Zapopan, Jalisco. The Cangrejeros de Santurce proved their worth at the crucial moment, defeating the Federales de Chiriquí with a score of 8-3. This exciting match, held at the Pan American Stadium, marked the beginning of the last qualifying day of the Caribbean Series Jalisco 2026 and secured Santurce’s place in the semifinals.
After a limited offensive performance for five innings, Omar López’s team was down 2-0 entering the sixth inning. However, a four-run rally changed the course of the game, establishing the difference that would define the outcome.
Blane Abeyta (1-0) earned the victory, while Humberto Mejía (0-1) took the loss.
The Federales, seeking to secure their classification, took the lead early. José Ramos hit a triple and scored thanks to a single by Johan Camargo, who later drove in another run in the fifth inning with a sacrifice fly that allowed Austin Dennis to reach home plate.
Harold Arauz dominated the Puerto Rican offense until the sixth inning, retiring 13 consecutive batters. However, a single by Gabriel Cancel broke the streak and prompted the relief of Mejía, who couldn’t contain Santurce’s reaction.
Yohandy Morales hit a single that advanced Cancel to second, followed by an unstoppable hit by Nelson Velázquez that drove in the first run. Isán Díaz tied the game and, after a walk, Christian Vázquez hit an unstoppable hit that drove in two more runs, putting the Cangrejeros ahead.
Chiriquí scored in the seventh inning, with Joshwan Wright scoring on a single by José Ramos. However, the Puerto Rican champions sealed the game in the eighth inning with a three-run rally, thanks to a double by Emmanuel Rivera, a squeeze play by Christian Vázquez, two stolen bases, a single by Gabriel Cancel, and a defensive error. The eighth run came in the ninth inning with a triple by Yohandy Morales and a run-scoring single by Isán Díaz.
In terms of offense, Yohandy Morales shined with a 4-3 performance, including a triple, two runs scored, and a walk. Rubén Castro contributed two hits and Christian Vázquez drove in three runs. For the Federales, Johan Camargo stood out with two hits and two RBIs.
Derek Rodríguez opened for Puerto Rico, pitching 2.1 innings and allowing one run and five hits. The relief was handled by Andrew Baker (1.2, 4 K), Blane Abeyta, Roel Ramírez, Robert Gsellman, Gabriel Rodríguez, Derek West and Andrew Marrero.
