Tijuana Toros Get First Sweep of 2018 Ahead of Six-Game Road Trip
Tijuana, Mexico
The Tijuana Toros took full advantage of their recent six-game homestand against Olmecas de Tabasco and Piratas de Campeche and have now improved to a respectable 12-9 record on the season. The Border City Bulls were not off to the best start in 2018, but are now the second-place team in the LMB Zona Norte division, just behind Sultanes de Monterrey. Tijuana did achieve its first sweep of the 2018 LMB season in this homestand by sweeping Piratas de Campeche in a three-game set.
Not only did the Toros Sweep the Bucs, but they also were dominant and outscored their rivals 30-13 throughout the three games. Pedro Mere’s offense has been on a tear lately and may just be the most imposing starting nine in all of the LMB.
The first game of the series between Campeche and Tijuana ended 14-5 in the Toros’ favor. Manny Barreda did struggle in his start in that game as he allowed five runs in just three and a third innings, but the bullpen was flawless after his outing. The offense was massive, led by Isaac Rodriguez and Corey Brown with three RBI each and Jorge Cantu with four RBI on the day.
The second game of the series was the closest of all three as the border city side narrowly defeated the visiting team 7-6. Pitching was not a strong suit for Tijuana again in Game 2 as the starter Miguel Pena allowed three runs in four innings and the bullpen allowed another three. Jorge Cantu had another huge night as he drove in three while Cyle Hankerd matched him with three RBI of his own to lead the Toros to another win.
The final game of the series was another blowout as the Border City Bulls defeated Campeche 8-2 to finish off the series and secure the sweep. Alex Sanabia had a respectable start as the San Diego native allowed just two runs in five innings of work. The bullpen was nearly perfect, only allowing a hit after Sanabia’s outing to secure the win.
Pedro Mere’s offense kept trending upward with eight runs on the day, the standouts being Isaac Rodriguez with two RBI and Corey Brown with three RBI. Jorge Cantu also kept up his hot streak as he went 2-for-2 with two walks to end the series.
The Toros had a spectacular homestand and will now go back on the road where they still hold a worrying 3-6 record. Tijuana will go on a six-game road trip to face Algodoneros de Union Laguna and Generales de Durango before coming back to host Union Laguna at the Estadio Gasmart on April 24.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.
