Elite Leage Final

Havana, Jun 3 (JIT) - Tigres de Ciego de Avila defeated Leñadores de Las Tunas 9x5 today and is one step away from closing the III Elite League of Cuban Baseball with the crown wrapped up.

Visiting the Julio Antonio Mella Stadium, Danny Miranda's team achieved its third successive victory without major setbacks, with a solid performance in all three sectors of the game.

At bat they hit 13 hits, including Dennis Laza's third home run in three consecutive games, they did not commit any errors in defense and their pitchers allowed four clean runs.

With a 3x1 partial lead in the fifth inning, the Tigres scored a decisive and unreachable five-run rally with four hits, a balk and a base on balls.

For the Tigres, designated hitter Frederich Cepeda, who hit 4-3 and drove in a pair of runs, stood out. The first two hits were against left-hander and eventual loser Eliander Bravo.

Fifth victory in the season for the right-hander Kevin Soto, who in 5.2 acts, gave up six hits, including a home run by Yosvani Alarcón.

Yunier Soto was credited with his fourth save, working 3.1 episodes and only conceding one run.

"It was very important to score five runs in the fifth inning. Both pitchers worked well and tomorrow we will go in search of our fourth win. I tell the boys to try to control themselves so that the job goes well", commented the Avileño manager.

The fourth game of the final will be played this Wednesday. Luis Enrique Pérez will start for the local team. Luis Marrero will start for the Avila team.