FRANCO, QUEVEDO STAR AS YAQUIS WIN FIRST ROUND OPENER

Iker Franco (pictured) cracked a two-run double and Marco Quevedo pitched six innings of one-run ball to lead Obregon to a 2-1 win at Hermosillo in the Mexican Pacific League playoff opener for both clubs. Franco’s extra-base hit to right field in the fourth inning off Edgar Gonzalez gave enough run support to Quevedo, who allowed four hits before giving way to three relievers who held on for the win.

Elsewhere in first round action, Juan Carlos Gamboa scored from third on Carlos Orrantia’s bunt down the first-base line in the top of the eleventh frame to give Los Mochis a thrilling 7-6 win in Guasave in their series lidlifter. Caneros reliever Luis Vazquez pitched hitless ball over both extra innings for the win as Orrantia finished with three RBIs on the night. Both teams combined to use 14 pitchers in the contest.

Also, top-seed Culiacan held off sixth-seed Mazatlan, 4-3, at Estadio General Angel Flores. The Venados held a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the eighth until Jorge Vazquez tied the game with an RBI double and Sergio Gastelum’s ground-out scored pinch runner Ramiro Pena with the go-ahead run from third. Then LMP saves champion Jose Silva struck out the Mazatlan side in the ninth to preserve the win.

Hermosillo, Guasave and Culiacan will host their respective Games Two on Sunday night.