2018 Postseason: Granma Repeats as Cuban Champions

The Granma Stallions claimed their second Cuban National Series title Saturday night, defeating the Las Tunas Woodcutters in Game 7, 3-2.

BOXSCORE

After Saturday loss Granma hung on to win Game 7. Alain Sánchez lasted for eight innings and a couple batters into the ninth to be relieved by Raidel Martínez. Raidel gave up three hits allowing two runs to score but still salvaged the win. 

Carlos Benítez drove in the first run in the opening frame with a single. Alfredo Despaigne had walked ahead of him and Carlos took advantage of that lack of respect.

In the fifth singles by Yoelkis Céspedes and Roel Santos put two runners on. A wild pitch advanced them to second and third where Céspedes scored on a fly ball from Yordan Manduley.

Alfredo Despaigne showed some life doubling to lead off the sixth. Las Tunas pitchers have spent a lot of time walking him. He scored on a Raúl González sacrifice fly to give Granma a 3-0 lead. 

In the ninth inning Las Tunas scored two runs on Jorge Yhonson RBI-triple followed by Yosvany Alarcón RBI-single. But with only one out Alarcón took a big lead on first base, and catcher Yulexis la Rosa signaled pitcher Martínez who try to pickoff the runner. Granma’s defense reacted perfectly and when first baseman Guille Avilés threw to shortstop Yordan Manduley, it was too late for Alarcón who was tagged for the second out of the inning.

It was a huge mistake by the veteran Las Tunas' catcher. Two singles followed but Martínez was able to end the game getting Rafael Viñales to pop up to right fielder Yoelkis Céspedes. 

Granma will now represent Cuba in the 2018 Caribbean Series that will be played in Jalisco, México. Their back to back championships followed the back to back championships of Ciego de Avila. Las Tunas was denied their first ever Cuban championship. 

2018 Cuban Finals

Game 6: Las Tunas Woodcutters 6, Granma Stallions 2 

Game 7: Granma Stallions 3, Las Tunas Woodcutters 2

Granma won the series 4-3