MEXICALI, BAJA CALIFORNIA. In a tightly contested, low-scoring affair, the Tomateros de Culiacán dropped the series opener 2-1 to the Águilas de Mexicali.
The Guinda squad drew first blood early, taking advantage of a defensive miscue by the home side. In the top of the first with Joey Meneses running at second, Jon Singleton popped up an infield fly that Alex Mejía was unable to squeeze, allowing Meneses to cross the plate for the opening run.
The night was etched in gold for team captain Ramiro Peña, who reached 800 career hits in the Liga Mexicana del Pacífico Banamex, further cementing his legendary status in winter ball history.
On the mound, left-hander Ricardo Estrada was brilliant, tossing a quality start with six complete scoreless frames while limiting the hosts to just a single hit.
Mexicali snatched the victory late on a two-run extra-base hit by Chukie Robinson in the bottom of the seventh.
The series continues tomorrow in Cachanilla territory, featuring a pitching matchup between Darius Vines for the Guindas and David Reyes for the home side.