Charros de Jalisco Win Caribbean Series Title Before World Baseball Classic

Mexico's Charros de Jalisco defeat Tomateros de Culiacán in dramatic 12-11 victory, signaling a resurgence of baseball in the country.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 5:55am

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The Charros de Jalisco's dramatic 12-11 victory over the Tomateros de Culiacán in the 2026 Caribbean Series championship game marked the 10th Caribbean Series title for Mexico and the first for the Charros franchise. Manager Benji Gil, fresh off his first Caribbean Series title in six attempts, now turns his attention to leading Team Mexico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Why it matters

The all-Mexico championship game was a thrilling conclusion to the 68th Caribbean Series, held in Guadalajara. The Charros' win solidifies their dominance in Mexican baseball, following two consecutive LMP titles, and signals a broader resurgence of baseball within Mexico.

The details

The championship game itself was a rollercoaster, with the Charros initially building a commanding 9-1 lead, only to see the Tomateros claw their way back into the contest with a six-run fifth inning. A late-game home run by Víctor Mendoza forced the game into extra innings, setting the stage for a wild finish. Two wild pitches in the bottom of the 10th inning allowed the Charros to secure the win, with series MVP Michael Wielanski scoring the winning run.

  • The 2026 Caribbean Series championship game was held on February 8, 2026.
  • The 2027 Caribbean Series is scheduled to be held in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
  • The Caribbean Series is expected to be held at loanDepot park in Miami for three consecutive years (2028-2030).

The players

Benji Gil

Manager of the Charros de Jalisco and the Mexican national team for the World Baseball Classic.

Víctor Mendoza

Player for the Tomateros de Culiacán who hit a late-game home run to force extra innings.

Michael Wielanski

Series MVP for the Charros de Jalisco, who scored the winning run in the 10th inning.

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What they’re saying

“The choice of Miami as a host city is strategic. Juan Francisco Puello Herrera, president of the Caribbean Confederation of Professional Baseball, highlighted Miami's appeal as a central location for fans traveling from both the United States and Latin American countries.”

— Juan Francisco Puello Herrera, President of the Caribbean Confederation of Professional Baseball

What’s next

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The takeaway

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