Havana, June 9 (RHC) Industriales signed a 2-1 victory over Mayabeque today and is one step away from securing its presence in the semifinals of the Cuban Baseball Elite League.
The capital city team notched its 21st victory of the season at Nelson Fernández Stadium with a performance that combined mound control and timely offensive opportunism.
Andy Vargas set the tone for the game with six high-quality innings, allowing only an early home run to Alexander Pozo, which was enough to then impose absolute control over the opposing offense.
Yunier Batista provided an impeccable finish, pitching three flawless innings to record his eighth save and solidify his position as a key saves leader in the tournament.
The game was decided in the sixth inning when starter Luis Miguel Vásquez’s wildness opened the floodgates for a double by Félix RodrÃguez and two walks, setting the stage for Ariel HechavarrÃa’s game-winning hit that drove in two teammates.
Meanwhile, Artemisa stayed in contention after defeating HolguÃn 8-6 at the 26 de Julio stadium, in a high-scoring affair that saw the victors rack up 14 hits.
Carlos Monier tied the game with a home run in the sixth inning, but Dayan GarcÃa tipped the scales with a sacrifice fly that sealed the victory for the Cazadores (Hunters).
Erly Casanova earned the win despite allowing six runs in eight innings, while Joel Tejeda took the loss after surrendering the key runs.
For HolguÃn, home runs by Euclides Pérez and Edward Magaña stood out, reinforcing the team’s status as the league leader in offensive power with 56 home runs this season.
The day’s games were incomplete at the Julio Antonio Mella stadium, where rain forced the suspension of the games between Las Tunas and Matanzas.
Following these results, Industriales remains at the top with a record of 21-11, followed by Las Tunas (17-13), HolguÃn (16-16), Artemisa (14-16), Mayabeque (14-17) and Matanzas (10-19).
