Photo: István Ojeda/CNA

Cuba: The “Hottest” Eastern Zone in the National Baseball Series

With two teams tied for second place in the standings and three others locked in a battle for fourth. The competition remains intense in the Eastern Zone—the “hottest” division due to its high level of parity. As the 65th National Baseball Series (SNB) enters the second half of its regular season, the prelude to the playoffs.

At the “Enchanted Forest”—Las Tunas’ Julio Antonio Mella Stadium—the front-running *Leñadores* (Lumberjacks) will look to keep their winning momentum going against the last-place *Indios del Guaso* (Guantanamo Indians). Also whom they already defeated in the first two games of the series.

Meanwhile, the *Avispas* (Wasps) of Santiago de Cuba and the *Toros* (Bulls) of Camagüey will face off in another high-stakes clash at the Cándido González stadium. A venue where both teams have already experienced both the thrill of victory and the bitterness of defeat.

Also looking to defend their favorable standing are the *Cachorros* (Cubs) of Holguin. Who will attempt to storm the José Ramón Cepero stadium in Ciego de Avila to take down the *Tigres* (Tigers). At the same time, the *Gallos* (Roosters) of Sancti Spiritus will aim to hold their ground for the third consecutive day against the always-challenging *Alazanes* (Mustangs) of Granma, playing on their home turf at the José A. Huelga stadium.

To date, the *Leñadores* lead the zone with a record of 18 wins and 8 losses, followed by Santiago de Cuba and Holguin (15-10), Ciego de Avila, Granma, and Sancti Spiritus (13-13), Camagüey (10-16), and Guantanamo (6-20). A ranking in which the top four teams will secure spots in the postseason.

Meanwhile, in the Western Division, the Vegueros de Pinar del Rio will look to bounce back from recent setbacks against the Huracanes de Mayabeque. The Cocodrilos de Matanzas will have a chance to continue their winning streak against the Cazadores de Artemisa. Also the Leones de Industriales will seek a resurgence at the Latino (Latinoamericano Stadium) as they face the Azucareros de Villa Clara once again. And the Elefantes de Cienfuegos will aim to solidify their position against the struggling Piratas de Isla de la Juventud.

As it stands, Pinar del Rio leads the Western Division with a 20-6 record. Followed by Matanzas (16-8), Industriales (14-10), and Cienfuegos (14-12) in that order.

Meanwhile, Mayabeque (13-12), Villa Clara (10-13), Artemisa (9-16), and Isla de la Juventud (3-21) round out the standings. These teams need to pick up the pace if they hope to break into the “hot zone”—the threshold for reaching the playoffs.

With information from the Cuban News Agency

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