Mexico and Puerto Rico squared off to finish day two of Premier12 action inside Estadio Panamericano.
Mexico got off to a fast start in the top of the 1st inning and instantly took a 3-0 lead thanks to a three-run home run by first baseman Jose Rojas.
Jose Rojas with a three run bomb to give #mexico the lead!!! #premier12 ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/KmWpPE7P80
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) November 11, 2024
Puerto Rico would respond and get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Sabin Ceballos hit a two-run double. Then, Carlos Cortes and Ezequiel Pagan would knock in runs with a double and single, respectively. These three straight scoring plays gave Puerto Rico a 4-3 lead.
Puerto Rico's first lead of the night!!!! #Premier12 #Beisbol #TVCDeportes pic.twitter.com/F1wQwm9Z47
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) November 11, 2024
Mexico would strike right back in the next inning, with Gaitan having a two-run double to take the lead back. Then, Andres Alvarez would score Gaitan to extend Mexico’s lead to 6-4.
#ICYMI How #Mexico took the lead!! #Premier12 pic.twitter.com/oa9ii5jtS3
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) November 11, 2024
Gaitan would strike again for another big hit as a right field knock scored centerfielder Juan Perez. This extended Mexico’s lead even further in the 6th inning to 7-4.
Puerto Rico would hack into the Mexico lead as Cortes would get his 2nd RBI of the game, knocking in Edgardo Villegas on a base hit. Thus, the Puerto Ricans found themselves down just two runs heading into the 8th inning.
However, a comeback was not meant to be, as Mexico would close out the game for the win.
Meixco’s bullpen played a massive role in the victory as well. Despite starter Wilmer Rios giving up four earned runs, they were unfazed as a group. Among the five relievers who made appearances, they all combined for one earned run and 12 strikeouts.
Jesus Cruz was dominant with four strikeouts in 1.1 innings of work, and R.J. Alaniz closed the game out with three strikeouts. Luis Rodriguez also had three strikeouts in his relief outing.
Next, Mexico will play on Monday, Nov. 11, against Panama in Estadio Panamericano. The first pitch will be at 9 p.m. E.T.
Puerto Rico will have a day off and play against the Netherlands on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The game will be played at Estadio Panamericano, and the first pitch is scheduled for 9 p.m. E.T.
All Premier12 games can be streamed on DAZN with a subscription.
(Image Courtesy of WBSC)
