(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
LMB Playoffs: Diablos Rojos, Campeche, and Oaxaca One Win Away from Sweeps
The Diablos Rojos del México moved within one game of advancing in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol playoffs after a dramatic 4-2 comeback win over the Leones de Yucatán in Game 3.
Juan Carlos Gamboa sparked the ninth-inning rally with a leadoff single, later scoring the go-ahead run as Yucatán’s bullpen issued four consecutive two-out walks. Michael Feliz’s bases-loaded walk extended the Diablos’ lead to two runs. With the win, Mexico leads the series 3-0 and can complete the sweep tonight at 9:30 p.m. EDT, sending Wilmer Font to the mound against César Valdez.
Charros de Jalisco erupted offensively to crush the Sultanes de Monterrey 14-2 in Game 3. Johneshwy Fargas belted a two-run homer, and Josh Fuentes had a three-hit night as Jalisco took a commanding 3-0 series lead. Eduardo Vera will start for the Charros tonight in a potential series-clinching Game 4 against Monterrey’s César Vargas.
In Laredo, the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos rallied for a 6-3 win over the Acereros de Monclova, powered by back-to-back two-run homers from Harold Ramirez and Yadiel Hernández in the eighth inning. Austin Warner pitched five strong innings, allowing just one run. Dos Laredos now trails 2-1 and will aim to even the series tonight at 9 p.m. EDT.
The Piratas de Campeche also grabbed a 3-0 series lead, defeating the Pericos de Puebla 9-6. Chris Carter homered and scored twice, while Sho Itoh provided 3.1 innings on the mound. Jake Thompson will get the start in Game 4 as Campeche looks to close out the series.
Guerreros de Oaxaca kept rolling with a 12-9 victory over El Águila de Veracruz, highlighted by Juniel Querecuto’s five RBIs, including a three-run homer. Starter Luis Miranda struck out seven in five innings of one-hit ball. Oaxaca can finish the sweep tonight at 9 p.m. EDT.
In Torreón, the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna edged the Toros de Tijuana 4-3 in 11 innings. Jonathan Schoop tied the game with an RBI single in the ninth, and Nicolás Torres hit a walk-off solo shot in the 11th. Laguna now trails the series 2-1 and will try to pull even in Game 4 tonight at 9:30 p.m. EDT.