Cubs crush Lions and secure series win

The Holguin Cubs unleashed their bats this Saturday, backing a strong start from Carlos Santisteban (6-3) and effective relief from Jesús Quintán. To secure their third victory against the Industriales Lions, this time 15-3.

The Cubs, playing before the largest crowd of the season at Calixto García Stadium. Exploited starter Remberto Barreto (6-2), who had posted excellent numbers but this time allowed five runs in four innings of work. Surrendering five hits, including a triple, walking three, and striking out three batters.

Manager Guillermo Carmona was forced to use six substitutes, including position player Roberto Acevedo, who recorded the final three outs, although he allowed one run.

Santiesteban pitched six innings, allowing three runs (one unearned) and five singles, striking out two and walking one. Quintán pitched three scoreless innings, giving up only two singles. Striking out five, and issuing no walks, an outing that earned him his first save.

In summary, Holguin collected 18 hits and committed one error, while Havana managed five hits and committed five errors. Yasiel González (4-for-5, 3B, 2B, 2 RBI) and Edward Magaña (4-for-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI) stood out for the Cubs’ offensive onslaught. While Cristian Onofre went 2-for-4, Jorlis Bravo added two RBIs, and Michel Gorgüet contributed a double and an RBI.

Holguin maintained their third-place position in the standings. As the teams ahead of them, Leñadores de Las Tunas and Cocodrilos de Matanzas, also won on Saturday.

The Leñadores scored two runs in the second half against the Gallos de Sancti Spiritus on a home run by Yudier Rondón. Securing a 6-5 victory at Julio Antonio Mella Stadium.

Also the Cocodrilos, meanwhile, defeated the Avispas de Santiago de Cuba 13-5 at Victoria de Girón Stadium. Tying the series and becoming the first team to reach 40 wins.

The Camagüey Bulls defeated the Artemisa Hunters 7-3 at Cándido González Stadium, and the Pinar del Rio Vegueros beat the Ciego de Avila Tigers 2-1 with an excellent performance by Frank Luis Medina and home runs by Lester Benítez and Tailon Sánchez.

The top of the standings now looks like this: Las Tunas (38-21); Matanzas (40-24, 0.5 games back). Holguin (39-24, 1.0 games back); Mayabeque (36-25, 3.0 games back). Industriales (36-25, 3.0 games back); Cienfuegos (34-26, 4.5 games back); Artemisa (33-28, 6.0 games back); and Sancti Spiritus (34-30, 6.5 games back).