National Series: Elephants Put Pressure in Playoff Race

The Cienfuegos Elephants intensified the race in the 64th National Baseball Series’ playoff zone, defeating the Matanzas Crocodiles, while the Pinar del Río Vegueros had to suspend their game due to darkness, securing their matchup for the day.

In the battle for the final spot in this season’s quarterfinals, the Elephants came from behind to beat the Crocodiles 7-5. Meanwhile, the Vegueros’ game against the Havana Industriales was left unfinished in the eighth inning, with a score of 12-9 in favor of the Industriales.

A six-run rally in the sixth inning gave the southern team a sufficient advantage, bringing their total to 38 wins and mathematically eliminating the Santiago Avispas from advancing.

Erisbel Arruebarrena hit a home run with two teammates on base to establish the definitive lead, followed moments later by José Manuel Oramas, who completed the scoring surge.

Islay Sotolongo earned the win on the mound, pitching 8.1 innings while allowing five runs, two of which were driven in by a home run from Andrys Pérez.

With this result, Matanzas dropped to third place in the overall standings, overtaken by the Holguín Cachorros, who did not play this Friday.

At Nelson Fernández Stadium in San José de Las Lajas, the Sancti Spíritus Gallos defeated the Mayabeque Huracanes 9-5, completing their regular-season schedule and awaiting their quarterfinal opponents.

Rey Richard Ricardo was the most productive batter with a single, double, and three RBIs. Delvis Hernández went 5-for-3, and Frederich Cepeda Jr. hit 3-for-2, including a double and two RBIs.

Fernando Betanzo pitched five and two-thirds scoreless innings to claim his sixth win of the season, while Albert Valladares suffered the loss in a disappointing start, giving up six walks and five runs in just 1.1 innings.

Finally, at Mártires de Barbados Stadium in Bayamo, the Santiago de Cuba Avispas defeated the Granma Alazanes 12-11, marking the Alazanes’ eleventh consecutive loss.

Andy Rodríguez and Raydel Sánchez each hit home runs for the victorious team, bringing Santiago de Cuba’s total to 105 home runs in the tournament, continuing to set records in the 75-game championship format.

For the defeated side, Leonardo Alarcón stood out with a 5-for-4 performance, including a home run and four RBIs.