Merida, Yucatan — Starting the second half of the season with an energy-packed game Friday, Yoanner Negrin allowed just five hits over seven innings as the Leones de Yucatan topped the Algodoneros de Union Laguna 5-1.
A blackout at Kukulcán Alamo Stadium stopped the action for almost 10 minutes in the final inning. But the win was already assured as Jorge Flores singled three times, and Negrin (6-4) allowed one run while striking out seven and walking two.
Yucatan got on the board first in the fourth inning when Xavier Scruggs hit an RBI single and Alex Liddi scored on a double play.
Laguna answered in the top of the next frame when Francisco Ferreiro hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Daniel Hinojosa to cut the deficit to one.
The Leones later tacked on three runs in the seventh when Jose Aguilar scored on a forceout and Jonathan Jones scored on a single and Flores scored on an error to secure the victory.
Frankie De La Cruz (4-2) went 6 1/3 innings, allowing four runs and six hits in the Mexican League game. He also struck out five and walked two.
The Leones return to the stadium today at 5:45 p.m., sending the undefeated pitcher César Valdez (9-0, 2.71 ERA) to the mound. He will face Laguna’s Frank Garces (4-6, 5.85 ERA).
Starting at 4, the game will be preceded by live music with La Trakalada.
