Raidel unbeatable in Japan and Despaigne hits a home run

Havana, July 15 (JIT) - Cuba's Alfredo Despaigne hit his third home run in the Japan Professional Baseball League 2022, on the same day that Raidel Martinez earned his 20th save of the season.

The Granma slugger towed all the runs for the Softbank Falcons, who lost 2x3 to the Orix Buffaloes at the Pay Pay Dome in Fukuoka.

The West Indian, who had not homered since June 9, raised his average to .257 and his hit total to five.

His compatriot and teammate Liván Moinelo struck out the three batters he faced in a perfect inning of relief to improve his effectiveness to 0.91.

On the same date, at the Vantelin Dome in Nagoya, Raidel Martinez earned his 20th save after retiring all three opponents he faced in a row in one inning of relief. Thus he helped the Chunichi Dragons to a 4x1 victory over the Yakult Swallows.

The right-hander from Pinar del Río has 28 consecutive scoreless outings and reduced his effectiveness to 0.30.

His compatriot and teammate Ariel Martínez went 3-1 with a single to keep his average at .295. Cuban Dayán Viciedo also failed in four visits to the plate to lower his average to .275.