Industriales beat Santiago de Cuba 7-4—but the Wasps won the series

In the final "classic" game of the regular season, Industriales defeated the Santiago de Cuba Wasps 7-4, leveling their head-to-head series at 4-4. Despite this, the Santiago team held a TQB advantage (+0.113) due to their superior overall offensive output (59-56 in runs) in this III Cuban Baseball Elite League.

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Crucial Moment: The Sixth-Inning Surge

With another outstanding performance from right-hander Yadián Martínez (3-0, 2.63 ERA, 19 K/3 BB), who delivered his fifth straight quality start, the Leones shifted the momentum of the game. The match remained tight until the sixth inning, when Industriales exploded with four runs, capitalizing on Santiago de Cuba's defensive errors that ultimately decided the game's outcome.

With the bases loaded and two outs, Dayron Miranda hit a ground ball to the shortstop. However, when shortstop Maikol Poll attempted to field it for a force out at second, a sharp bounce sent the ball over him and into center field. Miranda's single brought in two runs, and Alfredo Rodríguez followed with an RBI single to left, making the score 6-2.

Ángel Alfredo Hechavarría hit a single in the seventh inning, bringing in the Blues' seventh run and securing their lead at 7-2.

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MVP: Ángel Alfredo Hechavarría (Industriales)

The third baseman played a crucial role, going 3-for-5, scoring two runs, and driving in two additional runs, including a double in the first inning that initiated the scoring. Hechevarría was the most reliable hitter against Santiago de Cuba this year, boasting a 1.041 OPS across 38 plate appearances, with 13 runs scored and nine RBIs. His hits changed the score three times.

Yosvany Peñalver led the Blues' lineup in OBP (.500) in the recent four-game series against Santiago de Cuba. (Photo by Roberto Morejón/JIT)

Turning Point: Costly Errors by Andy Rodríguez and Yoel Yanqui

The Santiago defense conceded two crucial runs in the third inning, both unearned and attributed to right-hander Yosiel Serrano. After Yosvany Peñalver walked, third baseman Andy Rodríguez made a throwing error to second base during a force out. Right after, right fielder Yoel Yanqui collided with Francisco Martínez and missed a Dennys Laza popup, enabling Peñalver to score the second run. Without these two runs, the Wasps would have entered the bottom of the sixth with a 2-1 lead.

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Top 5 Plays with the Highest Win Probability Added (WPA)

1. Hechavarría (B1) double: +18.2% (1-0, IND).

2. Miranda (B6) single: +15.8% (5-2, IND).

3. Yoelkis Guibert (A4) home run: +10.5% (3-1, IND).

4. Yankee (B3) error: +9.3% (2-0, IND).

5. Rodríguez (B6) single: +8.1% (6-2, IND).

Box Score (Highlights)

Santiago de Cuba Hitting:

Yoelkis Guibert: 1-for-4, HR (his 5th against Industriales this season in just 30 at-bats).

Eduardo García: 2-for-4, RBI.

Maikol Poll: 2-for-3, run; impeccable on defense (6 assists, 1 out).

Industriales Batting:

Although the Blues left 13 runners on base, there was an interesting point: they didn't strike out in the game.

Ángel Alfredo Hechavarría: 5-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI.

Yosvany Peñalver: 2-for-2, 3 runs, 2B.

Dayron Miranda: 3-for-2, 2 RBI.

Defense:

Industriales: 0 errors; Roberto Álvarez (SS) took part in seven at-bats and did not make any errors.

Santiago de Cuba: Two mistakes that altered the outcome of the third inning (Yanqui RF and Andy Rodríguez 3B).

Pitchers

Santiago de Cuba: Wilber Reyna (starter) faced an early assault in the first inning, managing only one out (0.1 IP, 1 ER, 5 BB). Yosiel Serrano (5.1 IP, 3 ER) helped mitigate the damage somewhat.

Industriales: Yadián Martínez (6 IP, 2 ER, 3 K) delivered a strong performance on the mound, and even though Fernando Betanzos gave up two runs (five hits against nine batters), the bullpen maintained its composure and preserved the lead.

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Post-game notes

• Santiago de Cuba hit 12 home runs off Industriales pitchers, while the Lions conceded 10 home runs to other teams.

• Yoelkis Guibert achieved seven extra-base hits, consisting of two doubles and five home runs, while driving in 11 runs and scoring 11 times against Industriales in this Elite League III.

• Francisco Martínez has driven in 11 runs against Industriales this year.

• Shortstop Maikol Poll has flawlessly handled 49 opportunities and contributed to 10 double plays against Industriales this year.

• Ángel Alfredo Hechevarría scored 13 runs this year against Santiago de Cuba.

• Pitchers in the Santiago de Cuba vs. Industriales series have posted a 6.06 ERA this year (93 ER/138 IP).

• Industriales stole nine bases in 10 attempts against Santiago de Cuba catchers.

• 79% of Industriales' errors (.961 fielding average) cost them runs against Santiago de Cuba this year.