On January 15, 2020, Yamichel Pérez secured the third victory for the Matanzas Cocodrilos against the Camagüey Toros during the fourth game of the final in the 59th National Baseball Series. Today, just over six years later, now transformed into "The Talisman" of the team managed by Armando Ferrer, he will once again take the ball for the fourth game—but this time aiming to complete the sweep against the Las Tunas Leñadores at the Latinoamericano Stadium.

Back then, the left-hander delivered a quality start, allowing two runs, accumulating five hits, and striking out five over eight innings. Today, the stakes are high, but with the advantage of being just one win away from securing the second crown in domestic classics, both under the guidance of Armando Ferrer.

Likewise, in the postseason, Pérez defeated the squad from the Balcony of the East, three runs to one, over 6.1 immaculate innings with eight hits allowed in 23 official at-bats, along with three walks and a pair of strikeouts, as part of the quarterfinals in the 61st edition of the island's main tournament.

On the opposing bench, the two-time defending champions take the field with wounded pride and significant shortcomings when it comes to manufacturing runs, in addition to a depleted pitching staff facing the challenge posed by their current rivals.

The Cocodrilos (3-0) double the Leñadores (0-3) in head-to-head playoff matchups, with 16 wins and eight losses—translating to three series won out of four opportunities.

Cuba's baseball crown is at stake. The Yumurinos will seek this Saturday to reunite with glory by stringing together four victories, while the green-and-red team will cling to veteran experience to escape the crisis and preserve hopes of a potential comeback—difficult, but not impossible, as recognized by manager Abeysi Pantoja.