Scruggs, Liddi lead Yucatan to 6th straight series win
Torreon, Coahuila — The Leones de Yucatan maintained their offensive formula with Xavier Scruggs and Alex Liddi, while Cesar Valdez demonstrated why he is the best pitcher in the entire Mexican League in Wednesday’s 8-6 triumph over Union Laguna.
While not as decisive as the series opener at Estadio Revolucion, the victory ensures the Leones’ sixth consecutive series win. The Leones also improved their season record 38-37, placing them fourth in the South Conference.
Scruggs, a former MLB player who signed on with the Leones on June 17, was a home run short of the cycle, driving home two runs. Alex Liddi tripled and doubled with three RBIs for Yucatan.
Laguna cut the deficit to 3-2 in the fifth after Francisco Ferreiro hit a two-run double.
Yucatan answered in the next half-inning, scoring five runs to extend its lead. Liddi hit a two-run double and then scored on a two-run triple by Scruggs en route to the six-run lead.
Laguna’s comeback attempt came up short after Ciro Norzagaray hit an RBI single in the sixth to cut Yucatan’s lead to 8-6.
The Dominican Valdez (11-1) picked up the win after allowing two runs on seven hits with two strikeouts over five innings. Ronald Belisario pitched two innings in relief, followed by Andres Avila, who got the last three outs.
Laguna starter Edgar Martinez (1-1) took the loss after allowing one run on two hits over three innings.
Yucatan improved to 4-1 against Laguna this season.
The Leones will try to sweep the series tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 p.m., sending Jose Samayoa (3-2, 3.49 ERA) to the mound to face a new Lagunero, Reinier Roibal. The action can be followed live on La Comadre 98.5.
| TEAM |
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | 8 | 9 |
| R | H | E |
| YUC |
| 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 0 | 2 | 5 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | 9 | 0 |
| LAG |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 2 | 4 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | 13 | 0 |
WP: Valdez (11-1)
LP: Martínez (1-1)
SV: Ávila (2)
HR: None
Sources: Leones, The Associated Press
