Holguín Maintains Lead in Cuban Baseball Series

The Holguín Cubs preserved their position at the top of the 64th National Series after splitting victories with the Santiago Wasps, concluding the week's matchups in the 64th Cuban National Baseball Series.

In yesterday's sealed game, Santiago unleashed a seven-run offensive whirlwind in the ninth inning to win 11-6, backed by the strong arm of Osvaldo Acuña and the artillery of Andy Rodríguez, author of a grand slam and six RBIs. Jeison Martínez connected four hits and José Luis Gutiérrez three, in an assault that left pitcher Michel Cabrera with no answer.

However, Holguín responded with fury in the second contest, securing a 12-0 shutout victory with nine hits and a collective roar led by Marcos Luis Fonseca, Arley Poll, and the tournament's RBI leader, Lázaro Cedeño, who added two more RBIs to his tally. The win was credited to José Antonio Sánchez, while Alberto Bisset was charged with the loss.

Other Series Results

In Camagüey, the Bulls thwarted a potential sweep by defeating the Las Tunas Lumberjacks 8-4, fueled by 16 hits and a home run from Reinaldo Almanza. Abrahan Licea authored a 5.1-inning relief appearance to steer the team to victory.

Matanzas edged Industriales 3-2 at the Victoria de Girón stadium, guided by five scoreless innings from Shaiel Cruz and capital errors from the visiting team.

Cienfuegos reclaimed fifth place by overcoming La Isla 6-3, with Félix Rodríguez as the protagonist, hitting a home run and driving in five runs. Meanwhile, Mayabeque defeated Pinar del Río 7-4 at the Capitán San Luis, thanks to the offensive push from Pozo, Alfonso, and Ponce, each contributing two RBIs. Duvier Peña shone from the bullpen.

Sancti Spíritus avoided a sweep by Artemisa with a 3-2 triumph, supported by a Rey Richard Ricardo home run and a save from Yanielquis Duardo. Villa Clara completed a doubleheader sweep in Guantánamo (9-3 and 10-3), highlighted by two home runs from Jonathan Moreno in the day's second game.

Ciego de Ávila closed the series with a 7-5 victory over Granma, powered by a Dayán Ibáñez home run.