The Guerreros de Oaxaca delivered a dominant performance on the road, defeating El Águila de Veracruz 7-2 in the opening game of the series at Beto Ávila Stadium. 

Photo: lmb.com.mx

The victory was highlighted by clinical hitting during high-leverage moments and a strong outing by the pitching staff.

Oaxaca set the tone early in the second inning when Mel Rojas Jr. launched a two-run home run to deep left-center field, scoring Yariel González. El Águila managed to get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second after Alí Solís drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in a run to make it 2-1. However, the Guerreros capitalized on a wild pitch by Dinelson Lamet in the fourth to extend their lead to 3-1.

The game broke open in the eighth inning. The Zapotec offense displayed remarkable discipline, loading the bases and drawing a walk to score their fourth run. This was followed by a line-drive RBI single from Ricardo Valenzuela, an infielder's choice groundout by Jorge Flores, and a sacrifice fly by Luis Barrera. By the end of the frame, Oaxaca held a commanding 7-1 lead.

Veracruz added a late run in the bottom of the eighth, but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback. Robert Dugger earned the win, while Dinelson Lamet took the loss. With this victory, the Guerreros establish themselves as a formidable force in the series, combining veteran power with disciplined plate appearances.

Donovan Mitchell delivered a performance for the ages on Monday night, scoring 39 of his 43 points in the second half to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 112-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons. 

Photo: ESPN

The win levels the Eastern Conference Semifinals at 2-2, shifting the momentum back to Cleveland as the series returns to Detroit.

Mitchell’s second-half explosion tied the long-standing NBA playoff record for points in a single half, a mark set by Eric “Sleepy” Floyd in 1987. After a lackluster first half where he managed only four points, "Spida" Mitchell came out of the locker room inspired. He fueled a devastating 23-0 run to start the third quarter, a stretch that completely demoralized a Pistons squad that had led 56-52 at the break.

Supporting Mitchell's historic night, James Harden secured a crucial double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Evan Mobley anchored the defense with five blocks and 17 points. For Detroit, Caris LeVert led the scoring with 24 points, but the Pistons struggled to contain Cleveland’s transition offense during the decisive third-quarter surge.

"It’s not just about scoring; it’s about setting the tone," Mitchell said post-game. "I didn't do that in the first half, so I had to send a message." With the series now a best-of-three, Game 5 on Wednesday in Detroit looms as a pivotal crossroads for both franchises.

In a surprising move that bypassed official federation announcements, Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa reported to Mexico’s High Performance Center (CAR) this Monday. 

Photo: Mexsport

The 40-year-old legendary goalkeeper took to social media to announce the start of what he calls his "last training camp," signaling his formal pursuit of a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance.

Currently playing for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, Ochoa’s arrival comes ahead of Javier Aguirre's official squad list. The veteran goalkeeper shared an emotional message reflecting on his two-decade journey with "El Tri." "Wearing this jersey was never a routine... it was a privilege," Ochoa stated, noting that he returns with "more scars and more memories," but the same childhood passion to defend the Mexican crest.

Ochoa’s path to the 2026 tournament—set to be co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S., and Canada—is not without obstacles. Having not seen competitive minutes for the national team since early 2024, he faces stiff competition from younger talents like Luis Ángel Malagón and Raúl "Tala" Rangel. Despite being an unused substitute in the recent friendly against Portugal, Ochoa remains steadfast. "I am here to fight for my spot," he previously told TUDN, emphasizing his belief that his best performances have historically come while representing his country.

If successful, Ochoa would become the first player in football history to be part of six World Cup rosters, a milestone he could potentially share with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For now, the veteran is back on home soil, training while his teammates are on break, proving that for some legends, the fire never truly goes out.

The Mexican National Team has officially unveiled its third kit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a sleek black design that pays tribute to the country’s legacy as a World Cup host in 1970, 1986, and the upcoming edition co-hosted with the United States and Canada.

Photo: ig adidasmx

The kit features an all-black base across the jersey, shorts, and socks, accented with green, white, and red detailing across adidas’ signature three stripes. The adidas Originals logo and the national team crest appear in tricolor, reinforcing Mexico’s national identity within a modern, performance-driven design.

Green accents highlight the V-neck collar and sleeves, while the phrase “Somos México” is placed as a symbolic message of pride and unity ahead of the tournament.

Mexican FA president Ivar Sisniega emphasized the emotional significance of the kit, stating it represents the history, passion, and spirit of an entire nation every time the team steps onto the pitch.

Adidas México described the jersey as more than innovation, calling it a cultural tribute to Mexico as a 2026 World Cup host nation.

The third kit will be available starting May 11 through adidas stores and official online platforms. Its use during the World Cup remains subject to FIFA approval and kit color combinations with opposing teams.

English