2015 CRWS - Mexico

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Mexico: It's Been A Pleasure

After an amazing 2015 Cal Ripken World Series, Team Mexico will be returning home as World Champions. It was a perfect week for the them. On the field, Team Mexico played as well as any team I've ever witnessed. Off the field they represented their country with honor and sportsmanship. They were an excellent team to be able to cover and I am so proud of everything they accomplished this year. There are definitely future Major League Baseball players on this team. Thank you to all the Team Mexico players, coaches, fans, and host families. - Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: 2015 Cal Ripken World Series Champions!

Team Mexico’s bread and butter throughout pool play was big 1st innings.

After not scoring any runs in the 1st innings of the past two games, they’d return to their old form by smashing through 5 runs against Team Southeast.

Jorge Ramos and Joel Ibarra would start the game off with back to back singles. A third single from Roque Salinas followed by an error would bring home Ramos to make it 1-0. Vidal Sotelo would join the hit fest, blasting the ball over the center field wall driving in 3 runs to make it 4-0. 3 more singles and a bases loaded walk would bring in Juan Cota to make it 5-0.

Team Southeast would chip away at the deficit all night. They’d score on RBI singles by Sam Perez in the 1st and 3rd innings, and an RBI single by Xander Lietz in the 6th would make it 5-3. Great defensive work from Joel Ibarra and the Team Mexico infield helped put down any potential Team Southeast rallies.

On the mound, Roque Salinas was solid for Team Mexico. He allowed 3 runs over 5 2/3 innings with 6 strike outs. Joel Ibarra would come in with one out left to record the save.

Salinas moves to 2-0 for the CRWS. He was named the International MVP for the entire Cal Ripken World Series.

Joel Ibarra, Vidal Sotelo, and Roque Salinas received All CRWS International Team honors for their overall play. Cristian Yanez and Erick Ordonez received All CRWS International Defensive Team honors.

Team Mexico finishes with a perfect 7-0 record for the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series. They outscored their opponents 55-12, never giving up more than 3 runs in any game.

Team Mexico wanted vengeance after last year’s loss to Team Southeast. They got it tonight.  

-Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: World Championship Preview

It’s finally here! After a full week of Cal Ripken World Series action, we have finally arrived at the World Championship game!

Team Mexico has had a tremendous tournament.  Their 6-0 record consists of a perfect game and a shutout. They’ve outscored their opponents 50-9 in six games and have not given up more than 3 runs in any of them.

After rolling through pool play undefeated, Team Mexico would take on Team Dominican Republic in the International Semifinals. Great pitching and defense held both sides stagnant through the 2nd inning. Team Mexico would wake up in the bottom of the 3rd, grabbing 6 runs off of 6 hits and a walk.  Team Dominican Republic would get 3 runs back in the 4th making it 6-3, but it wouldn’t be enough. A solo shot from Roque Salinas in the 5th would make the final score 7-3.

In the International Championship game, Team Mexico would come up against their longtime rivals in Team Japan. The two met in an international friendly before pool play, which Team Mexico would win 8-2. After a back and forth 1st inning, Team Mexico would put up 5 runs in the next two to put them up early. Team Japan would score a run in the 4th to make it 5-1, but each team would score 2 in the 5th. A quick 6th inning for Team Japan would end the game at 7-3, sending Team Mexico back to the World Championship game for the second straight year.

Their opposition for tonight’s World Championship game is a foe Mexico knows all too well: Team Southeast. In the 2014 CRWS World Championship game it was Team Southeast who defeated Team Mexico to become champions.

Team Mexico has talked about avenging their loss since they arrived at the CRWS. Almost every interview, from coaches to players, has had connotation of this thought. 

Tonight they get that chance.

Will Team Mexico be granted that vengeance? Or will Team Southeast win their second straight World Championship?

For live game updates, follow Team Mexico’s Twitter @CRWS_Mexico !

-Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: International Champions Again!

Since bringing the Cal Ripken World Series to Aberdeen in 2003, Team Japan and Team Mexico have been in every International Championship game. The two teams have faced off in epic clashes in the past, and this year would turn out to be no different.

Team Mexico struck first, after a double from Hector Mora brought in two runs. Erick Ordonez would follow suit with a double of his own, boosting the lead to 3-0.

A two-run triple would give Team Mexico a 5-0 advantage, but Team Japan refused to roll over without a fight. One run crossed the plate in the bottom half of the 4th, making the score 5-1.

Team Mexico wouldn’t let the run phase them, though, grabbing two of their own in the fifth to take a 7-1 lead. Team Japan would score two runs in the fifth as well, but it was too little too late. With their backs to the wall, Japan would go down quietly in the bottom of the sixth, falling to Team Mexico 7-3.

“I am very happy with the team,” said Team Mexico manager Jose Valdez. “All the kids did their job today. We feel ready for tomorrow no matter who we face.”

On the mound, Vidal Sotelo went 4 1/3 innings, giving up three runs off four hits, along with six strikeouts. Joel Ibarra pitched to relieve Sotelo, giving up just one hit in 1 2/3 innings work. Ibarra received Player of the Game honors for his pitching, as well as his two-run homerun in the fifth.

“I was very excited to pitch against Japan,” said Sotelo. “Pitching against Team Japan was one of my dreams. Things went well for me, and now we are champions.”

Team Mexico came out swinging in today’s affair. Juan Cota went 2-3 with two singles, as Hector Mora went 1-3 with two RBI’s.

With the win, Team Mexico moves to 6-0 in the Cal Ripken World Series.  They will face the winner of tonight’s match up between Team Southeast and Team Middle Atlantic in the World Championship. The World Championship will be played Saturday at 8 p.m. on Cal Sr.’s Yard. 

The game will be streamed live on MLB.com.

You can follow Team Mexico on Twitter for more stories and game updates @CRWS_Mexico !

-Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: Interview with Roque Salinas

Roque Salinas has been arguably the best player at the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series. A bold statement? Yes. But the kid can back it up. He’s been dominant on the mound, throwing a perfect game in Team Mexico’s 11-0 victory over Team New Zealand and three shutout innings in Thursday’s 7-3 win against Team Dominican Republic. He’s recorded a hit in all five games and homered in three of them. Throw in his strategic base running and stellar defensive play in centerfield and you’ve got the complete package.

I recently had the chance to talk with Roque Salinas, who is participating in his second consecutive CRWS.

Question (Adam):This is your second time here at the CRWS. Has this been just as exciting as your first time?

Answer (Roque): I am very excited for this year. I want to avenge last year’s loss in the championship game against Southeast.

Q: You’ve played very well both times you’ve been at The Ripken Experience Powered by Under Armour. What’s been the key to your success?

A: I prepare very hard physically and mentally. The 15 days in Mexico City are crucial in getting ready for the CRWS.

Q: What would winning the World Championship mean to you?

A: It would be an honor to win this tournament. I did my best in training to rally the team and tell them that we have to win the World Championship. My biggest goal right now is to win it.

Q: As Team Mexico’s captain, do you feel a lot of pressure for the team to succeed?

A: I do feel pressure, but I use it as motivation. I want to be a leader so I can help the team improve and win games.

Q: What team at the CRWS do you enjoy playing the most?

A: Team Japan and Team Southeast. Japan always plays us hard, and Southeast because they beat us (Team Mexico) last year.

Q: What’s your favorite position to play? Why?

A: I play anywhere the coaches ask me. I’m going to play hard at any position.

Q: Do you see yourself playing baseball in the future?

A: Absolutely. I want to play as long as I can, but school comes first.

Q: What do you have to say to any player who will represent Team Mexico in the future?

A: Prepare hard in order to get here. I want to see Mexico win more World Championships down the road.

You can follow Team Mexico on Twitter for more stories and game updates @CRWS_Mexico !

-Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: Leaving An Impact

One of the coolest opportunities that the Cal Ripken World Series offers is the Host Family program. Eight teams from countries all around the world come to play at The Ripken Experience Aberdeen Powered by Under Armour and they all need a place to stay. One of those families who has opened their door this week are the Hayes.

The Hayes family hosted two players from Team Mexico during this year’s CRWS, Jared Serna and Pedro Quintana. 

“In the beginning we could tell they were being shy,” Crissy Hayes said with a laugh. “Their personalities have definitely started to come out. Car rides on the way home from (Team Mexico’s) games used to be silent. Now they’re full of talking and laughing!” 

Both players have performed well for Team Mexico on the field, but off the field is where they’ll make the biggest impact.

“It’s been a special week for us,” said Crissy. “I think we have learned a lot from the boys.”

Something that we as Americans can forget is just how good we have it here in the U.S. Many of the technologies, games and activities we have at our disposal are not always available to other countries.

“The boys (Pedro and Jared) have been playing Corn Hole almost every day. They love the PlayStation too,” said Crissy, “I think our sons are starting to appreciate these things more as they see how much Jared and Pedro enjoy it. It has a great lesson for them to learn.” 

The Hayes also talked about how unselfish every Team Mexico player has been. 

“They are always offering money to help a teammate buy something and they don’t expect each other to pay it back. It’s something that’s just not seen in our (U.S.) culture. It’s very eye opening.”

It’s amazing to think these boys have been on a team together for less than a month. Team Mexico has certainly set a great example with their play on the field and their character off the field.

You can follow Team Mexico on Twitter for more stories and game updates @CRWS_Mexico 

- Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: Salinas Saves the Day

After rolling through pool play undefeated, Team Mexico went into Thursday’s game with a ton of momentum. They would be pitted against Team Dominican Republic who was fresh off a close 6-5 win against Team Puerto Rico. After rain delays pushed back the start of the game, both teams were chomping at the bit to get on the field and play.

Team Dominican Republic proved to be a tough challenge in the early stages of the game. Team Mexico was held scoreless for the first two innings, which has not happened the entire 2015 Cal Ripken World Series. Some great defense plays from Team Mexico would help out the offense until the 3rd inning, when they would strike for six runs. Team Dominican Republic struggled all night to find a pitcher that could get outs, going through five total for the game.

The top of the 4th brought trouble for Team Mexico. A three RBI home run from Esmeraldo Perez would cut the lead down to 3, forcing Team Mexico to bring in their ace pitcher Roque Salinas. Salinas would hold Team Dominican Republic hit-less over the final three innings, striking out five with no walks. “I was mentally prepared to come in and pitch if they needed me,” said Salinas, “I am always ready.” Salinas would take home the Player of the Game honors.

Salinas was just as good at the plate as he was on the mound. He went 3-3 with singles in the 1st and 3rd innings and a solo home run in the 5th. Vidal Sotelo went 2-3 with a three run home run and double.

Team Mexico goes to 5-0 in the CRWS. They will play Team Japan in the International Finals tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. on Cal Sr.’s Yard.

You can follow Team Mexico on Twitter for more stories and game updates @CRWS_Mexico !

-Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: Sebastian Polo Returns to the CRWS

It’s well documented by now that Team Mexico has two returning players from last year’s International Champions: Israel Espinosa and Roque Salinas. Both players have played very well and the team rolled through this year’s pool play. There is however a third player from a previous Cal Ripken World Series.

Sebastian Polo played for Team Mexico during the 2012 and 2013 Cal Ripken World Series. His 2013 team got all the way to the International Championship game only to lose to the eventual world champions in Team Japan. “We had a great run that year,” said Polo, “It was a lot of fun. I’m very excited to back.”

(Photo: Sebastian Polo in 2013 at Under Armour)

Polo returned to this year’s CRWS in order to assist his Uncle, Anwar Perez, who’s in charge of putting together the team that represents Mexico each year. While in the U.S. he and Perez help translate for Team Mexico’s players and coaches as well as sending back information to Mexico. “It’s pretty cool being on both sides of the experience,” said Polo, “Of course I’d rather be playing, but I’m happy to be here either way.”

“This place gets better every year,’ Polo said referring to The Ripken Experience Aberdeen Powered by Under Armour, “The uniforms, equipment, and facilities. It’s all great.”

You can follow Team Mexico on Twitter for more stories and game updates @CRWS_Mexico !

-Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: The Hits Keep Coming

After guaranteeing themselves a spot in the International Semifinals with yesterday’s win against Team New Zealand, Team Mexico had no pressure on them going to into today’s matchup against Team Australia. It was clear from the beginning that Team Mexico did not get this memo.

On the mound, Hans Chacon and Cristian Yanez would combine for a no hitter, allowing just 2 walks in 4 innings. “I was really controlling my pitches well,” said Yanez, “I had a plan for every batter I faced”. He would receive Player of the Game honors for Team Mexico.

In what seems to be becoming a pattern, Team Mexico once again got off to a hot start at the plate. They would score eight runs in the 1st inning, include solo home runs from Joel Ibarra, Roque Salinas and Erick Ordonez as well as a three run blast from Cristina Yanez. Through four games Team Mexico has scored 19 runs in the first inning alone. “The team is always very motivated to start the game,” said Team Mexico Head Coach Jose Valdez, “It’s exactly the kind of rhythm we want when we are batting.”

Four runs in the 2nd inning and two runs in the 3rd would extend the lead to 14-0, putting the game out of Team Australia’s reach. The Aussies would make it interesting in the 4th inning, loading the bases with just one out. Hans Chacon was able to get pull it together, getting the last two batters to strike out and fly out.

With the win Team Mexico goes undefeated in pool play (3-0) and are 4-0 in Cal Ripken World Series play. Including their win over Japan, they have outscored their opponents 36-3.

Team Mexico has the day off tomorrow. They will resume play Thursday against Team Dominican Republic in the International Semifinals. The game will be on Cal Sr.’s Yard at 8 p.m.

You can follow Team Mexico on Twitter for more stories and game updates @CRWS_Mexico !

-Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: Day 3 vs. Team New Zealand

Team Mexico's post game press conference with Coach Carlos Pacheco and Player of the game Roque Salinas. Salinas pitched a perfect game in their 11-0 win over Team New Zealand.

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Mexico: Salinas Perfect in 11-0 Victory

After two big wins to start the Cal Ripken World Series, Team Mexico had positioned themselves well for the rest of pool play. A win today against Team New Zealand and they would lock up a spot in the International Semifinals. A loss puts them into a must win game against Team Australia Tuesday.

The game went perfect for Team Mexico…literally. In a commanding performance, Team Mexico’s Captain Roque Salinas threw 4 perfect innings with 10 strike outs in an 11-0 victory against Team New Zealand. Only two Team New Zealand batters put the ball in play; a fly out from Pouaka-Grego in the first and a ground out from Campbell in the second. “I was excited to pitch against New Zealand,” said Salinas, who threw a 2-hitter last year against them, “I mentally prepared for this game very hard.” Salinas received the player of the game honors today for his performance.

Team Mexico’s bats continue to be white hot. A six run 1st inning followed by a four run 2nd put Team Mexico out to an early 10-0 lead. A double from Hector Mora followed by a fly out and fielder’s choice gave them an 11-0 lead in the 3rd. Team Mexico has scored 11 runs in the 1st inning alone in three games. 

“We are very happy with our players,” said Team Mexico Coach Carlos Pacheco, “Every game is another step for us. We want to get back at it and keep the rhythm going. We won’t take it easy tomorrow against Australia.”

Team Mexico moves to 3-0 in the CRWS and are 2-0 in pool play. With the win today they secure a spot in the International Semifinals. They face Team Australia tomorrow with the chance to secure the top spot out of International Group D. That game can be seen at 3 p.m. tomorrow on National’s Field.

You can follow Team Mexico on Twitter for more stories and game updates @CRWS_Mexico !

-Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: Day 2 vs. Team Korea

Team Mexico's post game press conference with Player of the Game Vidal Sotelo and Coach Jose Valdez. Team Mexico was able to defeat Team Korea 3-1 and is now 2-0 in the CRWS.

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Mexico: Sotelo’s Pitching Keeps Mexico Undefeated

After a big 8-2 victory yesterday against Team Japan, Team Mexico looked to continue their winning ways against Team Korea. Team Korea was looking to keep their momentum going as well after defeating Team Puerto Rico 3-1 yesterday.

Unfortunately for Team Korea, they would fall on the wrong side of a 3-1 score today. The bats started out white hot for Team Mexico, with Jorge Ramos and Joel Ibarra firing back to back home runs to give them an early 2-0 lead. Not to be out done, Mexico Captain Roque Salinas would dive into first base in order to secure a single. He would cruise into home plate after a steal and two pass balls, giving the team a 3-0 lead.

Team Korea would almost answer them in the bottom of the 1st. Jaeyoung Jang and Junseo Sim would both walk and perform a double steal. Following two strike outs, Yeongho Yoo hit a hard ball to the left of the shortstop and it looked like two runners would score. The umpires however, huddled together and ruled that Sim had interfered with Mexico’s shortstops’ vision and ruled the runner out.

The interference ruling would prove to be a huge break for Team Mexico. Team Korea’s pitching would silence Team Mexico’s bats, giving up just two hits the rest of the way. However, Team Mexico’s Vidal Sotelo would match them pitch for pitch, giving up just 1 run off 5 hits over 5 2/3 innings. He gave up just 2 walks and dealt 8 strike outs.

After loading the bases in the 6th, Sotelo would be replaced by Joel Ibarra, who forced a pop out to end the game. “Ibarra was the pitcher to end the game,” said Team Mexico’s Coach Jose Valdez, “When we go into preparation in Mexico City these are the situations we talk about.”

“I am very excited,” said Vidal Sotelo, who walked off the field to a standing ovation from Team Mexico supporters, “It feels great to have played this well for the team.” Sotelo would receive the Player of the Game honors.

Team Mexico moves to 2-0 for the tournament and 1-0 in pool play. They will face Team New Zealand tomorrow at 10 a.m. on Cal Sr.’s Field.

You can follow Team Mexico on Twitter for more stories and game updates @CRWS_Mexico

-Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: Hitting, Hitting, and More Hitting

Many considered tonight’s matchup between Team Mexico and Team Japan to be the biggest game of Pool Play during this year’s Cal Ripken World Series. Though the game was just an international exhibition, it was clear from both teams that they wanted this game badly. After the dust was settled it was Team Mexico who came out with an 8-2 victory.

Both teams came out of the gates with a bang. A double from Joel Ibarra followed by a home run from Roque Salinas put Mexico in the driver’s seat early. Japan answered back in the bottom of the 1st with a solo shot of their own from Nao Caneko. After grabbing a third run in the top of the 2nd to make it 3-1, the bats went silent for both teams.

Team Japan would be the first to wake up, grabbing another run in the bottom of the 4th to make it 4-2. This would be as close as Team Japan would get, as Team Mexico would drop three runs in the 5th and score two more in the 6th. After a quick bottom half of the inning, it was Mexico standing tall with the final score of 8-2

“We are very happy with how the team (Mexico) played,” said Coach Eliseo Villarreal, “…We are full of confidence going into the rest of the tournament.”

Pedro Quintana was solid on the mound for Team Mexico. He allowed two runs over four innings with five strike outs. Jorge Ramos would follow suit, allowing just three hits in two innings along with a strike out.

At the plate, Roque Salinas went 1-4 with a home run and two RBI’s. Joel Ibarra went 2-4 with a double and an RBI.

Team Mexico will face off against Korea tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m. on Cal Sr.’s Yard. You can follow Team Mexico on Twitter for more stories and game updates @CRWS_Mexico

- Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: Day One Post Game Press Conference

Team Mexico's Coach Eliseo Villarreal along with player of the game Roque Salinas and player Jared Serna talk about the victory over Japan.

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Mexico: Opening Ceremonies

The first day of the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series did not disappoint. A sea of international and domestic players, coaches, families and fans all gathered together at The Ripken Experience Aberdeen Powered by Under Armour. The day started off early with two coaches and players from each team going to the AT&T Media Center for their opening press conference.

“We are very excited to be here,” said Team Mexico’s Coach Jose Valdez, “We want to win tomorrow versus Japan. We want to win all the games. We are going to go all out for the fans.”

“We are very well rounded,” said Team Mexico player Israel Espinosa, “Batting and fielding; we feel like we have a good team.”

After the press conferences it was onto the skills competitions. Team Mexico finished second in the Golden Spikes Relay Competition and qualified for the final round. Juan Cota was able to put up 17 points in the Home Run Derby, just outside of qualifying for the championship round. Juan recorded one of the fastest swings in the entirety of the derby. Finally, the boys made their way to the “Turn Two” double play turning competition. Perhaps due to some bad ball hops, they were unable to secure a clean run during both tries and did not qualify for the finals.

After the skills competitions it was on to the opening ceremonies parade. Team Mexico was well received by the fans, undoubtedly because of their play in years past. The team held the Mexican Flag high as each player and coaches’ name was announced. “We are a big family,” said Coach Valdez,”just one big family.”

The parade was followed by an insanely hilarious coach dance contest, in which Coach Valdez finished in the final four. Team Mexico’s Golden Spikes relay team followed this, finishing in 2nd place overall by less than a second.The team consisted of Carolo Rios, Jared Serna, Erick Ordonez, and team captain Roque Salinas. 

Team Mexico will have the late game tomorrow, competing against Team Japan at 8 p.m. on Cal Sr.’s Yard.

You can follow Team Mexico on Twitter for more stories and live game updates @CRWS_Mexico

-Adam Fornwalt

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Mexico: CRWS Press Conference

Tune into Team Mexico's press conference before the official start of the Cal Ripken World Series. Learn about their journey to Aberdeen and how they're preparing for this year's tournament!