In a dazzling display of offensive prowess, the Diablos Rojos del México opened their 2025 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) season with a commanding 16-1 victory over the Leones de Yucatán at the Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú on April 17, 2025. The game not only marked the beginning of the league's 100th season but also tied a franchise record for the most consecutive home opening game victories, extending the Diablos’ streak to six years.
Leading the charge for the Diablos was Francisco Mejía, who made a sensational debut with the team, driving in five runs throughout the game. His standout performance included a pivotal two-run double in the eighth inning, contributing to a massive 10-run rally that solidified the win. "Primera victoria del Diablito, celebramos a lo grande!" exclaimed the team’s official Twitter account, celebrating the historic occasion.
The game also served as an emotional farewell for veteran pitcher Arturo López, who retired after 17 seasons in professional baseball. López took the mound for the first inning, retiring the side despite allowing a double to Henry Ramos. He exited to a standing ovation from fans and teammates, a testament to his legacy with the Diablos. "Se acabó, ganaron los Diablos!" the team tweeted, highlighting the significance of his final appearance.
On the opposing side, the Leones struggled to find their footing, with Odrisamer Despaigne taking the loss after pitching 4.1 innings and allowing four earned runs. The Leones managed to score only once, courtesy of a home run by Aledmys Díaz in the sixth inning, but the day clearly belonged to the Diablos.
Mejía opened the scoring in the second inning with an RBI single, bringing home Juan Carlos Gamboa and Carlos Sepúlveda to give the Diablos an early 2-0 lead. He followed up with a triple in the fourth inning, further extending the Diablos’ advantage. The Dominican flavor was prevalent throughout the game, with Aristides Aquino and Luis Liberato also contributing offensively. Aquino drove in a run in the fifth inning, while Liberato hit a two-run homer in the sixth.
The eighth inning was a spectacle, as the Diablos unleashed a torrent of runs. Robinson Canó, who has committed to remaining with the team for the remainder of his career, ignited the rally with a double. Following his lead, José Marmolejos, José Rondón, and Julián Ornelas each contributed to the scoring frenzy, with Mejía capping it off with his two-run double.
Relief pitching was also a highlight for the Diablos, with Zac Grotz stepping in after López and delivering a solid performance over four innings, allowing just one run on two hits. The bullpen trio of Tomohiro Anraku, Trevor Cliffton, and Stephen Nogosek closed out the game without allowing any further runs, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.
As the Diablos celebrated their emphatic victory, attention turned to the next game of the series. The Leones are set to send Raúl Alcántara to the mound in an attempt to even the series, while Dan Straily will take the hill for the Diablos. With the stage set for another exciting matchup, fans are eager to see if the Diablos can continue their winning ways and build on this impressive start to the season.
With this victory, the Diablos Rojos not only showcased their offensive firepower but also paid tribute to a beloved player in López, making the season opener a memorable event for players and fans alike. As the 2025 season unfolds, the Diablos appear poised to make a significant impact in the league, and the excitement around the team is palpable.
