SORIA FIRST MEXICAN TO EARN 100TH MLB SAVES

Monclova native Joakim “The Mexicutioner” Soria became the first Mexican major league pitcher to 100 saves mark in his career when he closed out the Kansas City Royals’ 5-2 win over the Detroit Tigers May 26 at Kauffman Stadium.

Soria came on in relief of Kansas City starter Luke Hochevar, who held the Tigers to two runs on six hits over eight innings, and induced consecutive groundouts by All-Stars Vladimir Guerrero, Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz to register his eleventh save in 13 opportunities in 2010. After the game, Soria said about his 100th save, “It means a lot because it’s a good number to get, but I want more.”The 27-year-old right-hander leads all Mexican pitchers in career MLB saves.

The old record of 93 saves by a Mexican MLB pitcher was held by the late Detroit closer Aurelio “Senor Smoke” Lopez.