Las Tunas Extends Its Streak Against Industriales with Dramatic Walk-off at Julio Antonio Mella

During a thrilling and tense afternoon, the Leñadores de Las Tunas added another chapter to their dominance over Industriales by securing a walk-off victory in the tenth inning, marking their seventh consecutive win against the capital team in the III Elite League of Cuban baseball. The 3-2 final score not only reinforced the Tuneros' supremacy in the series (7-0 this year) but also brought them within two wins of matching the record of eight consecutive victories (against the same opponent) held by Matanzas (vs. Industriales) since last season.

The Las Tunas Lumberjacks celebrate their seventh consecutive victory in this Third Elite League against the Havana Industriales. Photo: Gretel Yanet Tamayo/Tiempo 21.

Pitcher's Duel and Missed Chances

The matchup featured a pitching duel between Yadián Martínez of Industriales and Jesús Enrique Pérez of Las Tunas. Martínez managed to maintain control of the game, allowing only 2 earned runs despite giving up 12 hits over 7 innings. Meanwhile, Pérez excelled with 6 innings, allowing just 3 hits and no runs. However, Industriales' offense, which was restricted to 6 hits, faltered once more at crucial moments, with their 7 to 1 lineup going 0-for-14.

The Sixth and the Eighth: Otero Guides the Leñadores

Las Tunas initiated their scoring in the sixth inning when Yunior Josué Otero hit a single that drove Leonel Moas Jr. home, after Moas had gotten on base through a fielder's choice. Otero played a key role once more in the eighth inning with a groundout, enabling Moas to score again, bringing the score to 2-0.

The Dramatic Ninth: Industriales Capitalizes on an Error

Industriales, quiet all afternoon, sprang to life in the top of the ninth inning. With two runners on base, Denis Laza hit a single to center field, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Yasiel Santoya then seized an opportunity created by an error from second baseman Yudier Rondón to level the score. This play, which enabled Ángel Hechavarría to score, appeared to shift the momentum... until the Tuneros responded.

Larduet and the Game-Saving Double Play

In the tenth inning, as Industriales posed a threat, Yuniesky Larduet captured attention with a remarkable catch of a line drive from Brandom Pérez to short left-center, followed by a double play that tagged Roque Tomás out at home plate. This play, described as “colossal” by local media, thwarted the blue team’s final chance.

Yosvany Alarcón Crafts a Heroic Finale

In the bottom of the tenth inning, Yudier Rondón —the player responsible for the ninth-inning error— found himself in scoring position thanks to the IBAF Rule. Yosvany Alarcón then delivered a single to left field against closer Armando Dueñas Jr., clinching the 3-2 victory and sparking a celebration at Julio Antonio Mella, where over 8,000 fans rejoiced in the win.

What’s Next

With this result, Las Tunas not only maintains its invincibility against Industriales —some commentators have used the term “parenthood”— but also keeps the Leñadores in first place in the standings with a record of 13-6. Meanwhile, Rubén Rodríguez (1.2 IP) earned the win in relief.

Next Match: This Tuesday, April 22, the Leñadores will aim to match Matanzas' record by securing their eighth straight win against the Capital's Blues. Industriales (14-17) must secure at least one victory in Las Tunas to widen the gap from the Avispas de Santiago de Cuba (12-15).

Key Stats: 

- Time: 2 hours and 33 minutes. 

- LOB: Industriales 6, Las Tunas 12. 

- HR: None. 

- MVP: Yosvany Alarcón (game-winning hit).