Martínez vs. Warner: A U.S.-born pitching duel opens the Toros-Olmecas final

Daniel Martínez and Austin Warner, two U.S.-born pitchers, will open the Mexican Baseball League final on Tuesday in a matchup that gives the series a distinctly American-born starting duel.

Martínez, a right-hander for the Tijuana Toros who also plays for Mexico’s national team, led the league with a 1.94 earned-run average. He will start for a Tijuana side managed by Panama’s Roberto Kelly, with the Toros holding home-field advantage.

Warner, a left-hander, will take the mound for the Tabasco Olmecas. Manager Luis Carlos Rivera is aiming to win at least one of the first two games on the road, played Tuesday and Wednesday.

The final will end when one team wins four games. The matchup is difficult to call, with both teams showing balance in hitting, defense and pitching. Tabasco reached the final for the first time in 33 years after eliminating the Puebla Pericos, who had knocked out defending champions Diablos Rojos.

The Olmecas are relying on Dominican players including outfielder Randy Romero, who stole 40 bases, designated hitter Marco Hernández and left fielder Óscar González. Closer Jimmy Cordero will also be central to their plans. Tijuana’s lineup combines Dominican and Venezuelan talent, including third baseman Christian Adames, home-run hitter Junior Lake, catcher Michel de la Cruz, right fielder Lorenzo Cedrola, center fielder Herlis Rodríguez and first baseman José Rondón.

The teams posted similar offensive numbers during the season. Tabasco hit .287 with 88 home runs, while Tijuana hit .283 with 84. Tabasco pitchers allowed 4.17 earned runs per game, compared with 3.28 for Tijuana. The Olmecas won their only championship in 1993. The Toros claimed titles in 2017 and 2021.