- World Baseball. Caribbean Series 2024: Mexico chokes against Panama after comfortable lead
- MLB News. Mexico vs Republica Dominicana LIVE: 9-1 Mexico wins for the first time in the Caribbean Series
Mexico's representative in the 2024 Caribbean Series finally got their first win in this tournament by beating Tigres de Licey, the champion of the Dominican Republic, 9-1 on Sunday night at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
The Tigres de Licey took an early lead, in the bottom of the first inning after Robinson Canó hit a sacrifice fly that brought Emilio Bonifacio to the plate, on a groundout from third base.
Mexico's offense was finally seen until the 4th game
Naranjeros de Hermosillo showed their ability to react and in the top of the third inning, power hitter Aaron Altherr hit a powerful double between left and center field that hit the fence and cleared the bases that were full to drive in three runs (José Cardona, Roberto Valenzuela and Julián Ornelas).
In the next at-bat, Bobby Bradley hit a single that caused the Altherr to score to extend Mexico's lead, in addition to causing Dominican Republic starter Andy Otero to leave without being able to complete the first third of the game.
A historic moment for Agustín Murillo
Agustín Murillo celebrated his 43rd game in the Caribbean Series and nine historical participation in this great international baseball event by connecting his first home run in this contest when he blew the fence with no men on base with great power all over left field in the top of the sixth inning that extended the advantage of the team that acted as a visitor in this opportunity.
In the ninth inning, the Naranjeros' offensive party came to an end with a double by Julian Ornelas that produced runs for Jose Cardona and Juan Carlos Gamboa.
It was not until the seventh inning that Mexico's starter, Jeff Kinley, came out of the game and ended up taking the win, after being in the middle of the diamond for six complete episodes, allowing six hits, one clean run, with one strikeout and no walks in 78 pitches at the plate, his place was taken by Taylor Williams.
In the eighth inning, Murillo again contributed to Hermosillo's victory with a sacrifice fly that drove in the run scored by Juan Carlos Gamboa and in that same inning a fielding error by shortstop Gustavo Núñez after Ramiro Peña's ground ball scored Aaron Altherr.
What's next for Mexico and the Dominican Republic?
With this win, Mexico (1-3) must win its two remaining games to hope for a top-four finish in the semifinals. Their remaining games will be next Monday against Tiburones de La Guaira of Venezuela, and on Tuesday against Gigantes de Rivas of Nicaragua.
Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic (2-2) will close its participation in the first round on Tuesday against Curacao Suns of Curacao and on Wednesday against Federales de Chiriqui of Panama.