Merida, Yucatan — The team that killed Yucatan’s winning streak was blanked 12-0 Tuesday at the Leones’ home stadium.
Sebastian Valle hit a grand slam in the third inning, scoring Yeison Asencio, Xavier Scruggs and Leo Heras to give the Leones a 6-0 lead.
The Leones later scored three runs in the fourth and seventh innings to complete the blowout.
In the fourth, Alex Liddi hit a two-run home run and Scruggs hit a solo home run, while Hector Hernandez hit an RBI single, bringing home Heras in the seventh.
Jonathan Sanchez (7-5) went 3 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs and eight hits. He also struck out four and walked four.
Cesar Valdez (12-1) pitched a gem and picked up the win. Valdez allowed just two hits over six innings, striking out six and walking one. He demonstrated why he’s considered the Mexican League’s best pitcher.
“It’s a triumph for everyone,” the Dominican-born hurler said after the game. “I appreciate the support that the fans give us and we always wait for them here to accompany each game.”
The Saraperos were held off the scoreboard for the fourth time this season, while the Leones’ staff recorded their fourth shutout of the year.
The second game of the series at Parque Kukulcan Alamo is today (Wednesday) at 7:45 p.m., with Kelvin Marte (3-3, 5.10 ERA) and the Jose Samayoa (4-2, 3.58 ERA) starting on the mound .
| CLUB |
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | 8 | 9 |
| R | H | E |
| SAL |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 4 | 1 |
| YUC |
| 0 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | 0 | X |
| 12 | 14 | 2 |
WP: Valdez (12-1)
LP: Sánchez (7-5)
SV: None
HR: Valle (6), Liddi (5), Scruggs (6) for YUC
Sources: The Associated Press, Leones
