GUADALAJARA -- A thrilling comeback by the Charros de Jalisco saw them triumph over the Tomateros de Culiacán 6-5 during Game 3 of the Liga Mexicana del Pacífico (LMP) finals held on January 25, 2025. Remarkably, Jalisco was trailing 5-0 until they ignited their offense late, securing their victory with a walk-off hit against one of their strongest rivals.
Initially, the game was dominated by the Tomateros, who showcased their formidable batting lineup. The scoring opened for Culiacán when catcher Poncho Ruiz hit a double to left field at the start of the third inning. He advanced to third base with a sacrifice from Rudy Martin and later scored on Ramón Ríos' sacrifice fly, placing the visitors on the board at 1-0.
The Tomateros continued to force the momentum their way, adding two more runs during the fourth inning. Dwight Smith Jr. contributed with a hit, followed by Efrén Navarro's run-scoring single, making it 2-0. Ruiz then came through again with another hit, scoring Navarro for the third run.
Jalisco faced considerable adversity as Rudy Martin's three-run home run increased the lead to 5-0 by the sixth inning, putting the Charros on the brink of elimination. Throughout the first eight innings, all seemed lost for Jalisco, as they managed just two hits against Tomateros' ace pitcher David Reyes, who exited the game after six innings of solid pitching.
But as any seasoned baseball fan knows, games can turn swiftly. The Charros began their rally in the eighth inning. With the bases loaded due to two walks and one hit, they finally broke their scoring drought. Mateo Gil's sacrifice fly and subsequent errors allowed Jalisco to chip away at Culiacán’s lead, narrowing it to 5-2.
The atmosphere at Estadio Panamericano electrified as the ninth inning approached, with the home crowd hoping for a miracle. Charros seized their chance as Jack Mayfield and Carlos Mendivil reached base with hits, setting the stage for Reynaldo Rodríguez, who did not disappoint. With one swing of the bat, Rodriguez sent the crowd — and the ball — soaring, hitting a three-run home run to tie the game at 5-5.
The final gasp of the game came as the Tomateros brought in closer Stephen Nogosek, who found himself under pressure. After walking Japhet Amador, who was substituted for speedster José Ángel Ceceña, and allowing another hit, Michael Wielansky stepped up and hit the decisive single, bringing Ceceña home for the win. The crowd erupted as the Charros celebrated their stunning comeback.
"Es humano, es béisbol," said Benjamín Gil, the Charros' coach, reflecting on the emotional turbulence experienced during the game, which encapsulated the unpredictable nature of baseball. The victory provided not just scoreboards but also hope and excitement to the incoming games.
This game puts Charros up 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, positioning them closer to the championship and a spot at the Serie del Caribe 2025. The next match will occur on January 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM local time, as they continue their quest against the Tomateros, who are eager to equal the series.
The rivalry between the Charros and Tomateros is steeped in history, with fans recalling past finals — including 2015 and 2022, where each team has claimed victories. With the final championship trophy now named after the legendary Fernando Toro Valenzuela, this year’s edition promises to deliver exhilarating baseball.
Stay tuned for the next showdown as social media and live streaming on YouTube keep fans informed and engaged before another thrilling game. Will the Charros extend their lead, or can the Tomateros bounce back? One thing is certain: the excitement surrounding the Liga Mexicana del Pacífico finals is at its peak, keeping fans on their toes.