Merida, Yucatan — The Leones’ Cesar Valdez pitched brilliantly through seven innings, striking out 12 and allowing just one run.
But it wasn’t enough to save the Leones, who lost to Laguna 4-3 Saturday after Eric Aguilera hit a run-scoring single in the ninth inning.
California-born Jonathan Jones hit his sixth home run for the season and singled for the Leones. Alex Liddi reached base four times.
Alejandro Martinez (1-0) got the win in relief while closer Ronald Belisario (1-5) took the loss.
The single by Aguilera capped a three-run inning and gave the Algodoneros a 4-3 lead after Francisco Ferreiro hit a two-run double earlier in the inning.
After snapping a five-game losing streak, Laguna returns to Parque Kukulcán Alamo for the three-game series’ tie-breaker today at 5:45 p.m.
Laguna’s Yohan Flande (0-0, 6.75 ERA) and the Leones’ José Samayoa (1-2, 3.04 ERA) will duel it out on the mound.
Sources: Associated Press, Leones
