Artemisa Climbs to Second Place in the National Baseball Series

Artemisa used its best weapon—pitching—to defeat the leading Matanzas team 6-1 today in their own "Palace of the Crocodiles," propelling them to second place in the 64th National Baseball Series.

The Hunters took advantage of the fact that the Santiago de Cuba Wasps could not play due to transportation problems, catching up with them in the overall standings; both teams now hold a 16-7 record.

In today's challenge, the Artemisa squad relied on the arm of Alejandro Hernández, who pitched five scoreless innings to earn the credit, and Israel Sánchez, who finished the game without allowing any runs. Their offense, which amassed 21 hits—14 of them against the losing pitcher Yoannis Yera—was led by José Antonio Jiménez, who hit a home run and two singles. Five other batters in the lineup each recorded three hits.

At the Latinoamericano Stadium, the Sancti Spíritus Roosters pecked away at Havana's Industriales with a 12-8 victory, securing their position in the qualifying zone and preventing the capital team from rising to second place. Decisive four-run rallies in the sixth and seventh innings gave the visitors a definitive lead. Alex Guerra earned the win, and Yankiel Mauris recorded the final five outs after the home team threatened a comeback. Daniel Fernández shone at the plate for the winners, with two singles, a double, and four RBIs.

The Holguín Cubs, playing at home in the Calixto García stadium, moved up to fifth place by defeating the Las Tunas Lumberjacks 4-2. Yulián Concepción and Edward Magaña shared the RBIs for the winners. Wilson Paredes allowed just one run over seven innings to earn his third win of the season, and José Antonio Sánchez recorded his third save. For the defeated Lumberjacks, Yudier Rondón hit a home run.

In other matchups:

• The Mayabeque Hurricanes defeated the Isla de la Juventud Pirates 8-0, powered by a complete-game shutout from Albert Valladares and a potent offensive showing from Frank Alonso, who hit a home run and drove in three runs.

• The Guantánamo Indians, entrenched in their Nguyen Van Troi stadium, defeated the Ciego de Ávila Tigers with a final score of 5-3.

• The Cienfuegos Elephants bested the Pinar del Río Vegueros 2-1 at the 5 de Septiembre stadium, thanks to a stellar pitching performance from Raikol Suárez.

The game between the Granma Alazanes and the Villa Clara Leopards was called in the eighth inning while the eastern team was leading 1-0.