Matanzas clinches Play-Off appearance

The Matanzas Crocodiles clinched their post-season ticket in the Cuban National Baseball Series last Friday, after defeating the Camaguey Bulls as the Cienfuegos Elephants are mathematically eliminated.

The Crocodiles beat the Bulls 3-1 at their home ballpark Candido Gonzalez. RHP Yoanni Yera (5-4), kept the Bulls at bay with yet another remarkable performance allowing only one run, 5 hits and punching out 9 opposition batters in 8 innings of work. Jonder Martinez saved his first game of the season and the loss was for the reliever Frank Madam (7-2) after allowing 2 runs in the 8th inning.

The loss of the Bulls, came along with the 2 victories of Las Tunas Lumberjacks over the Elephants 5-4 and 6-3.

On the other series of the weekend, the Industriales Lions capitalized on their home field advantage to beat the Santiago de Cuba Wasps in two occasions in what is considered the Classic of Cuban baseball. The first game ended 7-2, with a W for Erlys Casanova (5-4) and the L for the top prospect Ulfrido Garcia (6-8).

The second game finished in the most ceremonious fashion, with a walk-off Homer by Stayler Hernandez.