Tomateros de Culiacán Obtain Their First Victory in the Caribbean Series Jalisco 2026
Zapopan, Jalisco – In a duel marked by excellence in pitching, Mexico Verde, represented by the Tomateros de Culiacán, achieved their first victory in the 68th Caribbean Series Jalisco 2026. They prevailed 2 runs to 1 against the Federales de Chiriquí at the Pan American Stadium, in the first match of the third day of the tournament.
The combination of starting pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne and the timely hitting of Rodolfo Amador were key to the Tomateros’ victory, who recovered from their initial defeat against the Cangrejeros de Santurce. On the other hand, the Federales suffered their second consecutive defeat, after falling to the Charros de Jalisco.
The game was defined in the third inning, when Rodolfo Amador hit a single to center field, driving in Luis Verdugo and Carlos Sepúlveda, runs that made the difference on the scoreboard.
Federales reacted in the seventh inning, with an unstoppable hit by Luis Castillo that initiated the offensive threat. After a sacrifice bunt by Jean Arnáez and a strategic relief, Abraham Rodríguez, as a pinch hitter, hit a single to center field to produce the only Panamanian run, bringing his team closer to 2-1.
Despite the opportunities for both teams in the final innings, the pitching remained strong and the score did not change.
Lupe Chávez was in charge of closing the game, securing the save.
Despaigne (1-0) worked six innings, allowing one unearned run, five hits and striking out four. The Mexican bullpen, made up of Sasagi Sánchez, Rafael Córdova and Chávez, secured the victory. For Federales, Jorge García (0-1) pitched 4.1 innings, giving up two earned runs and four hits, with four strikeouts.
In terms of offense, Rodolfo Amador stood out for the Tomateros, with a performance of 4-3, including a double and two RBIs. For the Panamanians, Luis Castillo batted 4-2, scoring his team’s only run.
The day will continue with the match between Mexico Rojo, represented by the Charros de Jalisco, and the Cangrejeros de Santurce from Puerto Rico.
