The postseason series of the III Elite League of Cuban Baseball have been defined, after Las Tunas' forfeit loss to Granma this Thursday

The Leñadores' hopes of topping the standings in the qualifying stage of the III Cuban Elite Baseball League (III ELCB) vanished after they forfeited to Granma on Thursday, despite winning the game at Julio A. Mella Park with a score of 12-11.

The game was forfeited following a complaint from Granma's manager because relief pitcher Jesús Enrique Pérez, who was not listed on the roster for Thursday's game, was utilized.

The inexplicable events surrounding Las Tunas and its manager, Abeisy Pantoja, ended with a forfeit defeat for Las Tunas this Thursday, and the team's chances of advancing to the postseason as the top seed in the qualifying stage of the III ELCB were dashed. (Photo by Periódico26)

It was a tough setback for Las Tunas fans, who can't comprehend how a mentor like Abeisy Pantoja, with his experience in recent international events, could make such a fundamental error, particularly in a tournament regarded as the pinnacle of Cuban baseball.

Jesús E. Pérez took the mound in the seventh inning when Las Tunas was ahead 8-6. He managed to get only one out before the umpires replaced him, following an appeal by Granma manager Ángel Ortega. Granma eventually tied the game in that inning.

Since the possibility of sweeping Granma and advancing to the postseason in first place has been eliminated, the semifinal matchups for this III ELCB are now determined.

As anticipated, Las Tunas, in second place, will compete against Santiago de Cuba, in third place, while the leader, Ciego de Ávila, will take on fourth-place Industriales. The postseason schedule for this III ELCB is still pending announcement.

Thursday's game was dominated by offense, with both teams combining for 23 runs and 34 hits. Additionally, there were five errors recorded, four of them for Las Tunas team.

Out of the nine pitchers used by the teams, seven were unable to hold back the opposing offenses. Lázaro Ponce excelled once more for Las Tunas, achieving a flawless performance by going 5-for-5 and driving in four runs. Darián Palma also contributed significantly for Granma, with four RBIs in a 2-for-5 performance that featured a crucial bases-loaded double. Interestingly, despite the high level of offense, no home runs were hit.

Both teams are set to return to the field this Friday at 2:00 p.m., with Granma aiming for another win to help them avoid ending up in last place in the tournament.