DIABLOS, CAMPECHE CLINCH SECOND-HALF TITLES; PLAYOFFS BEGIN TUESDAY

The Mexico City Diablos Rojos and Campeche Piratas held off their challengers to win second-half titles in the Mexican League Zonas Madero and Hidalgo, respectively. Both Mexico City and Campeche picked up eight points for winning the second-half divisional titles.

Overall, the Diablos finished with a two-half total of 14.5 points and are the top seed in the Zona Madero while first-half champion Monterrey is second with 13.5 points. Chihuahua, Saltillo and Reynosa all tied for third at 12.0 points. The Dorados (.551) and Saraperos (.528) gained the final two playoff berths by having a better won-lost percentage for the season than the Broncos (.523). Saltillo will open the playoffs tomorrow in Mexico City while Chihuahua visits Monterrey.

In the Zona Hidalgo, first-half titlist Puebla (14.5 points) earned the top seed while Oaxaca is number two (14.0) and Quintana Roo (12.5) is third. However, despite their second-half flag and more cumulative points, Campeche (12.5) was squeezed out of the fourth playoff berth by Yucatan (11.5) because the 54-50 Leones had a better season record than the 52-50 Piratas. Thus, Yucatan will open in Puebla, Oaxaca will host Quintana Roo, and Campeche will be on the sidelines watching.

Go figure.