Field set for Double-A ‘Carnaval de Campeones’

José Ortiz drove in three runs as the Pescadores del Plata of Comerío completed a comeback from being down 0-3 in the series, beating the Toritos of Cayey, 7-3, on Saturday to capture the Superior Double-A Baseball League Central Section title and advance to the “Carnaval de Campeones.”

By THE STAR STAFF

The Pescadores del Plata of Comerío and the Libertadores of Hormigueros each wrapped up their sectional series with victories on Saturday to advance to the Superior Double-A Baseball League “Carnaval de Campeones” (Championship Tournament).

With those wins, the eight teams advancing to the tournament’s third-to-last stage were finalized.

Comerío, having trailed 0-3 in the series, won their fourth consecutive game to complete the comeback and retain the Central Section title with a 7-3 victory over the Toritos of Cayey, playing before nearly 3,000 fans at Yldefonso Solá Morales Stadium in Caguas.

The Pescadores del Plata scored all seven of their runs in the top of the fourth inning. Star left-hander Luis Leroy Cruz pitched seven innings, striking out six and allowing three runs to earn the win. Kelvin Román finished the game in relief.

José Ortiz led Comerío with three RBIs, while Wilson Agosto drove in two runs. The loss went to left-hander José Carlos Burgos, who gave up the first five runs.

Meanwhile, the Libertadores scored five runs in the sixth inning to secure a 6-5 victory and eliminate the Patrulleros of San Sebastián -- the team that had posted the best regular-season record at 19-1. The Northwest Section final series game was played before nearly 1,500 fans at Juan José “Tití” Beníquez Stadium in San Sebastián.

Left-hander Omar Meléndez claimed the win, allowing four runs over six innings. Marvin Galarza earned the save by pitching two scoreless innings. The loss went to Joshua Torres, who allowed five runs in five innings.

Ramón Agosto drove in two runs for Hormigueros, and Jordan de León scored twice. The Libertadores reclaimed the Northwest title after a three-year wait. Along with Comerío and Hormigueros, the Gigantes of Carolina (Metro), Azucareros of Yabucoa (Southeast), Mulos of Juncos (East), Petateros of Sabana Grande (Southwest), Tigres of Hatillo (North), and Maratonistas of Coamo (South) have already qualified for the Championship Tournament.