VARGAS WINS TENTH AS VERACRUZ TOPS TABASCO, 9-4

Joel Vargas became the first pitcher in the Mexican League to win ten games Tuesday night as his Veracruz Aguilas defeated the Tabasco Olmecas, 9-4, before just 1,400 onlookers at Parque Centenario del 27 de Febrero in Villahermosa.

The 37-year-old righty had a decent start for the Eagles, allowing two earned runs over six innings to gently nudge his season ERA down to 3.14. Vargas also struck out five Tabasco batters and walked three in raising his record to 10-3. Vargas spent nine seasons pitching for the Olmecas, compiling a 56-47 record before going to Veracruz last year.

Veracruz took a 4-0 lead in the top of the first on Jose Chavez’ two-run homer and Jose Orozco’s two-run double, both off Tabasco starter Roman Rivas, who took the loss to fall to 1-1. The Aguilas are now 40-32 and trail Quintana Roo in the LMB South standings, while Tabasco is 32-40, two games ahead of last-place Minatitlan in the seven-team division.

Elsewhere in Liga action Tuesday night, the Mexico City Diablos Rojos and Reynosa Broncos opened their important three-game series at Foro Sol with a 7-5 Red Devils win. Luis Terrero and Japhet Amador both socked two-run homers for Mexico City to back starter Roberto Ramirez, who took the win to go to 6-3 for the year. The two teams are now tied for the LMB North lead with identical 43-29 records.