Matanzas ties semifinal playoff against Pinar del Rio

Matanzas defeated 10-3 Pinar del Rio and evened the playoff series of the 55th Cuban national baseball championship at Victoria de Giron stadium; where pitcher Jose Angel Garcia got his 200th save.

After losing 2-12 last Saturday, Matanzas managed to win yesterday over Pinar del Rio, who will play on Tuesday at home at Captain San Luis ballpark, hence the importance of this result for the disciples of Victor Mesa.

Sunday's victory was for the starting pitcher Jonder Martinez (13-5), who received offensive support of 10 hits, while Vladimir Baños (8-4) took the loss.

For Garcia, this was his 13th save of the season.

Victor Victor Mesa, who batted 1 for 4 with two runs scored and an RBI, and Jefferson Delgado, 2 for 4 with 2 two RBIs, offensively highlighted by Matanzas, while Yosvani Alarcón (1 for 4 including a homerun) and Lazaro Ramirez (1 for 4 with an RBI) were the most prominent batters by the losing side.

The other semifinal series between Ciego de Avila, as hosts, and Industriales also began on Sunday at José Ramón Cepero stadium, where the local team knocked out 14-4 in eight innings the squad from the Cuban capital.

The win went to the starter Vladimir Garcia, while Frank Monthiet took the loss.

DH Ariel Borrero, who became the leader in doubles of Cuban baseball with 411, one more than Isla de la Juventud´s Michel Enriquez, was among the offensive highlights for the winners.

The second game of this semi-final will take place today where Industriales will try to achieve a win as visitors to play at Latinoamericano stadium with the series tied and with the unconditional support of their fans.

Ciego de Avila wins first game versus Industriales

Ciego de Avila beat 14-4 Industriales in the first game of the second semifinal of the 55th Cuban National Baseball Series.

With stage at Jose Ramon Cepero stadium, Ciego de Avila knocked out as hosts in eight innings the blue team from Havana with Vladimir Garcia (12-3) as winner and Frank Monthiet (8-7) took the loss.

The disciples of Roger Machado had an amazing offensive performance which was led by shortstop Yorbis Borroto who hit 3 for 5 with 2 runs and 4 RBIs, while outfielders Stayler Hernandez (1 for 5 with one run and 2 RBIs) and Yohandry Urgelles (3 for 4) highlighted for the losing side.

Ciego de Avila totaled 21 hits, including a homer by Borroto, and made no errors on defense, while Industriales batted 12 hits, including home runs by Hernandez and Wilfredo Aroche, and made three errors.

Ciego de Avila and Industriales will face each other again today in the same venue, while in the other semifinal series, which is currently tied 1-1, Matanzas will play away in Pinar del Rio.