ZAPOPAN, Mexico — On a 76-degree hazy day in Jalisco at the 2026 Caribbean Series semifinals, the Tomateros de Culiacán advanced to the championship game with a 9–4 victory over the defending champion Leones del Escogido, ending the Dominican Republic’s hopes for a repeat title.
The Tomateros (Mexico Green) will now face the winner of the second semifinal between the host Charros de Jalisco (Mexico Red) and the Puerto Rican champions, Cangrejeros de Santurce. The championship game is set for Saturday, February 7, at 8:00 p.m. EST, airing on ESPN Deportes and MLB Network.
“What can I tell you, it’s something very happy for everyone here, because it’s the goal that is being pursued,” Yadir Drake told World Baseball Network during pregame on Friday afternoon. “The goal is that both Mexicos reach the final and the title stays here at home. It’s one of the biggest things that can happen to us this year.”
Lorenzo Bundy’s pitching staff, featuring starter David Reyes and relievers Anthony Gose, Norman Elenes, Sasagi Sanchez, Rafael Cordova, and Luis Chavez, combined for nine innings, allowing 10 hits, four runs (three earned), and six walks., and six walks while striking out seven. On the other side, Ramon Santiago’s staff—led by Oscar De La Cruz and seven relievers—surrendered 13 hits and eight earned runs.
Leones del Escogido starter Oscar De La Cruz pitched with high-level intensity early, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the top of the second. De La Cruz induced a 3-2-3 double play from shortstop Luis Verdugo before striking out Estevan Florial swinging to end the frame.
¡SALE SIN DAÑO! 🤯
Con casa llena, Oscar de la Cruz logró conseguir los tres outs sin permitir carrera ✖️#SeriedelCaribe #Jalisco2026 pic.twitter.com/hCi0o8ycr6
— Serie del Caribe (@beisboldecaribe) February 6, 2026
In the bottom of the second, the Leones struck first when Marco Hernández laced an RBI single into center field, scoring Franchy Cordero for a 1–0 lead.
DOMINICANA TOMA LA DELANTERA ⚾️
Con este batazo de hit de Marco Hernández, Escogido inauguró la pizarra ‼️#Semifinal #SerieDelCaribe #Jalisco2026 pic.twitter.com/3aHobG70DI
— Serie del Caribe (@beisboldecaribe) February 6, 2026
The lead grew to 2–0 in the third when Junior Lake reached on a fielding error by second baseman Carlos Sepulveda, allowing Sócrates Brito to score. However, the momentum flipped in the fourth. After De La Cruz allowed a two-out single to Víctor Mendoza and a walk to Luis Verdugo, manager Ramón Santiago turned to his bullpen for Kenny Hernández.
De La Cruz finished with 3.2 innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs while chucking 64 pitches (46 strikes). Moments later, Estevan Florial brought the Tomateros back into the game with a towering three-run home run over the left-field wall, scoring Verdugo and Mendoza to capture a 3–2 lead.