With a six-run attack in the fourth round and an opening of 5.0 innings of only two runs by Venezuelan Erick Leal, the Diablos Rojos del México (13-3) defeated El Águila de Veracruz 7-4, opening the series in the Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium.
After scoring one in the second and Olmecas tied in the fourth, the red artillery exploded with those six runs that gave the local ninth an advantage that they would not lose. That attack was built with two outs on the board, as they had six hits, three doubles and three singles.
Juan Carlos Gamboa and Arístides Aquino finished with two productions each, while Franklin Barreto and José Briceño had two hits for their cause. The day was 10 hits in total.
In pitching, Venezuelan Erick Leal (1-0, 4.50) earned his first win of the calendar after working five innings, with five hits allowed, two runs (one unearned), with four walks and two strikeouts. Four pitchers came in relief: Edwin Fierro (one third, two admitted), Jimmy Yacabonis (1.2 innings), Tomohiro Anraku (one round) and Jake Sánchez (one roll), who earned his fourth save of the calendar.
It should be noted that to support the work of the pitchers, the defense completed three double plays, bringing their total to 22 for the season (third place in the LMB).
After starting this series with a victory, El Águila and the Devils will meet again at the ‘Diamante de Fuego’ this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. to star in Game 2 with the probable opening duel between Fredy Quintero (1-1, 11.05) against Ronnie Williams (0-0, 4.70).
