Yankees defeat Sultanes in the first game of the series

A brilliant performance by left-handed pitcher Fernando Sánchez led the Yaquis de Ciudad Obregón to a 5-0 victory over the Sultanes de Monterrey in the opening game of the series at Estadio Mobil Super.

Fernando Sánchez earned his first win of the year after pitching five innings, during which he allowed four hits, struck out three batters, and did not give up any runs. Carlos Vásquez, Mario Meza, Miguel Aguilar, and J.C. Ramírez combined to pitch one inning each, maintaining the shutout. The loss went to Gerardo Salas, who allowed three hits and one run in three innings pitched.

The Sonora tribe opened the scoring in the third inning when Kevin Villavicencio hit a triple to center field and Allen Córdoba followed with a single to right field to drive in the first run of the game.

Jake Gatewood extended the lead for the visitors with a home run to right field, bringing José Fernández home to score.

In the eighth inning, the Yaquis added more runs to the scoreboard thanks to a sacrifice fly by Antonis Macías that drove Arel Campoy home and a single by Kevin Villavicencio that brought Dean Nevárez to the plate for the fifth run of the game.

The Sultanes will look to even the series in the second game. Left-handed pitcher Cristian Castillo (0-1, 3.60) will start the game for the Monterrey team, while Cuban pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne (0-1, 8.59) will be the starting pitcher for the Yaquis.

AVV