CULIACÁN, SINALOA. Backed by a pair of three-run rallies in the first two frames, the Tomateros de Culiacán defeated the Algodoneros de Guasave 6-3 to take Game 1 of the series at Estadio Tomateros.
The Guinda offense wasted no time deciphering starter Christian López, mounting a three-run attack in the bottom of the first inning. JP Martínez drew a walk before Luis Roberto Verdugo lined a double over the head of left fielder Víctor Labrada. With runners at second and third, Fabricio Macías put Culiacán ahead 2-0 with an RBI single to right. The home squad added one more in the frame courtesy of an RBI double by Fernando Villegas.
In the second inning, Lorenzo Bundy's squad struck again with another three-run surge. With the bases loaded, Luis Roberto Verdugo drew a walk to force in a run and extend the lead to 4-0. Fabricio Macías drove in the fifth run with an infield hit, and moments later, Jon Singleton brought home the sixth Guinda run with a sacrifice fly.
Although the visiting side attempted a comeback, timely work from the Culiacán bullpen on the mound protected the lead to lock down the victory.
Édgar Arredondo earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, racking up four strikeouts, while Christian López took the loss. Seth Shuman nailed down the save, his second of the campaign.
The series continues tomorrow at the home of Nación Guinda, with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 PM.