Monterrey tops Monclova to advance in playoffs

Mendy Lopez's go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning led Monterrey past visiting Monclova, 2-1, to advance to the second round of the Mexican League playoffs.

Lopez, hitting .160 in postseason, delivered the clutch two-out hit in the decisive seventh game. The 33-year-old plated Heber Gomez with a line drive to right field on an 0-1 pitch from Matthew Hammons to snap a tie. He also knocked home Donzell McDonald with a sacrifice fly in the fourth for the Sultanes (4-3).

Jose Silva (2-0) struck out one in the eighth to pick up the win, and Maximo De La Rosa worked a perfect ninth for his first save of the playoffs. Former Major Leaguer Felix Heredia started and allowed one run on six hits and a walk with three strikeouts over five innings.

The Acereros (3-4) managed six hits, scoring their lone run in the fourth when Richardo Saenz belted a one-out solo homer to left.

Hammons (1-2) allowed the go-ahead run for the loss. He allowed two hits and a walk, retiring two batters in the eighth. Starter Jasiel Acosta was sharp in seven innings, allowing one run on five hits and two walks with one strikeout.

Monterrey will host Saltillo on Saturday.