Samaria Benítez delivers clutch hit, earns MVP honours in historic first LMS All-Star Game
Mexico star Samaria Benítez drove in two decisive runs with a fourth-inning single to cap a three-run rally and power the South Zone to a 5–3 victory over the North Zone in the first All-Star Game in Liga Mexicana de Softbol (LMS) history at Estadio Domingo Santana in Leon.
The 23-year-old Benítez’s clutch performance earned her Most Valuable Player honours, capping a memorable showcase that marked the beginning of what is expected to become an annual tradition in Mexican softball.
The South Zone broke through in the third inning against reliever Yeraldine Carrión. Diana Vizcarra drew a leadoff walk and advanced to third on a single by USA international Janae Jefferson. Cuba's Leannelys Zayas then delivered a single to left field, driving in Vizcarra for the first run in LMS All-Star Game history.
The decisive rally came an inning later. Facing Eva Voortman of the Netherlands in relief, Italy's Erika Piancastelli and Marta Gasparotto reached base to start the fourth. After McKenzie Clark and Arisdelsy Higuera drew walks — the latter forcing in a run — Benítez stepped up with two outs and lined a single to center field, plating two more runs to extend the lead to 4–0.
The North Zone cut into the deficit in the fifth inning. Voortman helped her own cause with a two-run double that scored Ciara Bryan and McKenzie Clark, trimming the lead to 4–2.
In the sixth, USA's Baylee Klingler reached on an error and later scored on a double by Bryan against South reliever Lisa Hop of the Netherlands, bringing the North within one run at 4–3.
The South Zone answered immediately in the bottom of the sixth. Benítez - who represented Mexico at the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup 2023/2024 - was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, Makena Brocki followed with a single and Jazmyn Jackson drew a walk. Then Piancastelli worked a bases-loaded walk, so Benítez crossed the plate for an insurance run, establishing the final 5–3 score.
Three pitchers saw action for the South. Donnie Gobourne earned the win in relief, while Hop recorded the save. Another Mexican star Yeraldine Carrión was charged with the loss for the North.
The inaugural LMS All-Star Game concluded two days of festivities in León, leaving a lasting impression on fans and marking a milestone moment for professional softball in Mexico.