At home at the Calixto García Stadium, the Holguin Cubs defeated the Granma Alazanes 6-0 with a combined effort by Wilson Paredes and Michel Cabrera. Plus a home run by Lázaro Cedeño in his debut for that team at the start of the sixty-fourth National Baseball Series.
In the winners’ 11-hit offense, in addition to Cedeño (2-2, 1r), Michael Gorgüet (4-2) stood out. Along with Jorlis Bravo (1-1, 2 RBI) and Edward Magaña (4-1, 2b, 2 RBI). Each team committed a blunder.
Paredes pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing only three singles and two strikeouts, while Cabrera pitched 3 1/3 with two singles. The loss went to César García, who allowed seven hits and four runs in six innings, but only one earned.
This is the first time the Holguin team has defeated Granma in the opening game of a national series. On the two previous occasions (56 and 57), they succumbed to right-hander Lázaro Blanco.
On the same day, the Las Tunas Leñadores defeated the Pinar del Rio Vegueros 10-6 in a game played at Julio Antonio Mella Stadium.
The victory went to reliever Keniel Ferraz, despite allowing three runs—one unearned—in two and two-thirds innings. While starter Leodán Reyes took the loss after allowing five runs in four innings.
In other opening-day results, the Camagüey Bulls defeated the Guantanamo Indians 6-2, with a win by José Ramón Rodríguez (eight strikeouts in six innings) and a pair of home runs by rookie Reinaldo Almanza. Who became, according to statistician Benigno Daquinta, the first player in the history of the National Series to hit two home runs in his debut.
The Santiago de Cuba Wasps knocked out the La Isla Pirates 14-4 at Guillermón Moncada Stadium, with a devastating offense led by Yoelkis Guibert (two home runs) and supported by Eduardo García, Edilse Silva, and Francisco Martínez, all with one.
At Victoria de Girón Stadium, the Matanzas Crocodiles defeated the Ciego de Avila Tigers 4-3, and the Sancti Spiritus Roosters were down 1-2 in six innings when the game was called due to inclement weather.
Meanwhile, the Cienfuegos Elephants defeated the Industriales 7-5 at the Latinoamericano. Despite a home run by Cienfuegos native Ariel Hechavarría in a losing effort.
Finally, the match between the Artemisa Hunters and the Mayabeque Hurricanes was postponed due to rain and rescheduled for this Wednesday in a doubleheader.
The Alazanes and Cubs will face each other again this Wednesday at Calixto García Stadium for a matchup where the returning Carlos Santiesteban for the home team and Yunier Castillo for the visitors are scheduled to start.
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
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