ZAPOPAN, Jalisco – The Cangrejeros de Santurce staged an epic comeback in the start of the 68th Caribbean Series, defeating Mexico Verde with a score of 5-4 at the Pan American Stadium.
An unstoppable crucial hit by Rubén Castro, connecting on the left field with two outs in the ninth inning, sealed the victory for the Cangrejeros.
The Puerto Rican Comeback
Puerto Rico entered the ninth inning losing by one run, but knew how to react to the Mexican relief.
Isán Díaz was hit by the ball, advanced to second base thanks to a sacrifice bunt by Jack López and, after a walk to Jeremy Arocho, manager Lorenzo Bundy called reliever Miguel Vázquez.
Joneshwy Fargas entered as a pinch runner and an Andrew Velazquez ground ball put the runners in scoring position, setting the stage for the decisive hit.
Party Highlights
Gabriel Rodríguez took the victory after throwing a perfect inning, while Anthony Gose took the loss.
Yohandy Morales stood out in the offense for the Puerto Ricans, connecting a home run.
Mexico Verde took the lead from the first episode against the opener Colin Wiles.
Estevan Florial led off with a single, Allen Córdoba drew a walk, and a double by Rodolfo Amador drove in the first run. Subsequently, Córdoba scored after a sacrifice fly by Joey Meneses.
In the second chapter, the Mexicans extended their lead with singles by Jason Atondo and Alí Solís, as well as a double by Luis Verdugo, actions that marked Wiles’ early exit from the mound.
The Cangrejeros reacted in the fourth inning with a home run by Yohandy Morales, who found Gabriel Cancel on base, bringing Puerto Rico closer on the scoreboard. Later, in the seventh episode, Christian Vázquez scored after a productive groundout by Rubén Castro, leaving the game one run apart.
Castro led the Puerto Rican offense by going 2-for-5, with two RBIs, while Morales contributed a home run and two RBIs. Nelson Velázquez also stood out by going 2-for-4. For Mexico, Rodolfo Amador was the most outstanding by going 3-for-4, with a double and an RBI.
For Puerto Rico, in addition to Wiles, Jordan Morales, Brady Tedesco, Derek West, Roel Ramírez, and Gabriel Rodríguez pitched. Meanwhile, for Mexico, David Reyes, David Gutiérrez, Sasagi Sánchez, Rafael Córdova, Lupe Chávez, Anthony Gose, and Miguel Vázquez worked.
In its next commitment, Puerto Rico will face the Dominican Republic this Monday, on the first day, while Green Mexico will return to the field on Tuesday after its free date to face Panama.
Later, after the official opening ceremony —in which Sergio Ramos will make the honorary kickoff—, the defending champion Leones del Escogido from the Dominican Republic will face Mexico Rojo, represented by the Charros de Jalisco.
