The Vaqueros de Monteria jumped out to an early lead and held on for a 6-3 win against Caimanes de Baranquilla in game one of their LCB semifinals series.
In the bottom of the second inning, Vaqueros struck first as Derwin Pomare corked a two-run home run to left field, scoring Jordan Diaz to take a 2-0.
During the top of the fourth inning, Caimanes looked to get on the board as Carlos Martinez drew a hit by a pitch with bases loaded, scoring Dilson Herrera to cut the deficit to one run at 2-1. The next batter, Eric Mendoza, came to the plate looking to tie the score at two apiece as he placed a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Carlos Arroyo for the Vaquero’s second run.
Vaqueros starter Julio Vivas went four innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, walking one batter, and striking out three.
Barranquilla starter Carlos Quevdo went five innings, allowing three hits, two earned runs, walking no batters, and striking out three during his start.
Vaqueros recaptured the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning when Pomare drew a two-out bases-loaded walk scoring Dayan Frias. The next batter, Pabel Manzanero, reached on a fielder’s choice on a Baltimore chop to second base. As Caimanes second baseman Carlos Padilla reached to touch the base with the ball in his glove, Derwin Pomare slid into second base and was called safe at second. Daniel Vellojin scored from third and Jordan Diaz came around from second base to score. The safe call on Pomare at second base would be reviewed, and ultimately, the play stood to make it 5-2 Vaqueros.
Vaqueros held on to take the first game of the seminal 6-3 and a 1-0 lead in the series. Game two of the series will be at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday.
