Charros de Jalisco has made history by clinching the 2024-2025 Liga Mexicana del Pacífico (LMP) Championship after defeating Tomateros de Culiacán 9-6 in a thrilling final game held on January 29, 2025. This victory marks the third championship for Charros only ten years after their inception.
The sixth game of the series, played at Estadio Tomateros, was filled with nail-biting moments and dramatic turns of events, captivating the over 20,000 fans who attended. Tomateros leapt to an early 3-0 lead, demonstrating their intent to force the series to a decisive seventh game. Esteban Quiroz initiated the scoring for Tomateros with a double, and Dwight Smith Jr. followed suit with a sacrifice fly.
Despite the tough start, Jalisco showed remarkable resilience. Charros responded with their first run on the scoreboard during the third inning, and by the sixth inning, they had turned the game around to lead 5-3, driven by Mateo Gil's solo home run. This comeback, though, would be short-lived, as Tomateros struck back with a formidable three-run homer from Efrén Navarro, regaining the lead.
With the score locked at 6-6 heading to the eighth, both teams entered extra innings, heightening the tension. Charros de Jalisco capitalized on their momentum, scoring three runs during the 13th inning. Billy Hamilton’s squeeze play brought one run home, followed by Mateo Gil's sacrifice fly, sealing their fate at 9-6.
Trevor Clifton played a pivotal role for the Charros, earning the win with his stellar pitching performance, which included three innings of scoreless relief. On the other side, Sasagi Sánchez took the loss, allowing two runs during his brief two-plus innings on the mound.
This victory not only secured the championship for Charros de Jalisco but also emphasized the team's growing influence and stability within the LMP. Ahead of them lies the Serie del Caribe Mexicali 2025, beginning January 31, where they will represent Mexico alongside the pride of their fan base.
Benjamín Gil, the team manager, expressed immense pride following the electrifying match, stating, "Charros de Jalisco conquered their third title, showcasing their determination against strong competition like Tomateros de Culiacán." With their past championships from the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 seasons, the Charros continue to establish their legacy and competitive spirit within Mexican winter baseball.