Tomateros de Culiacán to the Caribbean Series Final 2026
Zapopan, Jalisco – Los Tomateros de Culiacán, representing Mexico, secured their place in the 2026 Caribbean Series final after defeating the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Republic with a score of 9-4. The semifinal match took place at the Pan American Stadium this Friday.
The Mexicans’ offensive demonstrated their power by connecting 13 hits, highlighting a crucial home run by Dominican Esteban Florial in the fourth inning. This hit changed the course of the game, establishing an advantage that Culiacán maintained until the end.
This triumph marks the Tomateros’ second consecutive victory over the Dominican team, following their match in the last round robin. With this result, the Mexican team repeats the feat of the Tigres del Licey in 2012, who also reached the final after finishing second in their local league.
The Key Moment: Florial’s Home Run
The Lions took the lead early in the game. In the second inning, a double by Franchy Cordero and a single by Marcos Hernández put them up 1-0. Then, in the third, they took advantage of walks and a defensive error to extend the lead to 2-0.
However, the fourth episode marked a turning point. With two outs and runners in scoring position, the Dominican manager decided to change starting pitcher Oscar de la Cruz, bringing in Kenny Hernandez to face Florial. The outfielder didn’t fail and hit a home run that turned the scoreboard 3-2 in favor of the Mexicans.
From that moment on, Culiacán dominated the game. In the sixth inning, they added two more runs, combining singles and a sacrifice fly by Alí Solís. The offense continued in the seventh, manufacturing a cluster of four runs that practically sealed the victory.
The Lions tried to react, loading the bases in the sixth inning and scoring a run on a walk to Gustavo Núñez, but they failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
Performance in the Montículo
David Reyes started the game for Culiacán, pitching four innings and allowing two runs. Anthonny Gose earned the win as a reliever, while Kenny Hernández took the loss.
By the Escogido, Oscar de la Cruz pitched 3.1 innings before being relieved in the fourth episode. The Dominican bullpen could not contain the Mexican offense in the final innings.
Waiting for the Rival
With this victory, the Tomateros advance to Saturday’s grand final and await the winner of the match between the Cangrejeros de Santurce from Puerto Rico and the Charros de Jalisco, also from Mexico.
The Sinaloa team will now seek to be crowned champion of the 2026 Caribbean Series, after an outstanding offensive performance at the crucial moment of the tournament.
