Havana, May 13 (RHC)-- On a rain-soaked afternoon with only four games played, Holguin's 5-2 win over Camagüey allowed it to show a 23-17 record and place third, just one game behind leader Matanzas, in the LXII National Baseball Series that began its ninth particular sub-series on Friday.

The northeastern Cubs defeated Camagüey 5-2 at the Cándido González stadium, supported by the batting of their experienced middle infielder Yordan Manduley, who hit 3-2 and drove in three runs. This was the second smile for right-hander Yusmel Velázquez and the first save for Luis Caser.

Meanwhile, the host Pinar del Río left Isla de la Juventud 6-5 on the field at the Capitán San Luis Park with a decisive cluster of three runs in the ninth inning, thanks to two balls and three hits, including one by catcher Jorge Rojas who towed two teammates.

For the Vegueros, who left 13 runners on base and broke a losing streak of five consecutive defeats, experienced starter Erly Casanova, who threw a complete game with eight hits and three clean runs, won the game. The Pirates' relief pitching failed after starter Jonathan Carbó gave them a lead in the seventh inning.

In another duel of the day, the host Las Tunas gave an 11-0 KO to Santiago de Cuba at the Julio Antonio Mella stadium. Leñadores starter and fifth baseman Roberto Baldoquín, who went 3-3 with a double, a home run and six runs to the plate, stood out for the Leñadores. Yasiel Labrada won.

In the other game of the day, the monarch exponent Granma won 7-5 against Guantánamo. Slugger Alfredo Despaigne returned to the Alazanes' lineup and went 1-1, with a solo home run.

The Matanzas-Sancti Spíritus and Artemisa-Mayabeque games were suspended, while the Villa Clara-Industriales and Ciego de Ávila-Cienfuegos duels were sealed, with an advantage for Leones (1-0) and Tigres (9-5), respectively.