The Matanzas Crocodiles held firm in first place of the 64th National Baseball Series by securing their ninth consecutive victory today, defeating the Mayabeque Hurricanes 11-4.

Armando Ferrer's squad connected for nine hits, including a home run by Yurisbel Gracial, to overpower their rivals at the Nelson Fernández stadium and withstand the push of the pursuing pack of teams, who also continue to add victories.

Gracial led the Yumurino attack, going 4-for-3 with five RBIs, thus supporting the combined effort of pitchers Pedro Mesa (2-0) and Denis Quedada, who contained the momentum of the hosts.

The Las Tunas Lumberjacks (9-2) edged the Granma Stallions 4-3 at the Mártires de Barbados stadium. The win was thanks to a single by Maykel Yordan Molina that tied the score in the sixth inning and another by Héctor Castillo that gave them the definitive lead.

A base hit by Yosvani Alarcón that drove in two runners was also decisive, along with relief pitching from Keniel Ferraz and a save from closer Alberto Pablo Civil, who secured the seventh consecutive victory for the green-and-red squad. They now remain just one game behind the leader.

For the Granma team, Alfredo Despaigne hit his fourth home run of the tournament.

The Holguín Cubs (9-2), visiting the Augusto César Sandino stadium, defeated the Villa Clara Leopards 10-2 to reach their sixth win in a row and remain in the group hot on Matanzas' heels.

Yasiel González, Lázaro Cedeño, Nelson Batista, and Edward Magaña all homered for the winners, while Cristian Moré did so for the defeated.

The Santiago de Cuba Wasps (9-2) also stayed in the hunt by defeating the Guantánamo Indians 16-7 at the Nguyen Van Troi stadium, notching their fourth straight win. Veteran Edilse Silva connected for a home run for the Santiago team, while Robert Luis Delgado and Biorgelvis Roque went deep for the home side.

In other matchups, the Cienfuegos Elephants rallied at their 5 de Septiembre stadium to dispatch the Sancti Spíritus Roosters 9-2, with a win for Hermes González and a home run from Erisbel Arruebarrena.

Finally, the Camagüey Bulls shut out the Ciego de Ávila Tigers 12-0, backed by a solid start from left-hander Dariel Góngora. Eglis Eugellés batted 4-for-4 and reaffirmed his position as the offensive leader of the championship with an astronomical .765 batting average.

The clash between Pinar del Río and Artemisa was called due to rain in the sixth inning while the Hunters were leading 4-0. Meanwhile, the Industriales-Isla de la Juventud game, scheduled for the Cristóbal Labra stadium, was postponed due to inclement weather.