CULIACÁN, SINALOA. In a tightly contested battle decided by a single run, Tomateros de Culiacán once again showed their fighting spirit by battling down to the final out, though the visiting side managed to hold on for a 5-4 victory at Estadio Tomateros.
The Culiacán bats broke through in the third frame thanks to Luis Roberto Verdugo, who launched a solo home run deep to left field to put the home team on the board with his second big fly of the campaign.
Later in the fifth inning, the Guinda squad tightened the score when Fernando Villegas was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in another run for the home cause.
In the sixth frame, Lorenzo Bundy's squad struck again. Luis Roberto Verdugo lined a single to center field to drive in Ichiro Cano. Later in the eighth inning, Verdugo capped off his stellar performance by driving in his third run of the game with a sacrifice fly, bringing the Guindas within striking distance.
Despite the late surge and the team's determination to stage a comeback, the visiting side managed to hang on for the win. With this result, the series is tied at one game apiece.
The action concludes this Sunday at the home of Nación Guinda to decide the series winner, with the rubber match scheduled for 5:05 PM.