Caribbean Series Semifinals Set as Mexico's Charros de Jalisco Face Puerto Rico's Cangrejeros in High-Stakes Showdown

The 68th edition of the Caribbean Series reached its semifinal stage on February 6, 2026, as four teams prepared to compete at Estadio Panamericano in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, with spots in Saturday's championship final on the line. After an intense round-robin stage that concluded on February 5, the semifinal matchups were set: third-place Tomateros de Culiacan facing fourth-place Leones del Escogido at 3 p.m. ET, followed by top-seeded Charros de Jalisco taking on second-place Cangrejeros de Santurce at 8 p.m. ET. The Caribbean Series, Latin America's premier baseball tournament, brings together champions from Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Panama for a week of elite competition. This year's tournament format features a round-robin stage where all four teams play each other, followed by semifinals where the fourth-place team faces first place and third meets second. The winners advance to the championship game, creating a high-pressure environment where every pitch matters and national pride hangs in the balance. Charros de Jalisco earned the top seed after a stellar round-robin performance, including a crucial 4-2 victory over fellow Mexican representative Tomateros de Culiacan that secured their advantageous semifinal position. The home team has fed off the energy of passionate Mexican crowds filling Estadio Panamericano, with their balanced roster featuring strong pitching and timely hitting. Their semifinal opponent, Cangrejeros de Santurce from Puerto Rico, advanced after defeating Panama's Federales de Chiriquí 8-3 in a decisive round-robin contest that showcased their offensive firepower. The tournament has delivered exceptional baseball throughout the round-robin stage, with close games and dramatic moments keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Tomateros de Culiacan rebounded from their loss to Jalisco with a 10-7 victory over the Dominican Republic's Leones del Escogido in the final round-robin game, demonstrating the resilience that could prove crucial in semifinal play. The Escogido, despite finishing fourth, possess championship pedigree and veteran leadership that makes them dangerous in elimination scenarios. All Caribbean Series games air live on MLB Network and stream on MLBN Direct-To-Consumer and MLB.TV, providing baseball fans across the Americas access to this historic tournament. The event has become a celebration of Caribbean baseball culture, blending top-level competition with passionate fan support and regional rivalries that stretch back decades. The 2026 edition has been particularly competitive, with no team dominating the round-robin stage and all four semifinalists entering with legitimate championship aspirations. The winners of Friday's semifinals will meet in the championship game on Saturday, February 7, 2026, with one team earning the right to call themselves Caribbean Series champions. For Charros de Jalisco, the pressure of performing as the host nation adds extra intensity to their title pursuit, while the other three teams aim to silence the home crowd and claim baseball supremacy across the Caribbean basin.