Even though at press time (Friday, August 13) their wild card playoff series against the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna hung in the balance, the Mariachis de Guadalajara– this season’s Mexican Baseball League (LMB) debutantes– became the first team to advance to the Zonal Series.

After suffering a defeat on Thursday evening in Torreon, the Mariachis led the seven-game series 3-2, but even if they lose their final two home games with the Algodoneros this weekend, they will still advance as the LMB’s “best loser,” given their regular season win-loss record (46-15).

Although the Mariachis’ next opponents were unknown at press time, the team is likely guaranteed home advantage for the first two games of the Zonal Series, on Tuesday, August 17, and Wednesday, August 18.  Should that series go past five games, the players will return to the Estadio Panamericano in Zapopan for the final two games on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 24 and 25. Check boletomovil.com for confirmed start times and ticket purchase details.