VAZQUEZ HOMER IN NINTH GIVES YAQUIS WIN, CS LEADERSHIP

A two-out, three-run homer to right field by Jorge Vazquez in the top of the ninth inning powered the Obregon Yaquis to a 6-3 win over the Este Toros Saturday at the Caribbean Series in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. The win gave the Mexican champions to 3-1 in the CS and sole possession of first place. The Toros are 2-2.

The first five innings featured a pitching battle between starters Adalberto Mendez of Este and Francisley Bueno of Obregon. Both pitchers were replaced after the fifth frame with the Toros holding a 3-1 lead over the Yaquis. The score remained in favor of the Dominicans until the top of the eighth, when Obregon’s Everth Cabrera and Oscar Robles both stroked RBI singles to tie the game at 3-3. Eventually the Yaquis sent postseason hero Iker Franco to the plate with bases loaded and two out, but Franco skied out to center field on a full count to end the threat.

Alan Guerrero retired the Toros in order on five pitches in the bottom of the eighth to set up the ninth inning and Vazquez’ deciding home run, which came after Justin Christian got on board on an infield error and Cabrera singled. Yaquis reliever Luis Ayala held on for the save.

The Yaquis will take on the host Caguas Criollos Sunday at 7:30PM ET. Caguas is 2-2 after topping Venezuela's Anzoategui Caribes, 4-2, Saturday night in 10 innings. The Criollos scored two runs in the top of the tenth without benefit of a single hit, as they moved runners along the basepaths courtesy of three walks, an error and a hit batsman. Caguas reliever Kiko Calero repaid Anzoategui's generosity by retiring the Caribes' side in order to nail down the win. The Venezuelans are now 1-3 as they head into Sunday afternoon's contest with Este.