The Charros de Jalisco, identified as México Rojo, became the champions of the 2026 Caribbean Series by beating the Tomateros de Culiacán (México Verde) 12-11 at the Pan-American stadium in Zapopan.

Ten years after lifting their last trophy, Mexico was crowned again and this time, at home. The Guadalajara team, led by Benjamín Gil, repeated the dose against Lorenzo Bundy’s pupils, whom they also beat in the Pacific League final a couple of weeks ago.

The game seemed headed for a victory for the Guadalajara team in the fourth inning with the score 9-1 in their favor. However, the Tomateros did not give up and with a sublime performance by Víctor La Chule Mendoza, they tied the score at 10 to force extra innings. In the definition, Charros was better and at the close of the tenth, a wild pitch gave them the title.

The match had historical overtones. In the third inning, Michael Wielansky, from Charros, became the Mexican with the most hits in a single Caribbean Series with 14. He also tied the record for most hits in the competition.

Benjamín Gil, manager of the Guadalajara team, had an unforgettable night as he was only the second Mexican to win the competition as a manager and as a player. Before him, Francisco “Paquín” Estrada achieved it, as a catcher for the Águilas de Mexicali in 1986 and as manager of Tomateros de Culiacán in 1996 and 2002.

The last time a Mexican team lifted the trophy was on February 7, 2016 at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, when the Venados defeated the Tigres de Aragua 5-4 to undefeatedly win their second crown in a Caribbean Series.

Mexico ranks third among the countries with the most Series titles (10). The first two places are occupied by the Dominican Republic with 23 and Puerto Rico with 16.

Originally, the competition would be held in Venezuela, but the delicate political situation in the country forced the change of venue. After the decision, the team red wine decided not to participate in Guadalajara so Mexico decided to compete with two teams to complete the five necessary.

The next edition will be held in Hermosillo. After 14 years, the capital of Sonora will once again host the fair, the seventh in its history. The first edition was held in 1974, in the historic Héctor Espino stadium, where the Criollos de Caguas, from Puerto Rico, were proclaimed champions. The most recent was in 2013, when the Yaquis of Ciudad Obregón won the Caribbean title by defeating the Leones del Esgido of the Dominican Republic.