Precisely at the midpoint of the qualifying calendar, the front-running Matanzas Crocodiles and their closest pursuers, the Holguín Cubs, both suffered their second consecutive losses on a day that saw celebration at the bottom of the tournament.

The Matanzas squad saw their boats sink at the Cristóbal Labra stadium, as the last-place Isla de la Juventud Pirates overpowered them 12-4 with a 15-hit attack. Misael Cañete and Andro Carreño stood out for the Pirates with three hits each.

In the Nelson Fernández stadium, the Cubs remained trapped in the "hurricane-force winds" of Mayabeque and fell 12-1. Yoasán Guillén, Frank Alfonso, and Yonathan Martinez (who drove in five runs) all homered in the win.

The reigning champion Las Tunas Lumberjacks failed to impose their will at the Augusto César Sandino park, slipping 3-1 against the Villa Clara Leopods. Randy Cueto shined on the mound, working eight innings with five strikeouts and allowing just one run.

In other action:

The Guantánamo Indians defeated the Industriales of Havana 6-4 at the Latinoamericano stadium to continue the surge from the basement.
The Artemisa Hunters and Granma Alazanes split a doubleheader at the 26 de Diciembre stadium in Campechuela.
The Ciego de Ávila Tigers, hosting at the Central Primero de Enero stadium, edged the Santiago de Cuba Wasps 10-9 in 10 innings.
The Sancti Spíritus Roosters broke the Pinar del Río Vegueros' five-game winning streak, defeating them 15-9 at the Capitán San Luis stadium.

The game between the Cienfuegos Elephants and the Camagüey Bulls was suspended due to inclement weather.