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: Caribes de Anzoátegui Complete Sweep of Cardenales de Lara to Capture LVBP Championship

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional

LVBP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME FOUR

(0-4) Cardenales de Lara          6

(4-0) Caribes de Anzoátegui     7

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/26/21 - A wild back and forth affair unfolds at Estadio Alfonso Chico Carrasquel in Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela.  Caribes starter Wil Ledezma does himself no favors by walking the first two batters leading off the game.  With one out, third baseman Carlos Rivero homers to left, giving Los Cardenales a prompt 3-0 lead.  Anzoátegui answers back in the bottom of the frame with a two-run double off the bat of catcher Oswaldo Arcia.  Los Caribes then take a 4-3 lead on runs batted in from second baseman Ali Castillo and again from Arcia.  Long-time veteran and Cardenales right fielder Rene Reyes ties the score with a double in the fifth.  Lara loads the bases with one out in the top of the sixth but leaves all runners stranded.  Los Caribes seize the moment in the bottom of the sixth when shortstop Luis Sardiñas singles home the go-ahead run for a 5-4 lead.  Undeterred, Los Cardenales posts two runs in the seventh; Caribes reliever Jean Toledo yields a lead-off hit and walks the next two batters. Jean Toledo forces in the tying run with the bases loaded with a walk to pinch hitter Yonathan Mendoza.  Rene Reyes then scores the go-ahead run on a fielder's choice, making it a 6-5 game.  But Anzoátegui is relentless.  They load the bases in the bottom of the eighth, and third baseman Niuman Romero drives home two runs with a single to left, giving back the lead to Los Caribes.  However, their advantage is brief.  In the top of the ninth, Lara shortstop Lldemaro Vargas doubles, then scores on center fielder Gorkys Hernandez's single to left, tying the game at seven.  Cardenales reliever Pedro Rodriguez keeps Anzoátegui scoreless in the bottom of the ninth, and into extra innings, they go.  Leading off the bottom of the tenth, shortstop Luis Sardiñas hit a fly to deep left field; replacement left fielder Ezequiel Carrera makes a great catch crashing into the wall for out number one.  With two outs, catcher Jesus Sucre lines a base hit to the opposite field and is replaced with a pinch-runner.  Niuman Romero follows and pulls a hit down the right-field line.  Speedy Cristhian Pedroza races from first base all the way home to score the winning run several steps and a slide ahead of the relay throw from the second baseman Lldemaro Vargas.  Los Caribes de Anzoátegui clinch the LVBP championship in four straight games over Los Cardenales de Lara.  Cardenales reliever Vicente Campos suffers the loss.  Ten Caribes pitchers join forces in yielding seven earned runs on eleven hits and 14 walks with seven strikeouts.  Right-hander Jake Sanchez closes out the game with 1.1 scoreless innings for the win.  Los Caribes were established in 1991; this is their fourth LVBP championship.

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2010-2011 🏆 2014-2015 🏆 2017-2018 

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2020-2021 

1. GAME ONE
2. GAME TWO
3. GAME THREE

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: Los Criollos de Caguas Win LBPRC Championship In Four

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

LBPRC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME FOUR

(4-0) Criollos de Caguas      7

(0-4) Indios de Mayaguez     6

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/24/21 - Facing Mayagüez starter Nick Travieso, Caguas center fielder Jarren Duran leads off the game with a home run over the right field wall.  In the third, Nick Travieso pitches himself into more trouble by issuing a lead-off walk to Jarren Duran, yielding a double to left fielder Jay Gonzalez, and hitting Yadier Molina with a pitch to load the bases.  Travieso then walks first baseman Victor Caratini to force in a run.  Los Indios get one back in the bottom of the third on a run batted in from center fielder Jack Lopez.  Jay Gonzalez singles to lead off the fifth and promptly steals second.  Afterwhich, Yadier Molina is again hit with a pitch.  Third baseman Jose Miranda follows with a home run to left off Nick Travieso, giving Caguas a 5-1 lead.  Indios catcher Xavier Fernandez drives in a run on a sac-fly in the bottom half of the frame, scoring Christian Colon from third.  Caguas starter Giovanni Soto exits at this point after allowing two runs on three hits and two walks with six strikeouts through 4.2 innings pitched.  However, Nick Travieso is taken off the hook when Mayagüez takes the lead in the seventh with a four-run outburst featuring a double and a run batted in from Xavier Fernandez, a two-run base hit from right fielder Henry Ramos, and the go-ahead run-scoring sac-fly from Jack Lopez.  In the top of the ninth, Yadier Molina is hit by a pitch for the third time.  In fact, it's the second hit by pitch of the inning by right-hander Yacksel Rios.  Jose Miranda fanned swinging for the second out.  Still, with two runners on base, first baseman Víctor Caratini hit a comebacker off Yacksel Rios and reached safely; on the play, Jarren Duran scores from third base with the tying run.  Second baseman Vimael Machin then drives in the go-ahead run with a line-drive single to center.  Los Criollos call upon right-hander  Fernando Cruz to pitch the bottom of the ninth.  Cruz answers the call retiring the side in order,  striking out Henry Ramos to end the game.  Five Criollos relievers join to yield three earned runs on four hits and one walk with four strikeouts over the final 4.1 innings pitched.  New York Mets farmhand Joshua Torres earns the victory in relief.  Fernando Cruz earns his second save of the series.  The visiting Criollos clinch game four at Estadio Isidoro Cholo Garcia and sweep Los Indios de Mayagüez in four straight.  Established in 1938 as a founding member of LBPRC, Los Criollos de Caguas win their record 19th Puerto Rican championship and first since seizing back-to-back league titles during the 2016-2018 seasons.    Now it's onward to the Caribbean Series.

1. GAME ONE
2. GAME TWO
3. GAME THREE
   

REST IN PEACE

Henry Aaron

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2020 🏆 2021

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Caribes de Anzoátegui Seize 3-0 Lead in LVBP Championship Series

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional

LVBP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME THREE

(0-3) Cardenales de Lara         6

(3-0) Caribes de Anzoátegui    9

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/24/21 - Leading off the bottom of the second inning, Caribes designated hitter Oswaldo Arcia homers off Lara starter Henry Centeno.  Anzoátegui rallies again in the fifth; third baseman Niuman Romero pushes home a run with a sac-fly; center fielder Rafael Ortega and second baseman Ali Castillo each hit doubles and drive in a run apiece; and a single and run batted in from Willians Astudillo gives Los Caribes a 5-0 lead.  Lara strikes back in the top of the sixth on runs batted in from Carlos Rivero,  Jecksson Flores, and Josmar Cordero, making it a new 5-3 game.  But Anzoátegui retaliates with another four-run outburst in the home sixth.  Rafael Ortega tripled with the bases loaded and then scores on a base hit from Ali Castillo, giving Los Caribes a commanding 9-3 lead.  Lara makes a go of it with a run in the seventh, driven in by second baseman Cesar Hernandez, and two more runs in the ninth, but nothing more.  Runs batted in by Cesar Hernandez and pinch hitter Jose Tabata round out the score.  Andres E. Perez earns the victory in relief of Guillermo Moscoso, who yields no runs on just one hit and two walks with two strikeouts through a brief three-inning start.  Los Caribes bat 5 for 10 with runners in scoring position; Rafael Ortega and Ali Castillo join together at the plate on 6 for 10 with three extra-base hits and six runs batted in.  With Sunday's victory in game three at Estadio Alfonso Carrasquel, Los Caribes de Anzoátegui seize a commanding three games to none series lead.

1. GAME ONE
2. GAME TWO

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Criollos de Caguas Take Commanding 3-0 LBPRC Championship Series Lead Against Mayagüez

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

LBPRC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME THREE

(0-3) Indios de Mayagüez   3

(3-0) Criollos de Caguas     7

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/23/21 - Seeking to climb back into this series after dropping two straight, Mayagüez jumps out to a first-inning lead on a run batted in from Ivan De Jesus.  Criollos catcher Jonathan Morales ties the game in the second with a single and run batted in.  Mayagüez starter Luis Medina's wild pitch allows  Jose Miranda to score from third for a 2-1 Criollos lead.  In the top of the seventh, Indios left fielder  Danny Ortiz doubles home the tying run.  Undeterred, Caguas continues answering back.  Center fielder Jarred Duran doubles home the go-ahead run, and Yadier Molina's sac-fly gives Los Criollos a 4-2 lead.  Right fielder Henry Ramos brings Los Indios within one with an RBI single in the eighth driving home Bronx native T.J. Rivera.  But Caguas is relentless.  Jarred Duran clubs a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth, giving Los Criollos a commanding 7-3 lead and the final margin of victory.  Reliever Rayan Gonzalez retires Los Indios in order in the top of the ninth to close out Los Criollos' third straight victory over Mayagüez.  Right-hander Anthony Maldonado earns the victory in relief.  Jarren Duran is the big man on campus, going 2 for 5 with a double, home run, and four runs batted in.  Criollos starter Tommy Romero yields just one run on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts in a five-inning no-decision effort.  Top-seeded Caguas is one victory away from sweeping the series and advancing to the Caribbean Series being hosted this year by Mazatlán, Mexico.

1. GAME ONE
2. GAME TWO

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

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: Caguas Criollos Whitewash Mayagüez Indios in Game One LBPRC Championship Series

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

LBPRC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

(0-1) Idios de Mayaguez    0

(1-0) Criollos de Caguas   4

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/21/21 - Criollos starter Jose De Leon pitches a gem in game one of the LBPRC championship series, allowing Los Indios no runs on just two hits and one walk with twelve strikeouts through six innings for the win.  In facing 21 batters, De Leon threw 48 pitches with a pinpoint of 44 (91%) going for strikes.  Relievers  Andy Maldonado,  Zach Muckenhirn, and Fernando Cruz join together for three scoreless innings of no-hit ball with no walks and three strikeouts to preserve the shutout and secure victory.  Caguas, playing in their first game since Jan. 7, waste no time getting ahead of the competition.  League MVP and Mets farmhand Johneshwy Fargas leads off the home first with a double, and center fielder Jarren Duran draws a walk.  Designated hitter Yadier Molina follows with a triple, then scored on a fielder's choice for an instant 3-0 lead.  Catcher Jonathan Morales drives in Los Criollos fourth run with a sac-fly in the eight en route to a 4-0 whitewashing of Mayagüez.  Indios starter Hector Hernandez yields three runs on six hits and four walks with four strikeouts in a seven-inning losing effort.

Website:

• CriollosCaguas.com
• IndiosMayaguez.com

Twitter:

• @LBPRC
• @CriollosCaguas 
• @MayaguezIndios

YouTube:

• Caguas Criollos TV

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Cardenales de Lara & Caribes de Anzoátegui Advance to LVBP Championship Series

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional 

SEMIFINALS

GAME SEVEN

(3-4) Navegantes del Magallanes    4

(4-3) Caribes de Anzoátegui          10

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/20/21 - With consecutive victories in games six and seven, Los Caribes advance to the LVBP championship series.  In a preview of things to come, Anzoátegui opens the scoring right away on a first-inning home run by center fielder Rafael Ortega.  In the third, the roof caves in on Magallanes.  Los Caribes strike for six runs on six hits highlighted by a two-run home run from designated hitter Oswaldo Arcia for a 7-0 lead.  Los Navegantes right fielder Danry Vasquez ruins the shutout with a home run leading off the fourth.  Still, Anzoátegui answers right back in the bottom half of the frame with runs batted in from Ali Castillo, Willians Astudillo, and Tomás Telis for a commanding 10-1 lead.  Magallanes makes a go of it with three runs in the ninth but falls far from a comeback.  Caribes starter Jesus Cruz allows no runs on just one hit and three walks with two strikeouts in a brief 2.1 inning outing.  Six members of the bullpen join together to yield four runs, but only one earned on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts over the game's final 6.2 innings.  Right-hander  Andres E. Perez earns the victory in relief of Cruz.  Los Caribes clinch the series four games against three.

GAME SEVEN

(3-4) Tigres de Aragua        2

(4-3) Cardenales de Lara  11

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/20/21 - Los Tigres cannot convert the momentum of victories in games five and six into a third straight win in Estadio Antonio Herrera Gutierrez at Lara.  Los Cardenales, in commanding fashion, finally put the finishing touches on their semifinal series victory over Aragua.  Lara starter Williams Perez yields one run, just one hit, and two walks with two strikeouts over five innings pitcher for the win.  Four relievers then limit Aragua to one other run on six hits and no walks with two strikeouts over the final four innings.  A big five-run fourth inning effectively puts the game out of Aragua's reach.  Third baseman Carlos Rivero goes 1 for 3 with a home run and three runs batted in.  Shortstop Ildemaro Vargas goes 5 for 6 with a double and two runs batted in.  First baseman Osman Marval and catcher Yojhan Quevedo each drive in two runs apiece.  Los Cardenales de Lara advance to the championship series where they will face Los Caribes del Anzoátegui.