Aceves, Sultanes even Finals series

Alfredo Aceves pitched seven strong innings as Monterrey evened the Mexican League Finals with a 5-2 victory over visiting Yucatan in Game 6 on Thursday.

Aceves (3-2) allowed an unearned run on four hits while striking out six. Maximo De La Rosa entered with runners on first and second and retired pinch-hitter Hector Castaneda on a lineout to notch his fourth save as the Sultanes forced a decisive Game 7 on Friday night at Monterrey.

Mendy Lopez slugged a three-run homer, his third, in the first and Miguel Flores delivered a two-run double in the sixth for Monterrey (33-20), which had lost the previous two games.

Fernando Alejos scored on an error in the sixth and Willie Romero homered in the ninth for the Leones (35-19), who totaled six hits.

Yucatan starter Salvador Arellano (1-2) surrendered three runs on three hits and two walks while recording only two outs. Javier Martinez gave up two runs on four hits and a pair of walks in 4 2/3 frames.