Noelvis González (from Holguin)—second from left—gives instructions to batters from the Beijing Loongs. Photo: Courtesy of the League via Weibo.

Holguin natives in the Chinese Professional Baseball League

The Xiamen Dolphins—the team featuring Yasiel González—and the Beijing Loongs—managed by Noelvis González (both natives of Holguin)—have secured their spots in the Chinese Professional Baseball League postseason.

Also the Dolphins currently lead the league with a 9-3 record, and Yasiel is tied for fifth place in hits with 12. The roster also includes José Amaury Noroña (from Matanzas). Also who ranks fourth in runs scored with 10, and the recently added Tailon Sánchez (from Pinar del Rio).

Furthermore the pitching staff includes Andy Vargas (no decision), who has worked eight innings. Allowed two runs (one earned), and posted a 1.13 ERA; Pavel Hernández (1-0), with 12.0 innings of work and a 0.75 ERA. And Armando Dueñas, who joined the group just a few days ago.

The Beijing Loongs, sitting second in the standings with an 8-4 record and one tie under the management of fellow Holguin native Noelvis González. They have already clinched a spot that is out of reach for the teams in fifth and sixth place.

Also their roster features Alfredo Despaigne (.167 batting average, 2 RBIs), Francisco Martínez (.250 average, 1 HR, 3 RBIs). Raico Santos (.313 average, one double, 3 RBIs), and Andy Cosme (.226 average, 4 RBIs).

Standout pitchers for Beijing include Yankiel Mauris, with four saves and a 1.32 ERA. The reliever Frank Herrera, who has allowed no earned runs and recorded 15 strikeouts over eleven and two-thirds innings. Fher Cejas and Luis Miguel Romero are also part of the pitching staff.

According to the standings, the teams ranked third through sixth. Following the Delfines and Beijing are, in this order: Shenzhen Bluesox (5-3), Shanghai Orcas (5-6), Fuzhou Sea Knights (3-8), and Changsha WantWant (2-8, with one tie).

The China Professional Baseball League has scheduled 15 games per team for the regular season. With the top four teams in the standings advancing to the quarterfinals.

Roberto Carlos Rodríguez Torres
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