Matanzas, August 16 (PL) - Yurisbel Gracial, Yoennis Yera, Ariel Martínez, and Andrys Pérez, who were part of the Cuban team in the recent World Baseball Classic, are leading the Matanzas Cocodrilos lineup for the 64th National Baseball Series (CNS), as announced by sports officials in the western province today.

Among the 40 players listed on the institutional Facebook pages, notable athletes with significant experience in the national pastime include Noelvis Entenza, Armando Dueñas, Yamichel Pérez, Aníbal Medina, Yariel Duque, Eduardo Blanco, and José A. Noroña, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the previous season.

Moreover, new players with impressive histories in youth categories are drawing attention, such as Shaiel Cruz, Silvio B. Iturralde, Yosney García, Rey Charles Chacón, Dayán Ibáñez, Brayan Peña, and Hangelo Videt, who come after showcasing their skills in the latest under-23 tournament.

The statement further explains that for Yadil Mujica and Jean Earwin Walters, who live overseas, their inclusion will rely on how quickly they fulfill their international obligations.

Armando Ferrer, who has managed the team for six consecutive years, recently stated that the squad aims to secure a spot in the playoffs in the upcoming Elite League and to contend for the championship, a title Matanzas has not won since the 59th Series, which ended in 2020.

Matanzas roster for the 64th National Baseball Series

Pitchers (18): Yoennis Yera, Renner Rivero, Noelvis Entenza, Armando Dueñas, Haykel Parra, Denis Quesada, Yamichel Pérez, Pedro Mesa, Shaiel Cruz de Armas, Luis M. Hernández, Roilán Averohff, Yosney García, Rubén A. Mene, Carlos L. Batista, Lázaro Zulueta, Silvio B. Iturralde, Moisés Palacio, and Hasiel Suárez. 

Catchers (4): Ariel Martínez, Andrys Pérez, Yoandry Jiménez, and George A. Ponce.

Infielders (10): Yurisbel Gracial, Yariel Duque, Aníbal Medina, Adrián J. Pérez, Luis A. Sánchez, Juan Miguel Martínez, Rey Charles Chacón, Juan E. Manrique, Eduardo Parreira, and Dayán E. Ibáñez.

Outfielders (8): Eduardo Blanco, José Amaury Noroña, José de Jesús Pren, Esteban Terry, Brayan Peña, Pavel A. Gómez, Hangelo Videt, and Dariel D. Rojo.

Manager: Armando Ferrer.