Omar Figueroa chosen by Golden Boy Promotions for newest ad campaign with Tecate.

MIDLAND — The Rio Grande Valley Bravos had numerous opportunities to score in their game against West Texas United. However, the Sockers took advantage of one of their many opportunities when it mattered the most late in the contest and went on to preserve a 1-0 win Saturday night at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland.

With the win, the Sockers improve to 6-3-1 and have a total of 19 points to remain four points behind the Mid-South division leader Dallas-Fort Worth. As for the Bravos, they fall to 2-6-3 overall and remain at nine points in the standings.

The Bravos had a chance to score the first goal of the game as Emmanuel Harris scored on a breakaway at the 29 minute mark, but the goal was waived off due to an offsides call.

Ricky Rodriguez took a shot on goal for Rio Grande Valley at the 35 minute mark, but Sockers goalkeeper Leif Craddock made an outstanding save to keep the game scoreless.

West Texas United had quite a few opportunities to score throughout the contest as they out shot the Bravos 19-4. Also, Bravos goalkeeper Juan Gamboa came up with some huge saves as he ended up with five in the contest.

The Sockers had their best chance to score at the 75th minute of the contest as Jose DeSantiago attempted to score on a header, but the ball hit the top of the crossbar and just fell behind the net.

West Texas United finally ended the scoring drought as Angel Zapata punched it in on a header at the 81 minute mark of the second half giving them a 1-0 lead. The goal was eventually waived off due to an offsides call. But the referees changed their decision and the goal remained in tact for the Sockers.

The next game for the Bravos is Saturday, July 3rd as they host the Laredo Heat with game time at 7:00 p.m.

WEST TEXAS UNITED WIN HARD FOUGHT BATTLE 1-0 AGAINST RGV
MIDLAND — The Rio Grande Valley Bravos had numerous opportunities to score in their game against West Texas United. However, the Sockers took advantage of one of their many opportunities when it mattered the most late in the contest and went on to preserve a 1-0 win Saturday night at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland.With the win, the Sockers improve to 6-3-1 and have a total of 19 points to remain four points behind the Mid-South division leader Dallas-Fort Worth. As for the Bravos, they fall to 2-6-3 overall and remain at nine points in the standings.The Bravos had a chance to score the first goal of the game as Emmanuel Harris scored on a breakaway at the 29 minute mark, but the goal was waived off due to an offsides call.Ricky Rodriguez took a shot on goal for Rio Grande Valley at the 35 minute mark, but Sockers goalkeeper Leif Craddock made an outstanding save to keep the game scoreless.West Texas United had quite a few opportunities to score throughout the contest as they out shot the Bravos 19-4. Also, Bravos goalkeeper Juan Gamboa came up with some huge saves as he ended up with five in the contest.The Sockers had their best chance to score at the 75th minute of the contest as Jose DeSantiago attempted to score on a header, but the ball hit the top of the crossbar and just fell behind the net.West Texas United finally ended the scoring drought as Angel Zapata punched it in on a header at the 81 minute mark of the second half giving them a 1-0 lead. The goal was eventually waived off due to an offsides call. But the referees changed their decision and the goal remained in tact for the Sockers.The next game for the Bravos is Saturday, July 3rd as they host the Laredo Heat with game time at 7:00 p.m.

HARLINGEN, Texas—The Edinburg Roadrunners continued their sweep of the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings with a 7-5 win Saturday night at Harlingen Field.

Edinburg is now winners of eight straight against RGV and with the win.

The WhiteWings (14-16) got on the board early posting four runs on three hits off Roadrunners (22-7) starter Mike Reeves.

Edinburg came within two in the seconds after a two-run homer from Carlos Hereaud, his fifth this season to make it a 4-2 game in favor of the Wings.

The Roadrunners pulled ahead of RGV with the help of a five run third inning which saw starting pitcher Andres Rosales replaced with Freddy Ballestas after singles by Osiel Flores, Felix Molina and Wilson Batstista and a two-run double by Heareaud. Robert Matlock finished out the inning with a single to center field to score Hereaud giving Edinburg the 7-4 lead.

RGV scored once more in the fifth, but the Roadrunners pitching was solid the rest of the night giving Edinburg their fifth straight win.

The Roadrunners return home tomorrow to face the San Angelo Colts in the first of four games. Tim Haines will take the mound for Edinburg to face a pitcher to be announced.

Tickets are available by calling the front office at (956) 380-4446 or by visiting www.etixx.com .

ROADRUNNERS SWEEP WINGS FOR SECOND TIME Friday June 25, 2010 HARLINGEN, Texas—The Edinburg Roadrunners continued their sweep of the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings with a 7-5 win Saturday night at Harlingen Field. Edinburg is now winners of eight straight against RGV and with the win. The WhiteWings (14-16) got on the board early posting four runs on three hits off Roadrunners (22-7) starter Mike Reeves. Edinburg came within two in the seconds after a two-run homer from Carlos Hereaud, his fifth this season to make it a 4-2 game in favor of the Wings. The Roadrunners pulled ahead of RGV with the help of a five run third inning which saw starting pitcher Andres Rosales replaced with Freddy Ballestas after singles by Osiel Flores, Felix Molina and Wilson Batstista and a two-run double by Heareaud. Robert Matlock finished out the inning with a single to center field to score Hereaud giving Edinburg the 7-4 lead. RGV scored once more in the fifth, but the Roadrunners pitching was solid the rest of the night giving Edinburg their fifth straight win. The Roadrunners return home tomorrow to face the San Angelo Colts in the first of four games. Tim Haines will take the mound for Edinburg to face a pitcher to be announced. Tickets are available by calling the front office at (956) 380-4446 or by visiting www.etixx.com .

Harlingen – United League Baseball’s Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings announced today that they have signed former Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher Luis Martinez (6-6, 220).

He takes the roster spot of starting pitcher Kevin Dietrich (6-0, 190, UNC Pembroke), who retired prior to Thursday’s game.

A 30-year old out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Martinez pitched for the Brewers in 2003. In four starts he was 0-3 with a 9.92 ERA. In 16.1 innings he struck out 10 while allowing 25 hits and 15 walks. He has been playing professionally since 1998 and last pitched for Saltillo in the Mexican League (AAA) in 2008. His best season was 2003, when, in addition to his Major League call-up, he went 4-0 with a 0.99 ERA in seven starts for AAA Indianapolis. He struck out 46 in 45.2 innings.

Martinez is the second ex-big leaguer to join the WhiteWings this season, along with right-handed pitcher Anderson Garcia (6-3, 220).

Dietrich was hitting .275 with two doubles and four RBI in 23 games.

WHITEWINGS SIGN EX-MAJOR LEAGUE STARTING PITCHER
Dietrich Retires
June 26, 2010 Harlingen – United League Baseball’s Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings announced today that they have signed former Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher Luis Martinez (6-6, 220).

He takes the roster spot of starting pitcher Kevin Dietrich (6-0, 190, UNC Pembroke), who retired prior to Thursday’s game.

A 30-year old out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Martinez pitched for the Brewers in 2003. In four starts he was 0-3 with a 9.92 ERA. In 16.1 innings he struck out 10 while allowing 25 hits and 15 walks. He has been playing professionally since 1998 and last pitched for Saltillo in the Mexican League (AAA) in 2008. His best season was 2003, when, in addition to his Major League call-up, he went 4-0 with a 0.99 ERA in seven starts for AAA Indianapolis. He struck out 46 in 45.2 innings.

Martinez is the second ex-big leaguer to join the WhiteWings this season, along with right-handed pitcher Anderson Garcia (6-3, 220).

Dietrich was hitting .275 with two doubles and four RBI in 23 games.

EL PASO — The Rio Grande Valley Bravos dropped their third straight game as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Chivas El Paso Patriots Friday night at Gary Del Palacios Field of Dreams in El Paso.

With the win, El Paso improves to 4-5-3 and has 15 overall points. Rio Grande Valley falls to 2-6-3 and stands at nine points in the Mid-South division of the United Soccer League.

El Paso struck first as Mario Garcia scored on a chip shot from the right side, causing it to fall into the top left corner of the net at the fifteen minute mark giving them a 1-0 lead.

The Bravos had a chance to tie it up at the 38 minute mark as Enrique Rivera attempted a header, but the ball sailed slightly over the crossbar.

The Patriots had a golden opportunity to take a 2-0 lead as the ball was rolling into the net, but Juan Gamboa made an outstanding save at the 11 minute mark of the second half to keep it at 1-0 El Paso.

Rivera got his second chance to score as he took a shot on goal, but it went inches over the right side of the post at the 20 minute mark of the second half.

El Paso eventually got their second goal of the game as Edgar Mendoza scored on a straight shot on goal at the 31 minute mark of the second half. Mendoza nailed it from just outside of the penalty box and Gamboa couldn’t get to it.

The next game for the Bravos is tomorrow as they travel to Midland and face the West Texas Sockers with the game time set for 7:30 p.m.

BRAVOS FALL TO CHIVAS EL PASO 2-0
EL PASO — The Rio Grande Valley Bravos dropped their third straight game as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Chivas El Paso Patriots Friday night at Gary Del Palacios Field of Dreams in El Paso.With the win, El Paso improves to 4-5-3 and has 15 overall points. Rio Grande Valley falls to 2-6-3 and stands at nine points in the Mid-South division of the United Soccer League.El Paso struck first as Mario Garcia scored on a chip shot from the right side, causing it to fall into the top left corner of the net at the fifteen minute mark giving them a 1-0 lead.The Bravos had a chance to tie it up at the 38 minute mark as Enrique Rivera attempted a header, but the ball sailed slightly over the crossbar.The Patriots had a golden opportunity to take a 2-0 lead as the ball was rolling into the net, but Juan Gamboa made an outstanding save at the 11 minute mark of the second half to keep it at 1-0 El Paso.Rivera got his second chance to score as he took a shot on goal, but it went inches over the right side of the post at the 20 minute mark of the second half.El Paso eventually got their second goal of the game as Edgar Mendoza scored on a straight shot on goal at the 31 minute mark of the second half. Mendoza nailed it from just outside of the penalty box and Gamboa couldn’t get to it.The next game for the Bravos is tomorrow as they travel to Midland and face the West Texas Sockers with the game time set for 7:30 p.m.

HARLINGEN, Texas—Despite a late rally by the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings in the bottom of the ninth, the Edinburg Roadrunners remain unbeaten on the season against the Wings after a 4-3 win Friday night at Harlingen Field.

The WhiteWings (14-15) got on the board first off Edinburg (21-7) starter Eric Montoya in the sixth inning after Arlon Quiroz tripled to right field and Eric Gonzalez singled to score Quiroz.

The Roadrunners fired back in the seventh starting with a walk to Osiel Flores who then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Wilmer Pino then singled to center field scoring Pino to tie things up.

Edinburg added another run in the eighth and two more in the ninth giving them the 4-1 lead.

Joel Roa notched a two-run homer off Edinburg closer Julio Castro to bring RGV within one, but Castro preserved the save opportunity with two strikeouts and a flyout giving the Roadrunners the win.

Montoya allowed one run on seven hits with five strikeouts in seven innings of work, while Aaron Guerra picked up the win in his one inning in relief for the Roadrunners.

Edinburg and RGV will face each other in the final game of the series tomorrow night at Harlingen Field. Mike Reeves will start for the Roadrunners on the mound and will be facing Andres Rosales with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.

RUNNERS EDGE WINGS 4-3 Friday June 25, 2010 HARLINGEN, Texas—Despite a late rally by the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings in the bottom of the ninth, the Edinburg Roadrunners remain unbeaten on the season against the Wings after a 4-3 win Friday night at Harlingen Field. The WhiteWings (14-15) got on the board first off Edinburg (21-7) starter Eric Montoya in the sixth inning after Arlon Quiroz tripled to right field and Eric Gonzalez singled to score Quiroz. The Roadrunners fired back in the seventh starting with a walk to Osiel Flores who then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Wilmer Pino then singled to center field scoring Pino to tie things up. Edinburg added another run in the eighth and two more in the ninth giving them the 4-1 lead. Joel Roa notched a two-run homer off Edinburg closer Julio Castro to bring RGV within one, but Castro preserved the save opportunity with two strikeouts and a flyout giving the Roadrunners the win. Montoya allowed one run on seven hits with five strikeouts in seven innings of work, while Aaron Guerra picked up the win in his one inning in relief for the Roadrunners. Edinburg and RGV will face each other in the final game of the series tomorrow night at Harlingen Field. Mike Reeves will start for the Roadrunners on the mound and will be facing Andres Rosales with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.

BROWNSVILLE — The Rio Grande Valley Bravos are celebrating the fourth of July early as they will have a fireworks display, sponsored by the City of Brownsville Saturday, July 3rd at the Brownsville Sports Complex immediately after their 7:00 p.m. game against the Laredo Heat

On the same night, the Bravos will have motorcycle riders from all over the Valley come out and show their support for a fallen biker and will present the colors during the national anthem.

Local bike clubs, led by Kike Hinojosa, will be selling tickets throughout the week for “Magic”, one of their

fellow brother bikers who was seriously injured in an accident last month and is currently in intensive care. Partial proceeds for this fundraising effort, led by the Bravos and Hinojosa will benefit “Magic” and his medical bills. Advanced tickets can be purchased by calling Hinojosa at 956-532-8523 and John Cannon at 956-534-3051. Also, advanced tickets can be purchased online at www.mtalliancetx.com/tickets.html.

Anyone who wants to participate in the first annual “RGV Bravos/Paradise Roadhouse 3rd of July Motorcycle Run and Rally” can show up at Paradise Roadhouse in Weslaco at 4:00 p.m. This event is open to the public and welcome to all motorcycle clubs as well. Bikes will leave Paradise in route to the sports complex at approximately 5:30 p.m.

“The Bravos are pleased to partner up with Paradise Road House to usher in the first annual 3rd of July motorcycle rally,” said Bravos president Kru Kayan Sitsanthaparn.“ “This event marks the first for any sports franchise in the Rio Grande Valley and most importantly serves to honor our country, our veterans, and those that gave their lives and are currently fighting for our freedoms.”

“Additionally, this bike rally serves to bring new awareness to our patriotic values, culture and South Texas heritage. As an example of this spirit, the bikers are coming together to raise money for a fellow brother biker. Our celebration will culminate in true American fashion with a fireworks display presented by city of Brownsville.”

BRAVOS PRESENTS FIRST ANNUAL BIKE RUN AND RALLY
BROWNSVILLE — The Rio Grande Valley Bravos are celebrating the fourth of July early as they will have a fireworks display, sponsored by the City of Brownsville Saturday, July 3rd at the Brownsville Sports Complex immediately after their 7:00 p.m. game against the Laredo HeatOn the same night, the Bravos will have motorcycle riders from all over the Valley come out and show their support for a fallen biker and will present the colors during the national anthem.Local bike clubs, led by Kike Hinojosa, will be selling tickets throughout the week for “Magic”, one of theirfellow brother bikers who was seriously injured in an accident last month and is currently in intensive care. Partial proceeds for this fundraising effort, led by the Bravos and Hinojosa will benefit “Magic” and his medical bills. Advanced tickets can be purchased by calling Hinojosa at 956-532-8523 and John Cannon at 956-534-3051. Also, advanced tickets can be purchased online at www.mtalliancetx.com/tickets.html.Anyone who wants to participate in the first annual “RGV Bravos/Paradise Roadhouse 3rd of July Motorcycle Run and Rally” can show up at Paradise Roadhouse in Weslaco at 4:00 p.m. This event is open to the public and welcome to all motorcycle clubs as well. Bikes will leave Paradise in route to the sports complex at approximately 5:30 p.m.“The Bravos are pleased to partner up with Paradise Road House to usher in the first annual 3rd of July motorcycle rally,” said Bravos president Kru Kayan Sitsanthaparn.“ “This event marks the first for any sports franchise in the Rio Grande Valley and most importantly serves to honor our country, our veterans, and those that gave their lives and are currently fighting for our freedoms.”“Additionally, this bike rally serves to bring new awareness to our patriotic values, culture and South Texas heritage. As an example of this spirit, the bikers are coming together to raise money for a fellow brother biker. Our celebration will culminate in true American fashion with a fireworks display presented by city of Brownsville.”

Omar ran into a speed bump when his competition decided to hit him five times below the belt, and was disqualified.  However, he did increase his undefeated record.  We were behing the scenes all week and especially fight night.

On the eve of Omar’s first televised Golden Boy Promotions fight, we caught up with him and other boxers who will be making their mark.