Zapopan, Jalisco. – Dominican Junior Lake led the Escogido Lions’ offense with an outstanding performance, driving in three runs, hitting four hits, and making a crucial throw from the outfield to secure the 5-4 victory over the Charros de Jalisco in the first game of the 68th Caribbean Series Jalisco 2026.
The match, held at the Pan American Stadium before a crowd of more than eight thousand fans, saw Lake become the key figure for the Dominican team, which built its lead with three runs in the third inning and two more in the fifth.
Game Development
The Charros de Jalisco scored a run in the first inning, two in the seventh, and one more in the ninth, falling short in their comeback attempt.
Kenny Hernández took the victory from the mound, while Manny Bañuelos took the loss. Jimmy Cordero secured the save, and Jeffry Yan shone in the eighth inning, striking out two batters.
For Mexico, Michael Wielansky had a perfect night at the plate, going 4-4, and Mateo Gil drove in three runs.
Bañuelos, for his part, worked four innings and a third, allowing five runs and six hits. For the Charros, Mario Meza, Luis Márquez and Jesús Cruz also pitched.
Oscar de la Cruz, the Lions’ opener, pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs and four hits. The Dominican bullpen featured Kenny Hernández, Luis Frías, and Alex Colomé.
The Charros took the lead in the first inning, but the Leones responded in the third inning, when Junior Lake drove in two runs with a double. In the fifth episode, the Dominicans extended their lead, and although Mexico reacted at the end with a double by Mateo Gil, Hernandez’s relief ensured the lead for the Leones.
