#teammexico2015

[crws-mexico]

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

[crws-mexico]

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

[crws-mexico]

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

[crws-mexico]

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

[crws-mexico]

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

[crws-mexico]

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

[crws-mexico]

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

[crws-mexico]

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