Tomateros get their first win by defeating Federales 2-1 in a close pitching duel

Zapopan, Jalisco.– In a game dominated by pitching from start to finish, Green Mexico, represented by the Tomateros de Culiacán, achieved their first victory in the 68th Caribbean Series Jalisco 2026 by defeating the Federales de Chiriquí, 2 runs to 1, in the match that opened the third day of the tournament at the Pan American Stadium.

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The combination of starting pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne and the timely bat of Rodolfo Amador was key for the Tomateros to recover from their initial defeat against the Cangrejeros de Santurce. For Federales, meanwhile, the setback meant their second consecutive defeat, after falling the night before against the Charros de Jalisco. The game was defined early, in the third inning, when Rodolfo Amador hit a single to center field that drove in Luis Verdugo and Carlos Sepúlveda, runs that made the difference on the scoreboard. Feds reacted in the seventh episode, when an unstoppable hit by Luis Castillo opened the offensive threat. After a sacrifice bunt by Jean Arnáez and a strategic relief, Abraham Rodríguez, as a pinch hitter, hit a single to center field to produce Panama’s only run and bring his team closer 2-1.

Despite the opportunities created by both teams in the final innings, the pitching prevailed and the score did not move again. Lupe Chávez was in charge of closing the game and was credited with the save.

Despaigne (1-0) worked six innings, allowed one earned run, five hits and struck out four. The Mexican bullpen combined with Sasagi Sánchez, Rafael Córdova and Chávez to preserve the victory. For Federales, Jorge García (0-1) pitched 4.1 innings, giving up two earned runs and four hits, with four strikeouts.

On the offensive for Tomateros, Rodolfo Amador stood out, going 4-3, with a double and two RBIs. For the Panamanians, Luis Castillo batted 4-2 and scored his team’s only run.

Following the result, Leones del Escogido leads the standings with a record of 2-0, followed by Charros de Jalisco, Cangrejeros de Santurce and Tomateros de Culiacán (1-1), while Federales de Chiriquí remains in last place with 0-2. The day will continue with the match between Mexico Rojo, represented by the Charros de Jalisco, and the Cangrejeros de Santurce from Puerto Rico.