Written by ISMAEL NUNEZ

It took 18 innings! The game was like Fernando Valenzuela’s game Three performance of the 1981 World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers against the New York Yankees. For this past February 7th 2013 Yaquis de Obregon of Mexico held on to defeat the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Republic:  By a score 4-3. The victory gave Mexico the crown of champions for 2013 Caribbean 2013 Caribbean World Series! It’s the second time Mexico has won in three years with same team winning the title.

There was good pitching, defense play, on the edge, clutch hitting, and late inning heroics all into one.  Starter for Mexico Rodrigo Lopez pitched a fine game tossing 7.2 innings of one run ball (unearned). Eventually Mexico relief pitcher Marco Carrillo (W, 1-0) got the victory pitching with consistency by not allowing a run  in the last four innings of scoreless relief.

Dominican Republic starter Angel Castro also pitched well. He also tossed 7.2 innings giving up just two runs (1 earned) on two hits. He was on the hook for the loss until Nanita homered in the ninth inning. The pitching staff struck out 21 Mexico hitters and gave up only six hits over 18 innings. Edward Valdez (L, 0-1) took the loss giving up a run in the 18th inning. Journeyman player Doug Clark send everyone home, connecting the first pitch he saw, he swung and the ball went over the right field fence giving Mexico the lead and would go on to win the Caribbean World Series 2013. Clark went on to become the Most Valuable Player for the Championship.

      To add Luis Mendoza, a Kansas City Royals pitcher, was named the Most Valuable Player of the Caribbean World Series 2013. Mendoza was part of the team that went on to win the title.  Home turf, a Most Valuable Player, game winning Home Run to win championship game, like the title says: MARACHI PRIDE!