Leones de Yucatán: Power on the Mound and at the Plate
Mérida, Yuc. (Press Office) – October 14, 2024 – The Leones de Yucatán players are wasting no time this season, roaring to life with standout performances across the board in both Mexican and international winter leagues. Let’s dive into the latest highlights from the mound and the batter’s box.
Dominance on the Mound
The Leones’ pitching staff, featuring both local stars and international talents, is already making waves:
- Odrisamer Despaigne, the experienced Cuban right-hander, took the mound for Yaquis de Ciudad Obregón in their season opener against Naranjeros de Hermosillo. He worked through four innings, fanning two batters in his debut. Although it was a short outing, Despaigne set the tone for what’s expected to be a strong winter league campaign.
- Meanwhile, fellow Cuban and Leones teammate Yoanner “El Asere” Negrín made his debut for the Tigres de Aragua in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP). On Sunday, October 13, Negrín delivered 4.2 innings of work, allowing three earned runs and striking out five. Despite a solid effort, he received no decision.
- Saúl Vázquez, another key arm from Yucatán, contributed out of the bullpen for Ciudad Obregón, recording two outs with one strikeout. His work was critical in stifling the opposition late in the game, continuing his solid form.
- Francisco “El Gallo” Haro also impressed on Sunday, striking out two batters over 1.1 innings of work. His ability to lock down opponents in relief situations could be a key weapon for his team moving forward.
- In Mexico’s winter league, C.D. Pelham, the American import, struck out one in his debut for Culiacán in a brief but efficient outing of 0.2 innings.
Explosive Offense
Leones’ bats came alive early in the season, with multiple players contributing to their respective teams’ victories:
- José “El Cafecito” Martínez wasted no time heating up. In just two games (October 12-13), Martínez hit an early-season bomb, going 5-for-3 across both games for a sizzling .600 average with two RBIs. His quick start hints at a dangerous year for the slugger.
- Sebastián Valle joined the action, launching his first home run of the campaign in the Mexican Pacific League (LAMP). His bat will be pivotal as the season progresses.
- Yadir Drake chipped in with two hits over his first six at-bats, giving him a solid .333 average. He looks poised to be a consistent force for his club.
- For Hermosillo, Ángel Camacho made his presence known by getting a hit and scoring a run in the season opener. His contributions helped Naranjeros secure a 4-2 victory over Ciudad Obregón.
- Luis “El Pepón” Juárez drove in his first two runs of the season, marking a successful start to what is expected to be a strong year for the veteran slugger.
Rising Stars in the Mexican Winter League (LIM)
The Leones’ young prospects are also making noise in the Mexican Winter League (LIM). Players like Derek Ayala, Yustin Canizales, Carlos Beltrán, Alessandro Falcón, Ichiro Rodriguez, and Yaír Jimenez debuted with Algodoneros de Unión Laguna, under the guidance of coach Martín Cortes. They started their season with back-to-back wins over the Charros de Jalisco, with scores of 8-7 and 11-2, setting the tone for a promising campaign.
The Leones de Yucatán are off to a blazing start, and it’s clear that their players, both at home and abroad, are ready to shine in the 2024 season. Whether from the mound or the plate, the roar of the Leones can be heard loud and clear.
