With a five-run cluster in the fourth inning, the Granma Alazanes secured a 6-2 victory to tie the Holguin Cubs. In the match they are playing at Calixto Garcia Stadium in the recently started 64th edition of the National Baseball Series.
The Holguin Cubs took control in the second inning with a home run to right field by their sixth hitter, Luis Miguel Santiesteban. Scored their second run in the sixth when left-handed starter and winner Yunier Castillo left the mound after 5 1/3 innings of work. Allowing only three singles, two strikeouts, and five walks.
Juan Danilo Pérez took charge of the rest (3 2/3), allowing three more singles, striking out four, walking two, and hitting one by pitch.
The loss went to Holguin starter Jesús Enrique Pérez, who earned four earned runs in three innings of work, allowing seven hits, striking out five, and walking four.
First reliever Jesús Quintán was hit by two batters he faced, driving in three runs.
In an unrewarded effort, the last three home pitchers, Ramiro Rodríguez (2.0), Orleidis Cuba (3.0), and José Miguel Rodríguez (1.0). Only allowed one single to the visiting team, which the second of them allowed.
For the Alazanes, who connected ten hits, Ernesto Pérez (2-2), Yulieski Remón (4-2, 1 RBI), and Osvaldo Abreu (5-2, 2 RBI) stood out with their bats.
For Holguin, which fielded 23 players, in addition to home run hitter Santiesteban (3-1), Nelson Batista (4-2, 1 RBI) stood out offensively.
In this second round, the Santiago de Cuba Wasps once again overwhelmed the La Isla Pirates, this time by a 15-0 KO with ten hits in four offensive innings, including three home runs and a double. Pro-team player Yoelquis Guibert connected his third home run.
The Sancti Spiritus Roosters defeated the Villa Clara Leopards 3-2 in the game sealed the day before, and then repeated their victory in the second game. This time 2-1 in a duel that ended in five innings due to rain. José Isaías Grandales and Eduardo Santos scored the wins.
Industriales avenged their opening-day loss with a 14-5 victory over the Cienfuegos Elephants. With a five-run fifth inning, backed by home runs from Pedro Roque and Yasmani Tomás.
At Julio Antonio Mella Stadium, the Vegueros de Pinar del Rio defeated the defending champions Leñadores de Las Tunas 7-4, thanks to William Saavedra’s second home run.
Due to rain, Artemisa and Mayabeque had to postpone their debut once again. The Camagüey-Guantanamo game was not played, and the Matanzas-Ciego de Avila game ended scoreless in the third inning.
For Game 3 this Thursday, starting at 2:00 p.m. at Calixto Garcia Stadium. The Cubs will have Carlos Santiesteban as their starter, while the Alazanes will rely on fellow right-hander Sammy Benítez.
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
- Cubs take the lead against the Alazanes in the National Series - 5 de September de 2025
- First run for the Alazanes at Calixto Garcia Stadium - 4 de September de 2025
- Baseball: Cubs blank Alazanes in opening game - 3 de September de 2025