Sometimes, a dramatic playoff win doesn’t come from several big hits.
For the Diablos Rojos in game three of their first round series against Yucatan, one ninth-inning hit got the go-ahead run on base, but it was four consecutive two-out walks — three issued by Yucatan reliever Jake Sanchez and one by Michael Feliz — that pushed two runs across for the Diablos, giving them a 4-2 win and a three games to none lead in the series.
Juan Carlos Gamboa singled to lead off the top of the ninth, then stole second and advanced to third when Carlos Sepulveda grounded out. After a fly-out by Allen Cordoba, Sanchez came unwound, issuing an intentional walk to Robinson Cano, then loading the bases with a five-pitch walk to Jose Marmolejos. A four-pitch walk to Julian Ornelas scored Gamboa with the go-ahead run and ended Sanchez’ night.
But Michael Feliz did nothing to make his manager happy after he replaced Sanchez, walking Carlos Perez on a full count to give the Diablos a two-run lead.
The Diablos will have go for a sweep tonight at 9:30 p.m. EDT, with Wilmer Font starting for Mexico against Cesar Valdez for Yucatan.
Charros de Jalisco 14, Sultanes de Monterrey 2 – The Zona Norte-winning Sultanes de Monterrey were routed in game three of their first round series and are now a loss away from being eliminated from the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol playoffs.
The Sultanes manufactured a run in the first and a run in the third, taking an early lead before the Charros’ offense caught fire. Former Colorado Rockies outfielder Josh Fuentes went 20for-3 with three runs scored, while Johneshwy Fargas went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer in the sixth, one of just four extra-base hits the Charros had in the game.
Jalisco will put Eduardo Vera on the mound tonight at 9:30 p.m. EDT to go for a sweep, which would eliminate the Sultanes from the playoffs. Monterrey will start Cesar Vargas in the elimination game at Estadio Panamericano in Guadalajara.
Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos 6, Acereros de Monclova 3 – Dos Laredos climbed back into the series, getting five innings from starter Austin Warner, who allowed one run on three hits, walking five and striking out four.
Five runs in the bottom of the eighth put the Tecos on the higher perch, with four of the runs coming on two-run homers by Harold Ramirez and Yadiel Hernandez.
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The Tecos will have the chance to even the series tonight at 9 p.m. EDT at Uni-Trade Stadium in Laredo, Texas, with Nate Antone starting for the Tecos against Christian Young for Monclova.
Piratas de Campeche 9, Pericos de Puebla 6 – Chris Carter went 2-for-4 with a walk, a solo homer, and two runs scored as the Piratas took a three games to none lead in their series against Puebla. Former Saitama Seibu Lions pitcher Sho Itoh went 3 1/3 innings for Campeche, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks.
Campeche can eliminate Puebla with a win tonight. Jake Thompson will start for Campeche, while Puebla hasn’t announced a starter for tonight’s 9 p.m. game.
Guerreros de Oaxaca 12, El Aguila de Veracruz 9 – Juniel Querecuto went 3-for-5 and drove in five runs, reaching on an error in the second that scored Jose Carlos Urena, doubling to right in the fourth to score Yonathan Daza, and hitting a three-run homer in top of the seventh as Oaxaca took a 3-0 series lead over Veracruz. Starter Luis Miranda threw five innings, allowing one run on one hit and striking out seven to earn the win. The Guerreros can complete the sweep and eliminate El Aguila at 9 p.m. EDT tonight. Neither team has announced a starter.
Algodoneros de Union Laguna 4, Toros de Tijuana 3 (11 Innings) – Jonathan Schoop’s RBI single in the bottom of the ninth scored Nicolas Torres to tie the game for the Algodoneros, and then Torres took his turn circling the bases in the 11th, hitting a solo homer to right center to end the game and cut Union Laguna’s deficit in the series to one game.
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The Algodoneros will try to even the series tonight at 9:30 p.m. EDT, with Jaime Barria starting against Tijuana’s Caleb Baragar at Estadio Revolucion in Torreon.
Photo: Robinson Cano smiles after scoring in the ninth inning of game three of the Diablos Rojos’ first round playoff series against Yucatan. (Photo courtesy of the Diablos Rojos del Mexico)
