(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
LMB Playoffs: Oaxaca, Monterrey, Mexico City, and Jalisco Win Opening Games
The Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) second round playoffs began with four exciting matchups on Wednesday, August 20. Fans saw dominant pitching, explosive offenses, and strong starts from several top teams.
Guerreros de Oaxaca 15, Piratas de Campeche 1
The Guerreros dominated from the start, scoring all 15 runs in the first five innings to cruise past Campeche in Game 1.
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Highlights:
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Emilio Bonifacio hit a three-run homer.
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Jorge Flores added a two-run shot.
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Leo Germán launched a solo homer in the fifth.
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Seven Oaxaca hitters recorded multiple hits.
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Starter Radhames Liz worked five innings, allowing only a solo home run to Cal Mitchell while striking out five. Oaxaca’s bullpen combined with Liz to hold Campeche to one run.
Next Up: Alemao Hernández starts Game 2 for Oaxaca against Miller Hogan for Campeche (Thursday, 9 p.m. EDT).
Sultanes de Monterrey 11, Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos 2
The Sultanes broke the game open in the third inning with a four-run rally, highlighted by RBI hits from Víctor Mendoza, Ramiro Peña, and Donovan Casey.
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Pitching: Nolan Kingham allowed one run over five innings. Monterrey’s bullpen gave up just one more run the rest of the way.
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Tecos struggles: Starter Nate Antone gave up five runs in less than three innings.
Next Up: Manny Bañuelos takes the mound for Monterrey against Daniel Mengden for Dos Laredos (Thursday, 9 p.m. EDT, Parque La Junta).
Diablos Rojos del México 7, Pericos de Puebla 2
A six-run fifth inning powered the Diablos to victory in their playoff opener.
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Key hits included:
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RBI single from Julián Ornelas.
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Doubles by Robinson Canó and Carlos Sepúlveda.
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A two-run triple by Juan Carlos Gamboa.
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Pitcher Brooks Hall worked five solid innings, allowing two runs. The bullpen kept Puebla off the board for the final four frames.
Next Up: Game 2 features Puebla’s Yolmer Camacho vs. Ricardo Pinto for the Diablos (Thursday, 9 p.m. EDT).
Charros de Jalisco 9, Algodoneros de Unión Laguna 3
The Charros took control early behind Mateo Gil’s solo homer and Willie Calhoun’s three RBIs, including a two-run blast.
Starter Zac Grotz struck out five over 5.2 innings, giving up only two runs. The bullpen held Unión Laguna to just one more run.
Next Up: Luis Iván Rodríguez (Jalisco) faces Jaime Barría (Unión Laguna) in Game 2 (Thursday, 9:30 p.m. EDT).
Upcoming Playoff Schedule (EDT)
Thursday, August 21
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9 p.m. – Monterrey at Dos Laredos (Game 2)
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9 p.m. – Puebla at Mexico City (Game 2)
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9 p.m. – Campeche at Oaxaca (Game 2)
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9:30 p.m. – Jalisco at Unión Laguna (Game 2)
Saturday, August 23
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6 p.m. – Mexico City at Puebla (Game 3)
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8 p.m. – Dos Laredos at Monterrey (Game 3)
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8 p.m. – Oaxaca at Campeche (Game 3)
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8 p.m. – Unión Laguna at Jalisco (Game 3)
(Further games scheduled if necessary through August 28.)
