Ojeda Goes 2-for-3 With 3 Rbi’s, To Give Mumbai Its First Professional Baseball Victory
DUBAI, UAE (November 16, 2025) – Mexican catcher Miguel Ojeda and Filipino infielder Ian Mercado each drove in two runs with a single, while Raúl Shah added an RBI double to cap off an early 5-run attack in the first inning. Combined with solid pitching from Nyan Hernández and the Cobras’ airtight bullpen, Mumbai defeated Karachi Monarchs 8-4, tying the historic first series of Baseball United Season One (1-1). The rubber match of the series starts at 4pm GST on Sunday, November 16th.
Besides Ojeda, Ian Mercado (2-for-4 with 2 RBI’s) and Raul Shah (2-for-4 with 1 RBI and 1 strikeout) stood up for the Indian team's offense.
Despite falling one-third of an inning short to qualify for the victory, Nyan Hernandez had the best outing for a starting pitcher so far, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing just one earned run. He struck out 3 batters.
Other highlights:
- Mumbai's bullpen performance was key to maintaining the lead. Brandon Kaminer (2.1 IP, 0 ER, 0 W, 2 K) earned the win in relief, despite Jacob Hasty struggled (1 H, 2 UR, 1 W 1 SO), Chandler Woolridge finished the labor with a 1.1 perfect road (3 SO) to finish the job. Karachi’s starting pitcher Franklin Van Gurp took the loss after allowing five runs in the first inning. No starting pitcher has yet been credited with a victory after two regular-season games.
- Faisal Hayat became the first Pakistani-born player in Baseball United Season 1 Karachi franchise’s history; the Pakistani national team player completed two high quality innings where he appeared indecipherable. On the other hand, Musharaf Khan came in to pitch in the ninth inning, to continue the Pakistani national pride in the bullpen. Like his countryman, the RHP also completed the ninth inning scoreless, with one walk and one strikeout.
- Karachi manager Jay Bell requested the use of the Fire Ball against his son, Brantley Bell, who plays for Mumbai. Facing Scott Ellis, the Bell heir struck out three times in a single at-bat. Although he won the game, he succumbed to his father in this family duel. This was tonight’s only successful attempt either for Fire Ball or Money Ball. Ellis struck out 4 more batters.
