Zapopan, Jalisco. – The Cangrejeros de Santurce achieved a crucial victory over the Federales de Chiriquí with a score of 8-3, securing their place in the semifinals of the Caribbean Series Jalisco 2026. The match, played at the Pan American Stadium, marked the beginning of the last day of the qualifying round.
After being offensively contained for the first five innings by right-handed pitcher Harold Araúz, the team led by Omar López was at a 2-0 disadvantage. However, in the sixth inning, the Cangrejeros put together a four-run rally that changed the course of the game.
The victory went to Blane Abeyta (1-0), while the defeat fell to Humberto Mejía (0-1).
The Federales, needing a victory to keep their classification hopes alive, took the lead early. José Ramos hit a triple and scored thanks to a single by Johan Camargo, who again drove in a run in the fifth inning with a sacrifice fly.
Araúz 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 could not stop Santurce’s reaction.
Yohandy Morales hit a single that advanced Cancel to second, Nelson Velázquez drove in the first run, and Isán Díaz tied the game. Then, Emmanuel Rivera received a walk and, after a strikeout, Christian Vázquez hit a single that drove in two more runs, putting the Cangrejeros ahead.
Chiriquí scored in the seventh episode, but 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 episode.
Yohandy Morales stood out on offense, batting 4-3, with 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 had a good performance with two hits and two RBIs.
Derek Rodríguez opened for Puerto Rico and worked 2.1 innings, 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.
