Mexico Verde Tomateros of Culiacán eliminated the Leones del Escogido with a decisive 9-4 in the first semifinal of the Caribbean Series 2026. The Mexican team recorded 13 hits, highlighted by Esteban Florial’s three-run home run in the fourth inning, which turned the score in their favor.
Rough start for Leones del Escogido
The Leones took an early lead. In the second inning, Franchy Cordero doubled and Marcos Hernández drove in the first run. In the third, Gustavo Núñez and Sócrates Brito produced the second with a walk, a steal and a defensive error by Mexico Verde Tomateros.
Florial’s decisive home run changes the duel
Óscar de la Cruz opened for the Leones, but gave up control. After two outs in the fourth, Víctor Mendoza and Luis Verdugo reached base, and reliever Kenny Hernández allowed Florial’s key hit, putting Mexico Verde Tomateros up 3-2. Anthonny Gose won the game, Hernández took the loss.
Final rally secures ticket to the grand final
In the sixth, Yadier Drake, Mendoza, Verdugo and Florial extended the lead to 6-2. The Leones responded with one in the sixth and another in the eighth via Núñez, but Mexico Verde Tomateros exploded in the seventh with four more runs. David Reyes threw 4.2 innings for Mexico, allowing two runs.
This victory repeats the feat of Tigres del Licey in 2012, advancing to the final after finishing second in their local league. Mexico Verde Tomateros awaits the winner of Cangrejeros de Santurce vs. Charros de Jalisco tonight. The grand final is played this Saturday, deciding the Caribbean champion.
- Game highlights: 13 hits Mexico vs. 8 Leones.
- Florial: 2 RBIs, decisive home run.
- Caribbean Series 2026: Second consecutive loss for Tomateros against Leones.
The Caribbean Series, an annual tournament since 1949 among winter league champions, brings together Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and others. Mexico Verde Tomateros comes into the semifinals undefeated, seeking their fourth historic title after 1976, 2010 and 2021.
