Vegueros and Elefantes Sweep Series in 65th SNB

With their victories today, the Vegueros de Pinar del Río and the Elefantes de Cienfuegos completed series sweeps over Isla de la Juventud and Villa Clara, respectively, as the 65th National Baseball Series concluded its eighth matchday.

At Capitán San Luis Stadium in Western Group A, the home team secured a 6-3 victory. The visiting Pirates took an early lead in the first inning on a home run by Hanly Verdecia. However, in the sixth, manager Alfonso Urquiola’s squad evened the score and secured the definitive lead, highlighted by a home run from Juan Manuel Pérez. Lester Benítez and Luis Pablo Acosta also homered in support of winning pitcher Mario Valle. Mario del Hoyo recorded the save, sealing the seventh consecutive win for the Pinar del Río squad.

Also playing at home at 5 de Septiembre Stadium in Western Group B, Cienfuegos defeated Villa Clara 4-2. RBI hits came off the bats of Luis Vicente Mateo, Inamsay Ramírez, and Raúl Pérez.

In other Western League results from Monday, Industriales shutout Artemisa 7-0, while defending champion Matanzas defeated Mayabeque 6-3, featuring the fourth save of the season by left-hander Naykel Cruz, who leads the league in that category.

In Eastern League action, Santiago de Cuba outlasted Holguín 15-11, Granma defeated Guantánamo 6-2, Las Tunas edged Sancti Spíritus 6-5, and Ciego de Ávila walked off Camagüey 3-2.

Also on Monday, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation announced the roster for the national Under-18 team, which will compete in the upcoming Pan American Championship in the Dominican Republic from October 22 to 29. The tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 World Cup, offering four berths.

Catchers: Frank J. Frías Castro (GRA) and Goar Daniel Pérez Vaca (VCL).

Infielders: Samuel Matis Espinosa (SCU), Anthony I. Navarro Benítez (MTZ), Dariel R. Cabrera Díaz (GRA), Leroy Cruz Bellido (HAB), Jorge L. Valera Madrazo (CFG), and César A. González Osorio (CFG).

Outfielders: Frederich Cepeda Echemendía (SSP), Dairon M. Suárez (LTU), Dairon O. Espinosa Aguilar (GRA), Mario A. Rangel Abreu (VCL), and Manuel A. Rangel Abreu (VCL).

Pitchers: Jesús A. López Arrechera (SSP), Luis D. Rodríguez Cruz (HOL), Osmar Forteza Rubido (PRI), Ronaldo Cruz García (PRI), Chrystoffer Sarría Remior (CFG), Dayron Reyes de la Cruz (CMG), and Marlon J. Rubalcaba Rodríguez (SCU).

Manager: Alexei Moré Rodríguez (VCL).