Elephants Stop Cubs in National Baseball Series

The Holguin Cubs, after delivering two consecutive knockouts to the Cienfuegos Elephants at Calixto García Stadium, had their offense halted by two young 22-year-old pitchers in the fourth round of the 64th National Baseball Series.

Starter and winner Alexander Vargas (1-0) threw six consecutive home runs. Retired eleven consecutive batters, and allowed the first hit, to Lázaro Cedeño, in the sixth inning with two outs.

Already in the seventh, also with two outs, Adriel Hechavarría and Luis Raúl Domínguez hit consecutive singles, and the team’s management opted to bring in Nioval Barrozo. Who was unable to prevent Ernesto Torres from hitting a shot to center field that drove in the only run for his team. Kevin Hernández entered the fray, allowing two singles and striking out one for 2 1/3 innings to earn his first save.

Ultimately, Vargas pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing only three singles and one earned run. Striking out one batter, walking four, one intentionally, being hit by a pitch, and committing two balks.

Carlos Santiesteban (2-2), despite losing, was a worthy opponent, pitching seven innings in which he scattered five hits. One of them being Erisbel Arruebarruena’s second home run, the only extra-base hit of the game, striking out ten batters and issuing two walks.

Holguin relievers Ramiro Rodríguez and José Antonio Sánchez pitched one inning each. With the latter allowing one hit and striking out one batter.

In the game, each team connected six hits, and for the winners, in addition to Arruebarruena’s home run in four at-bats, José Manuel Oramas and Pedro Miguel González stood out with their bats. Both 2-for-4, with the latter adding an RBI.

This Thursday, the Santiago de Cuba Wasps had their 10-game winning streak snapped. Falling 4-3 to the Villa Clara Leopards at Guillermón Moncada Stadium, but still retained their Series lead.

Meanwhile, the Pinar del Rio Vegueros defeated the Cocodrilos 3-2 in a ten-inning game. Leaving the Matanzas team eager to climb to the top of the league. Moreover, Camagüey lost its win against Mayabeque for using an improper player.  Artemisa consolidated its qualification zone by defeating Guantanamo twice, 8-4 and 6-2.

Finally, the Isla de la Juventud Pirates defeated Sancti Spiritus 7-4. While the Industriales-Granma game was postponed due to electrical problems in the visiting team’s village.

Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez