the shutout.  Southpaw reliever  Alberto Baldonado earned the save.  Yaquis starter   Faustino Carrera allows just one earned run on four hits and one walk with six strikeouts through 5.1 effective innings, albeit a losing effort.  Both teams joined for just two extra-base hits all game.  Los Tomateros de Culiacan, who entered the post-season seeded number two behind Hermosillo, advance to the LMP Championship Series looking to defend their title.

GAME SIX

(2-4) Sultanes de Monterrey        3

(4-2) Naranjeros de Hermosillo   6

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/19/21 On the strength of a big sixth inning, Los Naranjeros push themselves out of reach of Monterrey's best efforts.  Designated hitter Alex Robles puts Hermosillo ahead with an RBI single in the second.  Sultanes catcher Gilberto Galaviz ties the game with an RBI double in the fifth.  Los Naranjeros then push five runs across the plate in the sixth, highlighted by catcher Julian Leon's two-RBI hit and an RBI double from shortstop Jason Atondo for a 6-1 lead.  Monterrey chips away with home runs from designated hitter Jose Amador in the seventh and shortstop Roberto Valenzuela in the eighth, making it a 6-3 game, but Monterrey's final margin of defeat.  Naranjeros starter Cesar Vargas allows just one run on two hits and two walks with six strikeouts through 5.1 innings but does not figure in the decision.  Southpaw Marcelo Martinez earns the win in relief, and Robinson Leyer earns his third save of the series.  Top-seeded Hermosillo wins the series in six, four games against two.  Los Naranjeros advance to the LMP championship series.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LMP & LVBP Semifinal Series Recaps

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

SEMIFINALS

GAME FIVE

(3-2) Naranjeros de Hermosillo   8

(2-3) Sultanes de Monterrey        6

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/17/21 - No lack of action in this back and forth affair.  Monterrey strikes in the opening frame on a Courtney Hawkins double driving home two.  In the second, Los Naranjeros counter with a two-run home from Julian Leon and a run-scoring double off from left fielder Norberto Obeso for a 3-2 Hermolsillo lead.  In the blink of an eye, a third-inning home run by Sultanes first baseman Carlos Munoz knots the game at three.  Hermosillo then pulls away with five runs down the stretch, whereas Monterrey only musters three.  All nine Naranjeros' batters hit safely en route to fourteen total hits.  Right fielder Yadiel Hernandez accounts for Hermosillo's second home run of the game.  Catcher Gilberto Galaviz accounts for Monterrey's second home run.  Sultanes southpaw  Romario Gil takes the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk in just 3.2 innings pitched.  Hermosillo's own southpaw Ozzie Mendez earns the win in relief.

GAME FIVE

(2-3) Yaquis de Obregon          6

(3-2) Tomateros de Culiacan    2

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/17/21 - The defending champions must wait.  Faced with elimination, Los Yaquis hold on to extend the series with Sunday's victory at Estadio de Los Tomateros.  After three scoreless innings, Obregon breaks the silence in the fourth.  With the bases loaded, right fielder Dariel Alvarez scores on a fielder's choice, and left fielder Leandro Castro successfully steals home!  Obregon adds three more tallies in the fifth on runs batted in from Dariel Alvarez, Leandro Castro, and shortstop Juan Carlos Gamboa for a 5-2 Yaquis lead.  Los Tomateros finally get on the board in the sixth on third baseman Michael Wing's two-run scoring base hit back through the middle.  But it's too little too late.  Leandro Castro adds insurance with a two-out home run in the ninth.  Right-hander and Culiacan native Mario Meza tosses a scoreless ninth to close out Los Yaquis' second win in their last three tries.

* No games are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 18, 2021.  

* Games resume on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.

Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional 

SEMIFINALS

GAME FOUR

(2-2) Caribes de Anzoategui         11

(2-2) Navegantes del Magallanes   2

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/17/21 - Anzoategui cranks out nine extra-base hits, including two home runs in a rout over Magallanes.  The series is now tied at two apiece.  Designated hitter Luis Sardiñas led the charge going 3 for 5 with two doubles and three runs batted in.  First baseman Willians Astudillo went 5 for 6 with a double and home run with two runs batted in.  Center fielder Rafael Ortega was 3 for 6 with a home run, three runs scored, and two runs batted in.  Right-hander Andres E. Perez earns the victory in relief, his second of the series.

GAME FOUR

(3-1) Cardenales de Lara   8

(1-3) Tigres de Aragua       4

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/17/21 - A late surge by Lara puts them one win away from advancing into the LVBP championship series.  Highlighted by a Hernán Pérez home run, Aragua maintained a tight 2-1 lead through the sixth.  Designated hitter Gorkys Hernandez in the seventh connects for a three-run home run giving Lara a 4-2 lead.  Each team then scores in the eighth inning, making it a 5-4 game in favor of Lara.  But Los Cardenales pull away with three more runs in the ninth en route to an 8-4 victory.  Cardenales starter Raul Rivero allows two runs on six hits and two walks with eight strikeouts through six innings pitched for the win.  Right-hander Pedro Rodriguez earns his second save of the series.  

* Game Five is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 18, 2021

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LMP Semifinals Game Four

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

LMP SEMIFINALS

GAME FOUR

(1-3) Yaquis de Obregon          0

(3-1) Tomateros de Culiacan   1

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/16/2021 With Saturday's victory, Culiacan moves within one game of advancing and defending their LMP title.  Los Tomateros in the third inning employ small-ball to open the scoring against Obregon.  Center fielder Yoelkis Guibert leads off with a bunt base hit down the third base line, then promptly steals second base.  After being sacrificed over to third, he scores on second baseman Ramiro Peña's sac-fly to right.  Tomateros starter Manny Barreda allowed just two hits and three walks with two strikeouts through seven scoreless innings pitched.  Reliever Sasagi Sanchez pitched a scoreless eighth, and southpaw Alberto Baldonado pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the save and complete the shutout.  

• Yaquis.com
• Tomateros.com

GAME FOUR

(2-2) Naranjeros de Hermosillo    5

(2-2) Sultanes de Monterrey         6

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/16/2021  After jumping out to a 2-0 series lead, the top-seeded Naranjeros lose their second straight on the road as Los Sultanes tie the series at two apiece.  Hermosillo jumps out to an early lead, but Monterrey rallies late for a 6-5 margin of victory.  Plagued by control issues, Sultanes starter Andres Ivan Meza fails to pitch out of the first inning; a series of walks and wild pitches interspersed with a hit batsman, a double-steal of second and home, a throwing error, and a hit batsman all precede Meza leaving the game with an injured arm.  In the bottom half of the frame, Monterrey right fielder Paulo Orlando singled home a run making it a 2-1 game in favor of Hermosillo.  Los Naranjeros add two more runs in the second and go on to build a 5-3 lead after five.  But Los Sultanes finally breakthrough in the seventh on a run-scoring double off the bat of Paulo Orlando and a two-run home run courtesy of third baseman and cleanup hitter Ricardo Serrano off reliever and credited loser Marcelo Martinez.  Southpaw Norman Elenes is credited with the victory, and Jeff Johnson earns his second save of the series.

• Naranjeros.com
• Sultanes.com

HIGHLIGHTS: LMP/YouTube

Winter League Playoffs 2020-2021: LMP, LIDOM & LVBP Series Updates

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

LMP SEMIFINALS

GAME THREE

(2-1) Naranjeros de Hermosillo    3

(1-2) Sultanes de Monterrey         5

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/15/2021 - Three games into the series, and the home team still holds sway.  After dropping two straight at Hermosillo, Los Sultanes won their first game back on home grounds.  Second baseman Alberto Carreon in the third inning singles in Monterrey's first run of the game.  Right fielder Paolo Orlando's two-run double in the fifth stakes Los Sultanes to a 3-0 lead.  But with one swing of the bat in the top of the sixth, Hermosillo center fielder Jose Cardona's three-run home run to left field ties the game at three.  Batting with one out and one on in the bottom half of the frame, left fielder Courtney Hawkins puts Monterrey right back on top with a two-run home run.  The bullpen shuts out Los Naranjeros over the final three innings to secure a 5-3 victory.

GAME THREE

(1-2) Yaquis de Obregon        6

(2-1) Tomateros de Culiacan  1

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/15/2021 - Los Yaquis de Obregon, after two innings, jump out to an early 4-0 lead.  First baseman Victor Mendoza highlights a big three-run first inning with a two-run home run against Culiacan starter JC Ramirez who would later surrender a second home run in the fifth to left fielder Leandro Castro.  Los Tomateros finally get on the board in the bottom of the fifth courtesy of doubles from center fielder Yoelkis Guibert and second baseman Ramiro Pena.  But Los Yaquis again extend their lead on left fielder Leandro Castro's home run in the fifth, giving Obregon a 5-1 advantage.  Obregon scores one more time in the sixth en route to a 5-2 final and their first victory of the series.

Liga Béisbol Profesional de la Republica Dominicana

Game One

Game Two

Game Three

LIDOM CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME FOUR

(3-1) Gigantes del Cibao   5

(1-3) Aguilas Cibeañas      0

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/15/2021 - Cibao batters post five runs, and their pitching takes care of the rest.  Gigantes' starter Richelson Pena yields just three hits and two walks with three strikeouts through seven scoreless innings pitched for the victory.  Righty Jose Cisnero pitches a scoreless eighth, and Jumbo Diaz tosses a scoreless ninth to complete the shutout.  The trio of pitchers joins together in limiting Cibaeñas to just three hits and three walks.  Designated hitter Juan Francisco and left fielder Peter O'Brien each hit home runs, and catcher Carlos Paulino doubles home a run staking Los Gigantes to s 3-0 lead.  Center fielder Jose Siri then homers leading off the fifth, and a Peter O'Brien sac-fly plates Cibao's fifth and final run.  Los Gigantes del Cibao, founded in 1996, is now just one win away from clinching their fifth LIDOM championship.

Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional

LVBP SEMIFINALS

GAME THREE

(1-2) Caribes de Anzoategui          1

(2-1) Navegantes de Magallanes   4

FINAL

 

BOXSCORE 1/15/2021  After dropping the opener, Los Navegantes are winners of two straight.  Seven Magallanes pitchers join in limiting Los Caribes to just one run on eight hits and three walks with five strikeouts.  Right-hander Anthony Vizcaya earns the victory in relief of starter Yohander Mendéz, and Jorge Rondon earns the save.  Right fielder Danry Vasquez goes 3 for 4 with a double, home run, and two runs batted in.  Third baseman Leonardo Reginatto and designated hitter Renato Núñes also homer for Los Navegantes.  Second baseman Ali Castillo drives in Anzoategui's lone run of the game.  Southpaw Liarvis Breto takes the loss.

GAME THREE

(2-1) Cardenales de Lara  19

(1-2) Tigres de Aragua      10

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/15/2021  Lara scores early and often, but Aragua storms back and pulls away midway through a clearly escalating affair at Estadio Jose Perez Colmenares.  Sure enough, by the seventh, Aragua's bullpen begins to implode.  Los Cardenales score single runs in the seventh and eighth innings, then erupt for eleven runs in the ninth for an abrupt 18-10 lead and ultimate victory.  In this modern world of analytics, it's refreshing when nuance injects itself back into the game every so often.  Nineteen total pitchers saw action while batters grossed 84 official at-bats.  There were 31 hits and 29 runs scored, yet, not a single home run and just eight extra-base hits, with only sixteen total strikeouts ... how about that!  John "Juan" McGraw would have been proud. 

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LIDOM Championship Series, LVBP & LMP Semifinals Updates 1/13/2021

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga del Béisbol de la República Dominicana

LIDOM CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
GAME THREE
(1-2) Aguilas Cibeañas       6
(2-1) Gigantes del Cibao    3
FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/13/2021 - Cibaeñas gains their first victory of the series.  Aguilas starter Andy Otero allows just three hits and two walks with four strikeouts through 5.1 innings pitched for the victory and Gregory Soto earns the save.  Center fielder Juan Lagares goes 2 for 4 with two doubles and a run batted in and catcher Francisco Peña goes 3 for 3 with a double, three runs scored and two runs batted in.  Gigantes starter Chris Ellis takes the loss.  All three Cibao runs come in the seventh inning on runs batted in from first baseman Ronald Guzman, designated hitter Juan Francisco, and left fielder Peter O'Brien.

• Game One
• Game Two

Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional

LVBP SEMIFINALS

(0-1) Navegantes del Magallanes    9

(1-0) Caribes de Anzoategui          12

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/13/2021  In a high scoring affair out at Estadio Jose Perez Colmenares, Los Caribes take the opening game of their semifinal series against Los Navegantes.  Anzoategui designated hitter Oswaldo Arcia hit a grand slam in the fifth inning and finishes the day 2 for 5 with six runs batted in.  Left fielder Willians Astudillo goes 3 for 4 with a double, three runs scored, and four runs batted in.  Magallanes designated hitter Renato Nuñez hit a three-run home run in the seventh and right fielder Danry Vasquez goes 3 for 5 with a double and two runs batted in.

(0-1) Tigres de Aragua        6

(1-0) Cardenales de Lara    7

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/13/2021 - Los Cardenales rally for three runs in the eighth to overcome Los Tigres in their series-opening game at Estadio Antonio Herrera Gutierrez.  Both starters exit with no-decisions.  Reliever Jesus Sanchez picks up the win; Wirfin Obispo takes the loss.  Lara third baseman Carlos Rivero homered leading off the bottom half of the eighth.  Shortstop Cesar Hernandez goes 2 for 3 with three runs batted in.  Los Tigres first baseman Jose Martinez goes 3 for 5 with two runs batted in.

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

LMP SEMIFINALS

(2-0) Tomateros de Culiacan    6

(0-2) Yaquis de Obregon          1

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/13/2021  The defending LMP champions once again state their case, defeating number two seeded Obregon at Estadio de Los Yaquis.  Tomateros starter Edgar Arredondo limits Obregon to one run on four hits and no walks with four strikeouts through 6.1 innings pitched for the win.  First baseman Jesse Castillo leads the way for Culiacan going with a double and home run, with three runs batted in.  Catcher Alexis Wilson goes 2 for 3 with two runs batted in.  Yaquis first baseman Victor Mendoza ruins the shutout with a home run leading off the eighth inning.

(0-2) Sultanes de Monterrey        1

(2-0) Naranjeros de Hermosillo   2

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/13/2021 - Los Naranjeros outlast Los Sultanes in a pitcher's duel at Estadio Sonora.  Hermosillo starter César Vargas yields one run on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched.  Sultanes starter Edgar González allowed just three hits and one walk with six strikeouts through six innings.  Both exit with no-decisions.  Monterrey breaks a scoreless tie in the sixth on third baseman Ricardo Serrano's home run to right.  Los Naranjeros tie the score in the eighth and snatch victory in the ninth on Niko Vasquez' game-winning run batted in.  Southpaw Heriberto Ruelas earns the victory in relief.