The Ciego de Ávila Tigers secured their 22nd victory, Las Tunas eliminated Granma, and Pinar del Río once more overcame the Wasps. Here's a summary of the initial games in this marathon round of doubleheaders.   Ciego de Ávila 9, Industriales 5 (extra inning) The Lions leveled the score at 5-5 with a three-run surge in the bottom of the sixth inning, aided by a single from Roberto Álvarez and the team's latest recruit, Matanzas native Ariel Sánchez, who brought in two runs. Seven innings didn't suffice. The Tigers responded with a four-run rally in the top of the eighth against reliever Fernando Betanzos. The Tigers reached 22 wins. (Photo by Roberto Morejón/JIT) Fernando De La Paz drove the lead with a sacrifice fly, while Jorge Luis Contreras capped it off with a three-run homer. Industriales struggled to score against right-hander Yunier Batista, who pitched the last three innings without giving up a run. Left-hander Ariel Zerquera gave up five earned runs, causing his ERA to rise from 1.45 to 2.14.   Las Tunas 13, Granma 2 By the end of the fourth inning, the Alazanes remained hopeful for a win after leveling the score at 2-2 with a fielder's choice. However, the Leñadores launched two more wild rallies, ultimately defeating the Alazanes 13-2. Las Tunas tallied four runs in the top of the fifth inning and added seven more in the seventh. Jeans Lucas Baldoquín hit a home run for the second consecutive game, driving in five runs against the Alazanes. Yordanis Alarcón also shone with a 4-for-3 performance, hitting two doubles and earning four RBIs. Rookie Luis Pérez came in as a pinch-hitter and hit the first home run of his career. Right-hander Albert Valladares (2-2) delivered six innings, conceding five hits and two runs, with two strikeouts and only one walk. Unlike his previous start when he shut out the Ciego de Ávila Tigers last Thursday, Lismay Ferrales (2-2) was not as dominant this time.   Pinar del Río 8, Santiago de Cuba 6 (extra inning) The Wasps overcame a 5-0 deficit, leveling the game with a three-run home run by Yoelquis Guibert in the bottom of the third, followed by two more runs in the fifth—the home run matched the Elite League single-season record. However, the Vegueros capitalized on every mistake by the Wasps, and a throwing error by pitcher Israel Sánchez made the top of the eighth more challenging. The Vegueros took an 8-5 lead, and just as it seemed Santiago might close the gap, the game concluded with an unexpected double play. Francisco Martínez hit a ground ball to pitcher José Ángel García. Once "Paky" Martínez was out at first base, first baseman Frank Raúl González observed that the runner on second, Rolando Veranes, had strayed from the bases. González then ran towards Veranes, who was halfway to third, and tagged him out. A further defeat for the Wasps might grant the Vegueros a decisive edge in the series, as they remain determined in their quest for a playoff spot.

Despite losing by a shutout in their debut against Industriales at the Latinoamericano stadium, the Ciego de Ávila Tigers became the first team to qualify for the playoffs of this III Cuban Baseball Elite League. Industriales 5, Ciego de Ávila 0 The Ciego de Ávila Tigers have suffered 12 defeats in this Third Cuban Baseball Elite League. Two of their last three losses were shutouts, with right-handers Lismay Ferrales (last Thursday) and Pavel Hernández (5-2) leading the charge. Hernández pitched six strong innings this Tuesday at Estadio Latinoamericano. The Blues took control of the game with a four-run surge in the second inning. Pedro Roque started with a single to left field, advanced to second on a wild pitch by José Isaías Grandales (2-3), and scored thanks to a double from Yuri Fernández. After one out, Yosvany Peñalver walked, and Ángel Alfredo Hechevarría extended the lead to 2-0 with a single to center field. Denis Laza was intentionally walked, and Dayron Miranda struck out without swinging with the bases loaded, marking the second out. Just as it seemed Grandales might evade the Lions' threat, Yasiel Santoya hit a single, bringing in two additional runs. During the bottom of the fifth inning, Denis Laza hit his sixth home run of the season, connecting with a pitch from reliever Liomil González. Industriales 5, Ciego de Ávila 0, it was essentially a commanding lead as the game unfolded. Denis Laza hit a solo home run to seal the Blues' 5-0 victory. (Photo by Roberto Morejón/JIT) Ciego de Ávila managed six hits, including two doubles, but stranded nine runners on base. Six of these were against Pavel Hernández, who dominated the game throughout. The Tigers went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position against Pavel. In the second inning, following a fielding error by second baseman Yuri Fernández, Yoasán Guillén stepped up to bat with two runners on base and grounded out to the shortstop for the third out. The Tigers had additional scoring opportunities in the third, fourth, and fifth innings. Bottom of the third: Osmani Linares advanced to scoring position with one out after Rodolexis Moreno executed a sacrifice bunt. Ciego de Ávila hasn't been very successful with their sacrifice bunt tactics. They have 14 sacrifice hits, but in those innings, they've managed to score only eight runs, with a batting average of .208 when runners are in scoring position. Tigers manager Dany Miranda reevaluated his approach. However, on Tuesday afternoon, no tactic proved successful: Frederich Cepeda began the fourth inning with a double and remained on base. After one out, Jonathan Bridón and Fernando De La Paz both struck out. In the fifth inning, Guillén started with a single and Linares followed by drawing a walk. However, Pavel then took control with his pitching variety at the Coloso del Cerro, retiring the next three batters consecutively. The sixth inning was a quick 1-2-3, marking Pavel's seventh quality start of the year, allowing no runs over six innings, giving up four hits, striking out four, and issuing two walks. The Blues' bullpen continued its strong performance, even though the Tigers stranded two runners on third in both the seventh and eighth innings. Las Tunas 10, Granma 7 The Alazanes' late rally fell short, yet they demonstrated their determination to fully commit to qualifying. The Leñadores jumped to a 7-0 advantage with a four-run surge against left-hander Yunier Castillo (1-4) in the top of the fourth inning, initiated by a three-run homer from Leonel Moas Jr. The Alazanes answered back in the bottom of the inning with six runs, highlighted by a grand slam from Andrés De La Cruz off left-hander Cristian Rojas. All the runs in the inning were unearned because of an error by Luis Vicente Mateo on a ground ball hit by Pedro Almeida at the start of the inning. The Leñadores increased their lead with three solo home runs hit by Yudier Rondón and the Baldoquín brothers (Jean Lucas and Roberto Súlivan) in the sixth, seventh, and ninth innings, respectively. Granma's pitchers did not manage to strike out any batters. Wilson Paredes (2-0) gave up four walks but only allowed one run, securing the win after pitching 2 ⅔ innings. Alberto Pablo Civil achieved his fourth save with a scoreless performance over 2 ⅓ innings. Pinar del Río 5, Santiago de Cuba 4 Prior to the heavy rain starting in the top of the seventh inning, Santiago de Cuba stranded 10 runners on base, including two instances of bases loaded with two outs in the third and sixth innings. They accumulated 10 hits, three of which were doubles, but were unable to capitalize. The Vegueros secured the win by delivering three hits at a critical moment. The decisive moment came in the second inning with a four-run rally. Just four at-bats made the difference: -Yasiel González hit a two-run homer to even the score at 2-2 against right-hander Osvaldo Acuña (3-3, 6.06 ERA). The "pativerdes" took advantage of Acuña, managing five hits in eight at-bats and scoring four runs. -Lázaro Fernández's double made the score 3-2. -A single by Eliser Arrechavaleta increased the lead to 4-2. In the next inning, a ground ball to second base by Dainier Gálvez brought in the fifth run, ultimately determining the outcome of the game. Veteran Alberto Bisset delivered an outstanding 5 1/2 innings of relief pitching, conceding just one hit and one run, yet the Vegueros maintained their lead throughout. Left-handed pitcher Geonel Gutiérrez (2-2, 4.19 ERA) secured the win after throwing 5 1/2 innings, despite not being dominant: he gave up 10 hits and allowed 14 players to reach base. Defeats by Granma and Santiago de Cuba left them with an unchanged 14-19 record, yet the Alazanes have a minor edge, having won the series 5-3 against the Wasps.

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.   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.   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.   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.   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.

Nine months and 29 days after clinching the 63rd Cuban National Baseball Series championship, the Las Tunas Leñadores have maintained their dominant pursuit against the Pinar del Río Vegueros. Following an 8-3 win on Sunday at Julio Antonio Mella Stadium, the Leñadores clinched the series 5-3 over the Vegueros in the III Cuban Baseball Elite League. The major highlight of the weekend was the remarkable offensive performance of the Las Tunas team, which concluded the four-game series by scoring 42 runs in 31 innings against the Vegueros' pitching. This year, the Leñadores have averaged 7.8 runs against the erratic "pativerdes" pitching staff. The Las Tunas Lumberjacks remain at the top of the 3rd LEBC. (Photo by Las Tunas Newspaper) The Turning Point: An Aggressive Surge in the Second and Third Innings Las Tunas secured an early lead by scoring four runs in both the second and third innings, exploiting starter Gabriel Cantero's control issues (he allowed seven walks in 1 ⅔ innings). With the bases loaded and two outs, Las Tunas took advantage: - Yudier Rondón drew a walk to drive in the first run. - A balk by Cantero cost the second run of the inning. - Yosvany Alarcón (12 RBIs vs. Pinar del Río this year) added another with another walk. - Roberto Súlivan Baldoquín (entered the game with a .519 OBP against Pinar del Río, the highest of any Las Tunas hitter) was hit by reliever Mario Valle for the 4-0 lead. Pinar del Río scored three runs in the entire game.   Top 3 Key Plays (WPA) 1. Rondón walk (B2, +18%): He broke the ice with the bases loaded. 2. Moas home run (B3, +12%): He extended the lead to 5-0. 3. Yunieski Larduet single (B3, +10%): He drove in the sixth run. Box Score (Highlights) Las Tunas Batting: - Leonel Moas: 1-3, HR, RBI, 2 runs. - Yosvany Alarcón: 1-2, 2 BB, RBI (11 vs. Pinar in 2024). - Roberto Súlivan Baldoquín: 1-2, HBP, RBI (.519 OBP vs. Pinar). Pinar del Río Batting: - Tailon Sánchez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (8 RBI vs. Las Tunas). - Lázaro Fernández: 1-for-3, RBI (one of the top 3 players with the most errors in the series). Defense: - Pinar del Río: 0 errors. The SS-2B combination (Dainel López-Tailon Sánchez) committed no errors in 13 at-bats. Pitchers: - Las Tunas: Villa Clara right-hander Raidel Alfonso won in his debut, pitching 5 IP, 2 ER, with one strikeout and no walks. The bullpen allowed one run (Tailon Sánchez's home run off Yoelkis Cruz Jr.) in four innings. - Pinar del Río: Gabriel Cantero exploded (1.2 IP, 4 ER, 1 K, 7 BB) and collapsed; the bullpen allowed another four runs. What's Next The Las Tunas Lumberjacks are set to compete against the Ciego de Ávila Tigers in a series that could be crucial for deciding the top two positions in the league. Meanwhile, Pinar del Río will head to Santiago de Cuba for an important series in the playoff qualification race.

On a day marked by intense rallies and powerful offense, Santiago de Cuba, Ciego de Ávila, and Las Tunas outperformed their opponents, achieving leads of 4-3, 5-2, and 4-3 in their respective series. Let's visit each ballpark to highlight some key moments! The Santiago de Cuba Wasps want to turn the series around at the Coloso del Cerro: (Photo by Roberto Morejón/JIT) Santiago de Cuba 10, Industriales 3 Santiago de Cuba was relentless from the start, scoring four runs in the first inning against Leones starter Andy Vargas, who struggled to contain the Wasps' offensive power. Yoelkis Guibert (3-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI) and Yoel Yanqui (3-5, 2 runs, 1 RBI) spearheaded the attack for the Easterners, who now lead the series with 55 runs to Industriales' 49. Once again, 43-year-old veteran Dany Betancourt (7.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 K) kept the Blues in check until pinch-hitter Dayron Miranda hit a two-run homer, completing a three-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning. Right-handed pitcher Joel Tejeda completed the last two innings of the game, bringing his streak to six straight scoreless innings against the Leones' offense this season. Industriales, despite being on a winning streak, were unable to respond quickly enough. An error by second baseman Brandom Pérez in the eighth inning allowed Santiago to score four additional runs, securing the game. This win put the Avispas ahead 4-3 in the series, and they aim to clinch their fifth victory this Sunday. If not, Industriales would have to win by at least seven runs to benefit from a potential 4-4 tie in the singles match.   Key Moment TOP 1: The Wasps secured four runs in the opening inning, which proved sufficient for the win. Andy Vargas gave up four hits in a row, featuring a two-run double by Yoelquis Guibert and RBI singles from Yoel Yanqui and Harold Vázquez. Game MVP Yoelquis Guibert (3 hits in 5 at-bats, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, 2 runs) drove the offense for Santiago de Cuba, successfully getting on base in three of his five plate appearances and contributing with four RBIs. Top 5 Win Probability Added (WPA) 1. Jeison Martínez (Single, 2 RBI in 8th) – +18.5% 2. Yoelkis Guibert (Double in 1st) – +12.3% 3. Yoel Yanqui (RBI single in 1st) – +10.1% 4. Dany Betancourt (7.0 solid IP) – +9.8% 5. Maikol Poll (Double in 8th) – +7.2% Highlighted Box Score Hitting (SCU): Guibert had 3 hits in 5 at-bats, including a double and 2 RBIs; Yanqui went 3 for 5 with an RBI; Jeison Martínez recorded 2 hits in 5 at-bats with 2 RBIs. Defense (SCU): Maikol Poll has achieved 6 assists with no errors in 42 defensive attempts this season against Industriales. Industriales: Alfredo Rodríguez (2-3, 2B) was the only notable performer, while Dayron Miranda delivered a pinch-hit two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Pitchers SCU: Betancourt (W, 7.0 IP, 3 ER), Tejeda (2.0 IP, 0 ER). IND: Vargas (L, 7.0 IP, 5 ER), Nápoles (0.2 IP, 2 unearned runs allowed).     Ciego de Ávila 11, Granma 1 Ciego de Ávila secured the game with a powerful first-inning offense, scoring 7 runs by capitalizing on Granma's defensive mistakes. Frederich Cepeda (3-4, 2 runs, RBI) and Yoasán Guillén (1-3, 3B, 3 RBI) played crucial roles, and Kevin Soto (5.1 IP, 1 ER, 5 K) excelled on the mound. Granma, with only four hits, was unable to respond to the effectiveness of Ciego de Ávila's pitchers. Key Moment BOT 1: Yoasán Guillén hit a triple that brought in two runs, extending the lead to 6-0 and making the game unattainable for the opponents. Game MVP Frederich Cepeda (3-4, RBI, 2 runs) led the offense. Top 5 WPA 1. Yoasán Guillén (Triple, 2 RBI in 1st) – +22.1% 2. Fernando De La Paz (Double, 2 RBI in 7th) – +10.5% 3. Kevin Soto (5.1 IP, 1 ER) – +9.7% 4. Rodolexis Moreno (RBI single in 1st) – +8.3% 5. Robert Luis Delgado (RBI single in 1st) – +7.6% Highlighted Box Score Hitting (CAV): Cepeda (3-4), Guillén (1-3, 3 RBI). Defense (GRA): Yulieski Remón (2 errors at second). Pitchers CAV: Soto (W, 5.1 IP, 1 ER), Batista (1.2 IP, 0 ER). GRA: Ricardo (L, 0.1 IP, 4 R, 2 ER).    Las Tunas 15, Pinar del Río 6 Pinar del Río started strong with a 5-0 lead in the first two innings, but the Las Tunas Lumberjacks countered with seven runs in the second inning, thanks to the Alarcón brothers, Yordanis (3-5, 4 RBI) and Yosvany (1-2, HR, 2 RBI). Rubén Rodríguez (4.2 IP, 2 ER) stepped in for Wilson Paredes and secured the victory by stopping the Vegueros' early momentum. During this comeback, right-hander Keniel Ferráz quieted the Pinar del Río team with a 12-out relief effort, earning his first save of the season. Key Moment BOT 2: Yordanis Alarcón delivered a 2-RBI single (7-5) to initiate the Lumberjacks' comeback. Game MVP Yordanis Alarcón (3-5, 4 RBI). Top 5 WPA 1. Yosvany Alarcón (HR in 4th) – +15.8% 2. Luis Vicente Mateo (Single, 2 RBI in 2nd) – +12.4% 3. Rubén Rodríguez (4.2 IP, 2 ER) – +11.2% 4. Héctor Castillo (3-4, 2 RBI) – +9.5% 5. Yuniesky Larduet (2-3, RBI) – +8.1% Highlighted Box Score Batting (LTU): Yordanis Alarcón (3-5, 4 RBI), Castillo (3-4, 2 RBI). Defense (PRI): Juan Carlos Arencibia (1 error at third). Pitchers LTU: Rodríguez (W, 4.2 IP, 2 ER). PRI: Morales (L, 1.1 IP, 4 ER). Rankings of the Day Top 10 WPA 1. Yoasán Guillén (CAV) – 22.1% 2. Jeison Martínez (SCU) – 18.5% 3. Yosvany Alarcón (LTU) – 15.8% 4. Frederich Cepeda (CAV) – 12.3% 5. Luis Vicente Mateo (LTU) – 12.4% Top 3 Starters 1. Dany Betancourt (SCU) – 7.0 IP, 3 ER 2. Kevin Soto (CAV) – 5.1 IP, 1 ER 3. Andy Vargas (IND) – 7 IP, 8 R, 5 ER Top 5 Relievers 1. Keniel Ferráz (LTU) – 4.0 IP, 0 ER 2. Joel Tejeda (SCU) – 2.0 IP, 0 ER 3. Yunier Batista (CAV) – 1.2 IP, 0 ER Top 10 Defensive Players 1. Luis Vicente Mateo SS (LTU) – 7 assists, 1 out 2. Maikol Poll SS (SCU) – 6 assists, 1 out 3. Leonardo Alarcón SS (GRA) – 4 assists, 2 outs

On a rivalry-filled afternoon, Industriales triumphed over Santiago de Cuba with a 7-2 victory, leveling the series at 3-3. Meanwhile, Las Tunas overwhelmed Pinar del Río 15-3, and Ciego de Ávila achieved a shutout with Ariel Zerquera once more shining as the standout player. Defensive mistakes and powerful rallies were decisive in these games, setting the stage for another round of clashes this Saturday in the Third Cuban Baseball Elite League. Industriales 7, Santiago de Cuba 2 The Capital Blues capitalized on Santiago's defensive mistakes, gaining an early lead in the first inning and maintaining it for the entire game. The Lions managed to get their first two batters on base when Ariel Hechevarría received a walk and Yosvany Peñalver advanced to first base due to catcher Harold Vázquez's interference. Ángel Alfredo Hechavarría then hit a single to left, bringing in the first run of the afternoon. In the second inning, a throwing error to first base by pitcher Osvaldo Acuña (3-2) sparked a three-run rally. Industriales quickly established a commanding 4-0 lead within just two innings. Right-handed pitcher Raymond Figueredo capitalized on this lead to craft his pitching strategy, delivering six consecutive innings without allowing a run. During this period, he only struck out one batter, but the Wasps hit into three double plays and failed to score any runs. In the seventh inning, an error by second baseman Brandom Pérez made the situation more difficult for Raymond. He managed to strike out Eduardo García and Andy Rodríguez, but then loaded the bases by hitting Luis Orlando Veranes with a pitch. Right-hander Fernando Betanzos was the first reliever for the Leones, and he allowed Francisco "Paky" Martínez to hit a single that brought in two runs, narrowing the score for Santiago de Cuba to 4-2. Facing a potential tie on the field and Yoelquis Guibert waiting in the on-deck circle, Jaison Martínez grew desperate and ultimately struck out while attempting to hit Betanzos' sliders. With the Wasps trailing by just two runs, reliever Islay Sotolongo, who had kept the Leones at bay for 6 ⅔ innings, encountered difficulties in the seventh. Andrys Pérez then struck a decisive blow with a three-run home run, bringing the score to 7-2 in the bottom of the eighth. Key Moment: Bottom of the 2nd: Mistakes by Acuña and catcher Harold Vázquez resulted in two runs without hits, allowing Industriales to gain an early lead that turned out to be unbeatable. MVP: Raymond Figueredo with a dominant start of 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 SO, 3 BB. Andrys Pérez (IND) – 3 RBIs, hit a home run that brought in the winning run. Turning Point: Top of the 7th : With two outs, Santiago left two runners stranded on base, who could have potentially tied the score. Top 5 Win Probability Added (WPA): 1. Andrys Pérez HR (B8, +18%) 2. Francisco Martínez RBI single (T7, +12%) 3. Ángel Hechavarría RBI single (B2, +10%) 4. Error by P Osvaldo Acuña (B2, +15% combined) 5. Roberto Álvarez scores on error (B2, +8%) Box Score Highlights: Hitting: Ángel Alfredo Hechavarría (3-4, 2 RBI), Andrys Pérez (1-3, HR, 3 RBI). Defense: Santiago made 3 errors. Pitching: Figueredo (IND) – 6 1/2 IP, 0 ER, 3 K. Los Leñadores de Las Tunas siguen su paso hacia la cima de la III Liga Élite del Béisbol Cubano. Foto: Periódico 26. Las Tunas 15, Pinar del Río 3 An overwhelming 8-run fifth inning overwhelmed Pinar del Río. Yudier Rondón (4 RBI) and Yosvany Alarcón (3B, 4 RBI) spearheaded the Las Tunas Leñadores offense. Although Pinar del Río initially led 1-0, Las Tunas quickly countered with 6 runs in the first two innings, five of which were credited to the defeated Mario Valle (3-3). In the fifth inning, they sent 13 batters to the plate, highlighted by a triple from Alarcón that extended the lead to 12-3, nearing a knockout. Left-handed pitcher Eliander Bravo (3-0) secured his third victory in five starts by pitching five innings, conceding three runs, striking out four, and issuing two walks. Key Moment: Bottom of the 5th: The inning featured 8 runs, with five hits and seven consecutive batters reaching base. MVP: Yudier Rondon (LTU) – 3-4, 2B, 3 R, 4 RBI. Turning Point: Bottom of the 1st: Rondón evened the score with a double, initiating the offensive control, and then crossed the plate for the lead. WPA Top 5: 1. Yosvany Alarcón 3B (B5, +20%) 2. Yudier Rondón 2-RBI single (B2, +15%) 3. Héctor Castillo 2-RBI single (B2, +12%) 4. Dainier Gálvez HR (T4, -5%) 5. Yudier Rondón RBI double (B1, +8%) Box Score Highlights: Hitting: Yosvany Alarcón (2-3, 3B, 4 RBI), Yuniesky Larduet (2-5, 2 R). Defense: Pinar with 2 errors (2B Tailon Sánchez). Pitching: Bravo (LTU) – 5 IP, 3 ER, 4 K; Valle (PRI) – 1 IP, 6 ER. Ciego de Ávila 4, Granma 0 Ariel Zerquera delivered a 6 1/3 inning shutout, while Ciego de Ávila's offense took an early lead without needing an RBI. A wild pitch by Benítez allowed the first run in the opening inning, and the experienced pair of Leonelkis Escalante (2-4, RBI) and Robert Luis Delgado (1-4, RBI) increased the lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the third. Granma only managed six hits, all singles—with half coming from leadoff hitter Yulieski Remón—and failed to score any runs. They hit into double plays three times in crucial situations: twice against Zerquera in the second and third innings, and then in the seventh when Yankiel Mauris replaced Andy Cosme, with two men on base and one out. Key Moment: Bottom of the 1st: Benítez's errant pitch let the first run score without a hit. Granma failed to score throughout the game, making that run sufficient. MVP: Ariel Zerquera (CAV) – 6 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 2 K. Turning Point: Bottom of the 3rd: Escalante hit a double, increasing the score to 2-0, while Granma struggled in key moments. Top 5 WPA: 1. Leonelkis Escalante RBI double (B3, +12%) 2. Robert Luis Delgado RBI single (B3, +10%) 3. Wild pitch (B1, +8%) 4. Rodolexis Moreno RBI single (B4, +5%) Box Score Highlights: Hitting: Leonelkis Escalante (2-4, 2B, RBI), Yulieski Remón (GRA, 3-4). Defense: Granma made 3 errors (costing one run). Pitching: Zerquera (CAV) – 6 1/3 IP, 0 ER; Benítez (GRA) – 6 1/3 IP, 3 ER. Rankings of the Day Top 10 WPA: 1.   Yosvany Alarcón (LTU) – +20% 2.   Andrys Pérez (IND) – +18% 3.   Yudier Rondón (LTU) – +15% 4.   Leonelkis Escalante (CAV) – +12% 5.   Francisco Martínez (SCU) – +12% Best Hitters: 1.   Yudier Rondón (LTU) – 3-4, 4 RBI 2.   Ángel Alfredo Hechavarría (IND) – 3-4, 2 RBI 3.   Yulieski Remón (GRA) – 3-4 Top 3 Starters: 1.   Ariel Zerquera (CAV) – 6 ⅓ IP, 0 ER 2.   Eliander Bravo (LTU) – 5 IP, 3 ER, 4 K 3. Raymond Figueredo (IND) – 6 1/2 IP, 0 ER Top 5 Relievers: 1. Yankiel Mauris (CAV) – 2.2 IP, 0 ER 2. Fernando Betanzo (IND) – 1.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 K 3. Keniel Ferraz (LTU) – 1 IP, 0 ER Top 10 Defensive Players: 1. Eduardo García (SCU) – 11 putouts at 1B 2. Greyson Bergery (CAV) – 6 assists at SS 3. Roberto Álvarez (IND) – 4 putouts, 3 assists in his SS debut

The battle for playoff qualification in the III Elite League is intensifying after Santiago de Cuba defeated Industriales, Granma triumphed over Ciego de Ávila, and Pinar del Río overcame Las Tunas. The third and fourth positions in the standings are likely to shift repeatedly in the upcoming hours, as four teams compete in this final phase of the regular season. Now, let's delve into Thursday's action. The Santiago de Cuba Wasps made a statement with their vicious offense in Game 1 against the Havana Industriales at the Latinoamericano Stadium. (Photo by Roberto Morejón/Jit.cu) Santiago de Cuba 11, Industriales 2 Lessons from Game 1: The Wasps' offense is relentless. Before stepping into Estadio Latinoamericano on Thursday, they topped the league in home runs (32), SLG (.466), OPS (.857), BB% (12.0%), XBH% (9.4%), ISO (.164), and OPS+ (115), among other statistics. After nine innings and 190 minutes, we witnessed some of these impressive numbers, which seem extraordinary for the most formidable lineup in this so-called "Elite League." However, they are indeed real. The traditional method to counter Santiago de Cuba, at least in this regular season, hasn't been through pitching. Instead, contact, speed, and the isolated power of some teams seem to be the best strategies for their opponents. The Wasps didn't begin this ninth four-game series at the bottom of the pitching division because there's a rotation that has intensified the chaos on the mound: the Granma Alazanes. Manager Ángel Ortega's pitching staff is recording a 5.88 ineffectiveness ratio (INR) for starters, a 6.35 in the bullpen, and a troubling 70 ERA+. Santiago de Cuba was in excellent form at +72. The Wasps have made 51 errors, and 55% of them have resulted in runs. At this rate, winning games and maintaining a record above .500 has been challenging. Nonetheless, there has been a balance between stress and satisfaction for manager Eddy Cajigal and his Wasps. The offensive power has maintained its destructive pace throughout almost the entire season. Thursday afternoon, we witnessed another instance of this when they secured an early game victory in just four minutes. In his comeback for the Lions, right-handed pitcher Maykel Taylor—clearly missing his fastball strength and consequently his usual confidence in his range of secondary pitches—gave up a sweeping, devastating home run to Yoelquis Guibert, who sent the ball soaring into the second section of the right field bleachers at the "Colossus of the Hill." On a 1-0 count, Guibert continued his trend in this Elite League by crushing various pitches, particularly those like the one Taylor threw: weak, defenseless, served up, and ripe for hitting. As Guibert rounded the bases at Estadio Latinoamericano, energizing the Santiago supporters present, the game was nearing its conclusion. It was 2:04 in the afternoon. Just four minutes had elapsed since the call to play ball was heard, and the Blues' initial 3-0 lead had already crumbled. The effect was apparent on every face, from the dugout to the diamond. Indeed, it was. Both pessimists and dreamers were close to reality. Just two innings later, Eduardo García hit a two-run home run off Taylor, who had encountered Guibert at third—having doubled and stolen third—making the score 5-0. It was the end. Industriales managed to score just two runs in a play that started with the bases loaded and concluded without a hit during the crucial moments at the bottom of the fourth inning. The following inning, with left-hander Carlos Benavides averaging 21 pitches per inning, the Leones were unable to mount a comeback. Manager Guillermo Carmona had selected an ideal lineup for a rally: Denis Laza and Yasiel Santoya, both with two runners in scoring position and fewer than two outs. The uppercut swing that could have sent a fly ball far enough to score a run was nowhere to be seen. There wasn't the usual soft grounder to right field or a well-timed hit. Benavides sighed at the plate. He secured the crucial outs, and even though he didn't expect to win after pitching just four innings, he followed his manager's and teammates' advice from the right side of the dugout during his frequent challenges: "Throw it over there, you're winning 5-0." After the fourth inning, the main narrative was Santiago de Cuba relentlessly dominating the Blues' pitching—particularly Fher Cejas, who pitched 3 1/3 innings without conceding an earned run—and overwhelming a comically poor defensive lineup that, by the end of the third inning, had more errors (5) than assists (3). Guibert, Yanki, and Eduardo García were responsible for six of the Wasps' 10 runs, but another crucial detail stands out: the batters from the seventh through second innings, in that sequence, accounted for seven of the 11 runs. Every player reached base, even Andy Rodríguez (0-4) and Maikol Poll (0-4), who did not get a hit. Industriales recorded just six hits, all singles, going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 runners stranded on base. Despite Santiago de Cuba's pitching giving up seven walks, the Leones failed to capitalize. Industriales' pitchers allowed 18 hits, excluding the five errors. Winning under these circumstances is challenging, especially against Santiago de Cuba's offense in this III Elite Baseball League.   The Wasps came to Havana with a series record of 2-2 against Industriales, trailing 37-32. They now hold a 3-2 lead, with a +4 differential. Three games are left to play.   Granma 4, Ciego de Ávila 0 Right-hander Lismay Ferrales needed only 118 pitches to achieve Granma's first shutout in Elite League history. Ferrales retired 12 batters in a row before giving up a single (his third hit of the day) to Greyson Bergery in the bottom of the ninth inning. Ciego de Ávila's hitters managed just 3 hits in 29 at-bats against his variety of pitches, striking out five times and drawing only two walks. The game was primarily highlighted by pitching and defense, even though Ciego de Ávila's starter, Luis Alberto Marrero, faltered after just 4 ⅓ innings when the Alazanes initiated a three-run rally in the top of the fifth inning. This decisive rally was sparked by a single through the infield from Yulieski Remón, followed by a double from Alexander Pozo, and another hit by Darián Palma. The Alazanes stranded six runners, missing the opportunity to capitalize on their three extra-base hits. Despite this, Ferrales dominated the game, achieving a shutout and becoming the eleventh pitcher to do so in the Elite Leagues. The Alazanes are still below .500 with a 13-16 record but continue to hope for a playoff spot. The upcoming weeks will be crucial, as Granma is set to play Las Tunas eight times.   Pinar del Río 11, Las Tunas 4 The Las Tunas Lumberjacks took a 2-1 lead in the inning with Yosvany Alarcón's pair of RBIs against right-hander Raicol Suárez. The Vegueros had managed to score once in the first four innings off right-hander Albert Valladares, but the "pativerdes" changed the momentum in the top of the fifth. Shortstop Dainel López started the inning with a solo home run. Lázaro Fernández drew a walk, Juan Carlos Arencibia sparked the game with a single to left and then stole second. Valladares attempted a comeback by striking out Eliser Arrechavaleta, but an error by Luis Vicente Mateo made the inning more challenging. Lázaro Emilio Blanco capped off the three-run rally with a grounder to second, bringing Arencibia home. Following Valladares' departure, who conceded four runs (only one of which was earned) over five innings, the Vegueros overwhelmed the Las Tunas bullpen, adding five runs. Tailon Sánchez hit a bases-loaded double, and Yadier Guerra's single brought in the crucial run, scored by reliever Rubén Rodríguez. The Vegueros' leading lineup proved deadly, tallying six runs and six RBIs—Arencibia accounted for four of those runs. Although the Leñadores managed to get 15 hits, they couldn't capitalize on them. They left 10 runners stranded and failed to deliver the crucial hits against starter Raicol Suárez—who pitched six innings, giving up 10 hits but only two runs—and reliever José Antonio Sánchez, who handled the last three innings. With this victory, Pinar del Río (14-19) held onto sixth place in the standings, keeping their hopes alive for entering the qualifying zone. This week will be crucial for the Vegueros, particularly if they can secure at least three wins against the Leñadores.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Arozarena sparks Mariners offense in victory over Red Sox. Randy Arozarena had a 2-for-5 performance in the victory against the Red Sox, scoring one run and stealing a base. Following today's win, Arozarena's batting average stands at .205, with 18 hits, four home runs, and seven stolen bases over 24 games this season. The experienced outfielder maintains impressive stolen base statistics. Jorge Soler was the leadoff batter on Wednesday. Jorge Soler led off on Wednesday for the Angels in a 3-0 defeat against the Pirates. Soler achieved an 1-for-4 performance, with one strikeout. He has hit safely in his last four games and is enjoying a strong April, posting a .268/.321/.493 slash line with 4 home runs and 8 RBIs. Edgar Quero with an RBI on Wednesday. Edgar Quero went hitless in two at-bats, but he drew two walks and drove in a run on Wednesday against the Twins. Recently, Quero has been a standout for the struggling White Sox. His run-scoring fielder's choice briefly put them ahead after a dramatic fifth inning, though the bullpen soon lost the lead. Additionally, he demonstrated his keen eye at the plate by drawing two walks. Quero was known for getting on base frequently in the minors and has brought that talent to the majors, achieving two walks, two strikeouts, and a .417 OBP over seven games in his first week. Miguel Vargas collects two hits. Miguel Vargas returned to the lineup for Chicago and notched 2 hits in their 6-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins. These hits increased his season tally to 11 hits in 79 at-bats. This outing slightly boosted his batting average, bringing it to .139 for the season. In the past three games, Vargas has improved, posting an average of .278 and an OPS of .722. However, over the last 10 games, his average is a lower .133, highlighting the difficulty of sustaining performance over a longer period. Yandy Díaz with another multi-hit game. Yandy Díaz delivered a 3-for-6 performance, including two doubles and three RBIs, in an extra-innings victory against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. In the seventh inning, Yandy drove in two runs, putting the Rays ahead 4-3. The 33-year-old veteran further increased Tampa Bay's lead to 7-5 in the 11th with a double that brought Jonathan Aranda home. Despite his overall season slash line of .230/.271/.380, Yandy is gaining momentum, now hitting .274/.328/.484 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and one stolen base over his last 15 games. Today's game marks his sixth multi-hit game of the month and his second with three hits. Adrián Morejón faced difficulties against the Tigers. Adrian Morejón faced difficulties against the Tigers on Wednesday during a one-inning relief appearance. He gave up three hits and two earned runs, without recording any strikeouts or issuing any walks. Morejón used 21 pitches to complete the inning, with 13 being strikes. Aside from today's performance, Morejón has been performing exceptionally well this season, boasting a 2.38 ERA over 11 games and 11 1/3 innings, with a 1-0 record and one save. José Iglesias achieves two hits in defeat against Detroit. In a game where the Padres were defeated 6-0 by the Tigers, José Iglesias achieved 2 hits. This brought his season total to 15 hits in 54 at-bats, resulting in a batting average of .278, reflecting his steady performance. Over the last three games, Iglesias has maintained a .333 average, demonstrating his consistency in reaching base. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. with a single. In Wednesday's 7-6 defeat against the Rays, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. managed 1 hit in 5 at-bats. Gurriel has a batting average of only .172, with 15 hits and 14 RBIs over 87 at-bats. Despite the low average, he remains a contributor in producing runs. Luis Robert Jr. went hitless on Wednesday. Luis Robert went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk in the White Sox’s 6-3 defeat against the Twins on Wednesday. Despite his struggles, discussions about Robert often focus on the potential for a trade to a postseason contender. The Dodgers are reportedly interested, largely due to Andy Pagés' ongoing struggles both offensively and defensively. Robert is currently slashing .145/.267/.250 over the first 22 games of the season, which is lower than Pagés’ .183/.284/.366. However, Robert is a superior defender and has demonstrated All-Star potential. Daysbel Hernández with another win. Daysbel Hernández is unexpectedly leading the Braves in wins, having secured his third victory of the year against the Cardinals on Wednesday. In a high-pressure situation, the right-hander pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two to earn the win. He currently holds a 3-0 record with a 2.38 ERA over 11 1/3 innings. Andy Pagés homers again. In the loss to the Cubs, Andy Pagés went 1-for-4, hitting a home run and earning one RBI. Following today’s defeat, Pages has a batting average of .183, with four home runs and seven RBI over 22 games this season. While playing away games, Pagés has been more successful, with all four of his season home runs occurring on the road. In the past seven games, his OPS is .808, showing that he has been reaching base and hitting for power more frequently during this period. Pagés required a solid showing, given his recent struggles at the plate. He aims to use this performance as a stepping stone for his next game. Adolis García did not get any hits on Wednesday. Adolis García had a challenging game, going 0-for-4 in the Rangers' 5-2 loss to the A's. Despite the hitless performance, he contributed one RBI and struck out once. Currently, Garcia's OPS stands at .717, with 4 home runs and 11 RBIs in the 2025 season. Andy Ibáñez recorded two hits. Yulieski Gurriel was struck out. In Wednesday's 2-0 victory over the Padres, Andy Ibáñez achieved a 2-for-3 performance. He batted in the cleanup spot for the Tigers and took on the role of third baseman. Although Ibáñez has had a slow start to the season with a .211 average and .697 OPS over 15 games, his versatility and ability to deliver in crucial moments will ensure he remains a valuable option for Detroit, even in a limited capacity. In the same game for the Padres, Yulieski Gurriel appeared as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-1, striking out. Yordan Álvarez contributes an RBI. Yordan Álvarez went 1-for-2 on Wednesday in a 3-1 victory against the Blue Jays. He added an RBI and also earned a walk. This marked the thirteenth RBI of the season for the 27-year-old power hitter, who has had a somewhat slow start. His current stats are .221/.323/.338 with 2 home runs over 96 plate appearances. The Angels called Víctor Mederos up from High-A Tri-City on Wednesday. The Angels demoted Víctor Mederos to High-A after he didn't secure a spot on the major league roster following spring training. Since then, he has posted a 3.52 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP, with a 14:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 15.1 innings, earning him another opportunity in the majors. Considering he has given up 10 earned runs in only 8.1 innings during his MLB career, he is likely to be used in low-pressure situations with the Halos.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Edgar Quero with second multi-hit game of his MLB career. Edgar Quero went 3-for-4 and scored a run as the White Sox lost to the Twins on Tuesday evening in Minneapolis. The 22-year-old catcher started the second inning with a single off Bailey Ober and eventually scored the first run for the White Sox on a sacrifice fly by Jacob Amaya. He also began the fourth and sixth innings with singles, but the White Sox couldn't bring him home. He also made a throwing error. Quero has been hitting well in his limited time with the White Sox, boasting a .368/.400/.474 line with no home runs and three RBIs in his first 20 plate appearances. Andy Pagés returned to the Dodgers lineup. Andy Pagés returned to the Dodgers lineup on Tuesday after taking a day off. He went 2-for-4, drove in an RBI with his third homer of the year, scored two runs, and struck out once in an 11-10 loss to the Cubs in 10 innings. Pagés is still working to find his rhythm at bat with the Dodgers in 2025, which will aid him in maintaining a regular position in the outfield. Despite adding some power in April with 3 home runs, he has only 6 RBIs and 9 hits in 15 games this month. José Iglesias contributed with a hit. In Tuesday's 2-0 victory over the Tigers, José Iglesias went 1-for-3 and struck out once. Although Iglesias is playing a limited role in 2025, Jake Croneworth's injury has given him the chance to play daily. He has improved his slash line to .278/.339/.352, but he hasn't recorded any RBIs or walks in his last 25 at-bats over 7 games. Adolis García contributed effectively in the victory. Adolis García had a 2-for-5 performance with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in Tuesday's 8-5 victory over the A's. As of today, the Rangers have a 6-0 record in games where Adolis records an RBI. Although the powerful outfielder is hitting just .228 over his initial 79 at-bats this season, Adolis has stayed productive by accumulating four home runs, six doubles, ten RBIs, and four stolen bases across 23 games. Randy Arozarena did not get any hits. Randy Arozarena went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the 8-3 loss to the Red Sox on Tuesday. He struck out twice. This year, Arozarena has a .193/.350/.410 slash line, with his best performances occurring in clutch situations, resulting in 4 home runs and 17 RBIs. Arozarena is aiming to maintain his streak of four consecutive seasons with 20+ home runs. Yariel Rodríguez innefective on Tuesday. On Tuesday, Yariel Rodríguez pitched one inning of relief against the Astros and allowed one run. His three hits included a solo home run by Isaac Paredes in the seventh inning. As of right now, it is very clear that the Blue Jays will not return Yariel to the rotation; he has pitched 10 1/3 innings, allowing six earned runs with eight strikeouts, three home runs, and five walks. Despite having a bright future, he hasn't lived up to his expectations, and he may not be on an MLB roster for long. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. went hitless on Tuesday. In a 5-1 win against the Rays, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. went 0-for-3 with an RBI. In 21 games this season, Gurriel is batting a poor .171/.193/.354 with four home runs and 14 RBIs. He has not seen much improvement since last month, batting 6-for-30 (.200) in his last 7 games with 2 homers and 6 RBIs. Yordan Álvarez with an one-hit game performance. Against the Blue Jays on Tuesday, Yordan Alvarez went 1-for-4 with a run scored. After hitting 30+ home runs in each of the last four seasons, Yordan's power is still lacking in 2025. While he is expected to recover his form, fans are growing impatient with his clutch hitting as well. Pitchers have adjusted their strategies against him, making it harder for Yordan to find his groove. After 22 games and 75 ABs, the pressure to perform could be affecting his mental approach at the plate, impacting his overall effectiveness. Miguel Vargas went to the bench on Tuesday. Miguel Vargas was not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Twins. After starting the last three games, Vargas was benched on Tuesday as he is currently experiencing a 4-for-40 slump. If Vargas doesn't begin improving his performance, the White Sox will soon have to make a decision regarding his position.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Raisel Iglesias allowed three runs in one inning of pitching against the Cardinals on Monday. Raisel Iglesias gave up three runs in a non-save situation on Monday in an Atlanta 7-6 victory over the Cardinals. He surrendered a two-run homer to Willson Contreras and an RBI double to Victor Scott II before finally concluding the inning.Iglesias allowed one walk and struck out one batter, needing 25 pitches—15 of which were strikes—to finish the inning. As a result, his ERA has risen to 6.23, but more worrying is that Iglesias has been allowing many hard hits this season. According to the expected statistics, Iglesias ranks among the lowest in baseball. He has an xERA of 7.18, placing him in the fifth percentile, an average exit velocity of 93.8 mph, which is in the third percentile, and a groundball rate of 24%, placing him in the fourth percentile in baseball. A slight concern for a team anticipated to reach the 2025 postseason. Yoán Moncada starts swinging the bat again. According to MLB.com, Yoán Moncada has been capable of swinging right-handed and fielding grounders. Moncada was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 10 because of a right thumb sprain, making him eligible for activation now. Although it's uncertain when the switch hitter can start swinging left-handed again, he seems to be progressing in his recovery. Moncada might rejoin the Angels before the end of April, but a return in early May seems more probable. Aroldis Chapman achieved an uncommon hold. Aroldis Chapman had an uncommon appearance in the eighth inning, earning a hold in a 4-2 win over the White Sox. After his performance on April 15, when he secured his fourth save of the year against Tampa Bay, Chapman took the mound again on April 19, setting a team record with a pitch speed of 102.3 mph, although no save was recorded. Yesterday, he threw 16 pitches, 12 of which were strikes, allowed a run on a home run by Andrew Benintendi, and struck out one batter. He didn't return for the ninth inning. It was his first hold of the year. Luis Robert Jr. struggles continue. Luis Robert Jr. went 0-for-4 with two striekouts MOnday in a 4-2 defeat agains the Red Sox. He is now slashing only .125/.269/.232 in April with 2 homers and 5 RBIs. In previous seasons, Robert showcased much stronger offensive skills, with a batting average well above .250 and more consistent power-hitting capabilities. His 2023 season, for instance, saw him hitting .264 with 38 home runs and 80 RBIs, indicating since last year a significant decline in his current form. This stark contrast raises concerns about his ability to regain his previous levels of performance as the season progresses. The Brewers moved LHP Néstor Cortés to the 60-day injured list. Néstor Cortés was placed on the injured list on April 6 due to a left elbow flexor strain and is expected to be out for an extended period. He has not started throwing again and is not anticipated to return until at least early June. This procedural move opens up a spot on Milwaukee’s 40-man roster. José Iglesias and Yulieski Gurriel did not get any hits on Monday. José Iglesias began the game at second base for the Padres, going 0-for-3 but scoring a run in their 6-4 defeat against Detroit. During the same match, Yuli Gurriel appeared as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-1. The Padres are competing in the challenging National League West, and contributions from these two Cuban veterans could be instrumental in their pursuit of a 2025 postseason berth. Edgar Quero went hitless on Monday. Edgar Quero went hitless in four at-bats during Monday's 4-2 defeat against the Red Sox. Quero contributed one RBI and struck out once. He was positioned as the cleanup hitter and served as the catcher. Since making his debut on April 18, he has a slash line of .267/.313/.400 over 5 games and 15 at-bats. The 22-year-old switch hitter from Cienfuegos shows great potential for the future. Yordan Álvarez power still missing. Yordan Álvarez went 1-for-3 with an RBI in the Astros' 7-0 victory over the Blue Jays on Monday. He also had a walk and a strikeout. This season, Álvarez's power has been somewhat subdued, as he has only five extra-base hits, including two home runs, across 21 games. Despite this, there's no issue with Yordan this year, except that, in a relatively small sample size, his HardHit% of 44.8 is the lowest of his career. Daysbel Hernández secures his second victory. Daysbel Hernández earned his second victory of the year following a scoreless inning against the Cardinals in a 7-6 triumph. Although Daysbel didn't record any strikeouts and issued one walk, he did not allow a hit during his 10th outing of the season. Last year, he made 16 appearances, achieving a 3-0 record with 26 strikeouts in 18 innings and maintaining a 2.50 ERA. Daysbel remains a reliable reliever in high-leverage situations for the Braves. On Monday, Miguel Vargas went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, dropping his average to .139. Miguel Vargas has a strikeout rate of 26 percent, which is higher than his career average of 22 percent, despite his contact numbers being slightly better than usual. His hard-hit rate is 41 percent, which is above average overall and significantly better than his career rate of 30 percent. However, he is slugging .203. Since he has no options left, the White Sox are likely to keep him for now. Their patience might eventually wear thin, though, as he batted just .104/.217/.170 in 157 plate appearances after joining from the Dodgers last summer.

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).

A 12-8 victory by Santiago de Cuba over Ciego de Ávila, combined with Las Tunas' second consecutive win over Industriales, moved Las Tunas to the top of the standings in the III Cuban Baseball Elite League (III ELCB), closely followed by the Ciego de Ávila team in second place. Meanwhile, Pinar del Río strengthened its hold on fifth place in the tournament after extending its current winning streak to three consecutive victories, this time 8-4 over Granma. Danny Betancourt reached 170 wins in National Series history. (Photo by Granma newspaper) Santiago de Cuba 12, Ciego de Ávila 8 Santiago de Cuba had an impressive fifth inning, scoring seven runs to seize control of their Sunday afternoon game at José R. Cepero Stadium, ultimately winning 12-8 against Ciego de Ávila. The Santiago team capitalized on poor pitching from the Ciego de Ávila pitchers, who allowed a total of 13 walks, with six of them given up by the starting pitcher and loser, José I. Grandales (2-2). In the pivotal fifth inning, Santiago took command of the game by capitalizing on the Ciego de Ávila pitchers' lack of control, drawing exactly four walks, along with three hits and an error. This allowed them to secure a lead they maintained for the rest of the game. Among the three hits in that inning, Edilse Silva's was the first, driving in one run, followed by a double from catcher Harold Vázquez, which added two more runs. Just before that, a fielder's choice and an error by the Ciego de Avila defense on a ground ball hit by Eduardo García to third base resulted in two more runs. During the inning, starter Grandales exited after Silva's single, completing 4 1/3 innings and giving up 8 runs, five of which were earned. Veteran right-hander Danny Betancourt (2-1) took the mound for Santiago and secured the win, despite giving up six runs over 5 2/3 innings. Betancourt had cruised through five innings, allowing six hits, including a two-run homer by Ronaldo Castillo in the third inning, which brought Ciego within 3-2. However, in the sixth inning, he gave up four more hits and issued a walk, leading to an inning where Ciego de Avila attempted a comeback, scoring four times, and prompting Danny to be pulled from the game. Despite this, the right-hander secured the win, marking his 170th career victory in National Series baseball, just two wins shy of tying Mantua's left-hander, Faustino Corrales, for the historic 14th spot. Betancourt was aided by an excellent closing performance from Islay Sotolongo (1), who prevented Ciego de Ávila from scoring further, pitching the final two scoreless innings with a single, a walk, and a strikeout to earn his first save of the season. The loss caused Ciego de Ávila to drop from first place in this III ELCB by win-loss average, now second with .654 (17-9) to Las Tunas' .667 (12-6). Jean Lucas Baldoquín clinched the game against Industriales with a three-run homer in the first inning. (Photo by Jit digital newspaper) Las Tunas 5, Industriales 3 Las Tunas secured their second straight weekend win against Industriales with a 5-3 victory, achieved in just the first inning during a game at Julio A. Mella Park in Las Tunas. The team's offense was powered by two home runs off right-handed starter Andy Vargas (2-2), which accounted for all five runs in the decisive first inning. A single by Yudier Rondón, followed by a home run from Yosvani Alarcón after the second out of the inning, swiftly set the score to 2-0 against Vargas. Shortly after, consecutive singles by Roberto Baldoquín and Leonel Moa Jr., along with a three-run home run by Jean Baldoquín, completed the five runs inning that turned out to be pivotal. After a shaky first inning, the right-hander from the capital bounced back, pitching another six strong innings in which he conceded only two hits in the fourth, along with four walks and five strikeouts, delivering a commendable performance. However, he still ended up with the loss. Industriales tried to back him up offensively, but they were held scoreless in the initial four innings by right-handed starter Alejandro Meneses (2-2), who managed to avoid any runs despite allowing four hits and giving up four walks. However, in the fifth inning, three hits loaded the bases with only one out. Yasiel Santoya managed a sacrifice fly to the outfield, bringing in one run, while catcher Andrys Pérez ended the inning with a strong line drive to right field, but it was caught. Facing reliever Keniel Ferráz, Industriales managed to score a run in the sixth inning by stringing together four hits and capitalizing on an error. Then, in the eighth inning against Wilson Paredes, the Lions recorded three more hits, highlighted by an RBI double from Ángel Hechavaría, securing the third and final run for the capital team in the game. Veteran right-hander Alberto P. Civil (3) handled the rest, pitching the eighth and ninth innings without giving up a run, allowing two hits, and striking out two to secure his third save. Las Tunas' victory temporarily moved them to the top of the III ELCB standings, thanks to a better win-loss average over Ciego de Ávila. A solid performance by right-hander Yunieski García maintained Pinar del Río's position in fifth place. (Photo by Radio Bayamo) Pinar del Río 8, Granma 4 Right-hander Yunieski García (2-4) delivered a strong performance, and with support from 14 hits, the Vegueros de Pinar del Río secured an 8-4 win over Granma, extending their winning streak in the III ELCB to three games. This victory also kept the Pinar del Río team in fifth place in the tournament, just one game shy of the qualifying zone. García pitched seven strong innings to secure his second victory of the tournament, giving up just four hits. One of these was a two-run homer by Alexquemer Sánchez in the second inning, putting the Granma team ahead 2-0 early on. These were the only runs the right-hander conceded, as he finished with seven strikeouts and one walk. Pinar del Río swiftly took charge of the game in the third inning against starter Sammy E. Benítez (3-1). In this inning, after one out, Lázaro Fernández and Juan C. Arencibia each hit singles, and an error by third baseman Andrés de la Cruz loaded the bases. At that point, Lázaro Acosta hit a single to center field, driving in two runs to tie the game. Following the second out of the inning, a single by catcher Yadiel Guerra brought in the run that gave the Vegueros a 3-2 lead. Sammy managed to escape the tough situation by delivering three consecutive scoreless innings, maintaining the score despite allowing four hits, which included doubles by Lázaro Blanco in the fifth inning and Dainier Gálvez in the sixth. However, the right-hander returned unnecessarily for the seventh inning, and Pinar capitalized by scoring three more runs against him, ultimately deciding the game. That inning began with Tailon Sánchez' single to right field, and after Acosta was out and an error advanced Sánchez to second, Blanco was given a controversial intentional walk. That was when Guerra hit a double to center, increasing the score to 4-2. Another intentional walk to Frank González loaded the bases and led to the Granma starter being pulled from the game. Pinar completed the three-run rally when reliever Juan D. Pérez walked Yasiel González, making it 5-2, and a fielder's choice on a grounder by the newly substituted shortstop Dainiel López extended the lead to 6-2. Against Pérez, Pinar added two more runs in the eighth inning, driven in by singles from Guerra and Frank González. In the ninth inning with two outs, Pinar's reliever Jenier Álvarez issued two walks and allowed a single by Andy Cosme, which brought Granma closer by driving in a run. Following the second run, scored via a single by De la Cruz to left field, Pinar del Río's manager, Alexander Urquiola, decided to act by bringing in the experienced right-handed closer José A. García (7). García secured the victory by striking out Yulieski Remón, earning his seventh save in this III ELCB, leader.