Powered by a stellar offensive showcase from Luis Roberto Verdugo, who launched a pair of home runs, the Tomateros de Culiacán Baseball Club defeated the Algodoneros de Guasave 4-1 in their 2026 Copa Gobernadora opener.
The squad managed by Lorenzo Bundy struck right out of the gate in the first inning when Verdugo hit a solo shot to put the Guindas on the board.
In the third frame, the Culichi offense struck again. Luis Roberto Verdugo punished Guasave's pitching once more with his second solo homer of the game, extending the lead to 2-0. In that same inning, Fernando Villegas added to the advantage with a timely RBI single to left field to bring home Culiacán's third run.
The Guinda squad added its fourth and final run in the ninth inning courtesy of an RBI single to center field by Jesús Higuera, sealing the 4-1 final score.
From the rubber, right-hander Víctor "El Capuchino" Castañeda turned in an impressive start, tossing four hitless innings while striking out five batters. Pedro Reyes, Baltazar Arredondo, Rafael Castañeda, and Francisco Haro combined in relief to post the remaining zeros, allowing just one run from the rival offense.
Tomateros will continue their Copa Gobernadora action this Thursday when they take on the Venados de Mazatlán at 8:00 P.M. at Alberto Vega Chávez Stadium, with left-hander Édgar Torres scheduled as the starting pitcher.