Monclova, Coah. — A late rally sent the Leones back home to Kukulcan Stadium with their first post-season defeat.
Ricky Rodriguez hit a grand slam in the eighth inning, leading the Acereros del Norte to a 9-3 win Wednesday’s second Serie del Rey duel.
Rodriguez capped a five-run inning and gave the Acereros a 9-3 lead after Alex Mejia got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded earlier in the inning.
For the Leones, Leo Heras homered and singled.
Zach Phillips (4-4) got the win with a scoreless inning in relief while Yucatan starter Yoanner Negrin (15-8) took the loss after just over six innings with four runs and eight strikeouts.
The series continues in Merida at 7:30 Friday. Pitchers Dustin Crenshaw and Conor Harber will start.
At the end of the game, the Leones manager Gerónimo Gil spoke about the importance of having won a victory in Monclova.
“I fully trust the boys 100% because they are giving everything to get the victories; we are always with a positive mindset,” said Gil.
| CLUB |
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | 8 | 9 |
| R | H | E |
| YUC |
| 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | 8 | 1 |
| MVA |
| 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | 5 | X |
| 9 | 10 | 1 |
Win: Phillips (1-0)
Loss: Negrín (0-1)
Save: Bustamante (1)
HR: Jones (2), Heras (1) for YUC; Rodríguez (1) for MVA
Sources: Leones, Associated Press
