Inter-group matchups begin in the National Baseball Series

With the matchups between teams within the same group now concluded. Inter-group play between Groups A and B—spanning both the western and eastern zones begins. Each series will consist of five games, completing the 20 remaining contests that will determine the final standings for the 65th National Baseball Series.

In the eastern zone, the front-running Leñadores de Las Tunas (16 wins, 8 losses) will face the Indios de Guantanamo. Currently at the bottom of the table with a 6-18 record at the Julio Antonio Mella Stadium.

The Cubs of Holguin and the Avispas de Santiago de Cuba (both 14-9), trailing the Las Tunas squad by just one and a half games. It will look to close the gap at the top of the region. The Cubs are set to take on Ciego de Avila at the José Ramón Cepero Stadium, home of the Tigres. While the Avispas will play at the Cándido González Stadium against the Toros de Camagüey, who sit second-to-last in the standings.

Additionally, the Gallos de Sancti Spiritus will host the Alazanes de Granma at the José Antonio Huelga Stadium.

The team from Las Tunas often called the “balcony of eastern Cuba”—leads the zone, ahead of Santiago de Cuba and Holguin. The rest of the standings in the east are: Granma (13-11), Ciego de Avila (12-12), Sancti Spiritus (11-13), Camagüey (9-15), and Guantanamo (6-18).

In the western zone, the Vegueros de Pinar del Rio aim to continue demonstrating their pedigree on their home turf, the Capitán San Luis Stadium, where they will host the Huracanes de Mayabeque. Following a nine-game winning streak and a record of 20 wins against four losses. The squad led by the experienced Alfonso Urquiola aims to remain at the top of its group, holding a significant lead over the other teams.

Their closest rivals, Industriales and Matanzas (both 14-8), will face off against the Azucareros de Villa Clara and the Cazadores de Artemisa, respectively. With matches scheduled at the Latinoamerican and Victoria de Girón stadiums.

Also the series will be rounded out by the Piratas de Isla de la Juventud and the Elefantes de Cienfuegos. Playing at the latter’s home field, the 5 de Septiembre stadium.

Pinar del Rio leads the western zone, followed by Industriales and Matanzas, Cienfuegos (12-12), Mayabeque (11-12), Villa Clara (8-13), Artemisa (9-15), and La Isla (3-19).

With information from CNA