GUADALAJARA, Mexico — After a close defeat against the Leones del Esgido (Dominican Republic) on Sunday in the first round of the Caribbean Series at the Pan American Baseball Stadium, the hosts Charros de Jalisco (México Rojo) returned to the fray on Monday “with all the irons”, thundering from the first inning with a bases-loaded home run by Bligh Madris and then a seven-run fourth inning, overwhelming the Federales of Chiquirí (Panama) by 11-4 to put his record at 1-1 in the tournament.
For the Panamanians, it was their debut in the 2026 Caribbean Series, after resting on Sunday on the first date.
Against former Major League pitcher Paolo Espino, the Mexican artillery exploded to score eight runs against the veteran right-hander in just two innings, and then three more against right-hander Luis Fernando Miranda in only two-thirds of an inning.
“We took advantage of the fact that Panama’s pitchers arrived a little out of control,” said Charros manager Benjamín Gil, referring to the 12 walks that the Federales’ arms gave. “The important thing is that we were able to take advantage of the situation. Some important hits fell for us.”
“Two bad episodes,” commented Federales manager José Mayorga. “Try to turn the page and come on (Tuesday) to get the victory.”
The Charros offense largely supported starter Luis Iván Rodríguez, who threw 5.0 zeros with just two hits, a strikeout and a walk.
“I was satisfied with the pitching,” said Gil.
The Panamanians’ offense consisted of a two-run home run by former major leaguer Johan Camargo, off reliever Jeffrey Ibarra in the sixth inning, followed by an RBI triple by Adrián Sugastey and an RBI single by Joshwan Wright off reliever Trevor Clifton.
With a 1-1 record and full of life to compete for a place in one of the semifinals on Friday, the Charros will play again on Tuesday in the second hour against the Cangrejeros de Santurce, also with a 1-1 record. For their part, the Federales will return to the field on Tuesday as well, first thing in the morning, to clash with the Tomateros de Culiacán (México Verde) in a crucial duel between two teams in search of their first victory in the tournament.
