Las Tunas secures another win over Ciego de Ávila, maintaining a two-game lead at the top

The Las Tunas Lumberjacks made a comeback against the Ciego de Ávila Tigers on Tuesday at José R. Cepero Park, scoring six runs in the fifth inning to secure their second victory in the four-game series, thereby extending their lead to two games at the top of the III Elite Cuban Baseball League (III ELCB).

The two teams have one more game left to play against each other, scheduled for this Wednesday at the same stadium in Ciego de Ávila. Should Las Tunas secure another win, they will even the season series at four victories each and extend their lead over their rival to three games at the top of the tournament.

Left-hander Ariel Zerquera (7-2) from Sancti Spiritus, regarded as the leading pitcher in the current Elite League, faced difficulties against the Ciego de Ávila Tigers, allowing all six runs in the fifth inning after pitching four scoreless innings against the national champions.

Zequera, who remains the leader in wins (7) for the III ELCB, experienced a decline in his tournament ERA, which is now 2.88 after 10 appearances.

With a 2-0 advantage, the left-hander completely unraveled in the fifth inning. Consecutive hits by Jean L. Baldoquín and Lázaro Ponce, followed by a fielder's choice that got Ponce out at second, and a walk, loaded the bases. Shortstop Luis Pérez then hit a single to right, driving in the tying runs and leaving runners on the corners. A grounder by Yunieski Larduet, that resulted in Pérez being forced out at second, allowed the 3-2 run to score from third, giving Las Tunas a lead they maintained. A walk to Luis V. Mateo and a triple by Leonel Moas expanded the lead to 5-2, with Yosvani Alarcón's single concluding the sixth inning and sending Zerquera off the mound.

Ciego took the lead in the bottom of the second inning with a hit by pitch, a walk, a sacrifice fly, and an infield grounder. They widened the gap in the fourth inning with Frederich Cepeda's 376th home run in National Series history, all off Mayabeque right-hander Albert Valladares (3-2).

Nonetheless, after Las Tunas scored six runs in the fifth inning, putting Valladares on the road to victory, Valladares demonstrated some momentum by retiring the side in the bottom of that inning, facing the minimum number of batters. When the first three Las Tunas hitters reached base in the sixth inning, including Jonathan Bridón, whose RBI single narrowed Ciego's deficit to 6-3, the Las Tunas' manager remained patient and showed confidence in his starter by securing the first two outs of the inning, until he was replaced by right-hander Keniel Ferráz.

Ferráz concluded the sixth inning by dominating the formidable Ronaldo Castillo, maintaining the score as it was. In the seventh inning, he allowed Ciego to score two runs, narrowing the score to a tight 6-5. Ferráz surrendered three hits during this inning, with Leo Escalante and Bridón each driving in a run. This was the last time Ciego scored in the game.

In the eighth inning, Ferráz resumed pitching. Jorge Contreras started with a single, and a sacrifice fly advanced the runner to scoring position. However, Ferráz concluded the inning by getting Juan Onofre to pop up to center field. After intentionally walking the dangerous Rodolexis Moreno, Ferráz wrapped up his performance by striking out Greysón Bergery.

Las Tunas secured the final score in the ninth inning by bringing in three runs. Ponce hit a single that drove in two runs, and an infield grounder added the third run.

Wilson Paredes, took the mound in the ninth inning, gave up one hit, but struck out one batter to secure the win.

Following Wednesday's game, Ciego de Ávila, having already secured a spot in the postseason, will wrap up its regular season in this III ELCB. Meanwhile, Las Tunas, also qualified, has eight games left: four against Santiago de Cuba at the Guillermón Moncada Stadium and another four against Granma at the Julio A. Mella Stadium. Santiago and Granma are the two teams still vying for the final postseason spot.