Tijuana Toros Recap: Toros Shutout Acereros Again, Martin Steals Home & Win First Series of Season
Tijuana, Mexico
The Tijuana Toros played the last game of a three-game set against Acereros del Norte on Saturday.
The Border City side defeated Monclova 9-0 on Friday night and went on to defeat the team from Coahuila 4-0 on Saturday night as well.
LMB newcomer Kyle Lobstein was on the mound for Pedro Mere and put in a spectacular effort as he tossed five and a third scoreless innings. The former Tigers and Pirates hurler also managed to strike out five batters and is now off to a tremendous start to his Mexican Baseball League career.
Mauricio Lara started the match for Monclova and allowed three runs through three innings.
Sloppy defending really cost the away team in the third inning as two runs scored on a bunt ground ball by Dustin Martin to Mauricio Lara because of a throwing error by the Mexican pitcher. Dustin Martin went on to do the unthinkable and stole home in the same inning and made it a 3-0 game. The American outfielder is known for his power, but really showcased his impressive speed that put Monclova under pressure and ended up producing three runs in the inning.
The only other run of the game came in the bottom of the sixth inning as Jorge Cantu blasted an RBI double that drove in Cyle Hankerd off Rafael Pineda.
After Lobstein finished his work, the bullpen was flawless and only allowed a hit in three and two-thirds shutout innings. Mark Serrano, Juan Sandoval, and Jason Urquidez shut the door and secured the victory for the home team. Serrano had already been used this season, but it was Sandoval and Urquidez’s first outings of the year and both were near-perfect.
The Toros will now travel to Monterey to face Sultanes for a three-game series, but will return to Tijuana next weekend to play Generales de Durango. The border city side will look to keep its current form and not revert back to what was shown on opening day.
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.
