Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Havana, September 30.—The eight teams in the qualifying zone for the 64th National Baseball Series will defend their privileged spots starting today, as the fifth individual matchups start.
The Santiago de Cuba Wasps (15-3) and the Matanzas Crocodiles (16-4), tournament leaders, will face the Cienfuegos Elephants (6-12) and Guantánamo Indians (3-17), respectively, as visitors.
The eastern team, although not showing good pitching statistics, has demonstrated a fierce offense that makes it one of the strong candidates to win the pennant this season.
With a batting average of .332, 180 runs scored, and 40 home runs, the so-called Red Machinery is currently a volcano on the field and must remain at the top in this matchup against the pachyderms, thirteenth in the standings.
The Matanzas team appears to face an even easier weekly challenge against the last-place Guantanamo team, one of the teams that has disappointed in this championship.
With a pitching staff that has exceeded expectations by finishing second in ERA (3.35) and boasting the most solid defense (.981), Armando Ferrer's team has also launched its candidacy to secure a spot in the postseason and the upcoming Elite League.
The Industriales of Havana and the Artemisa Hunters, tied in third place with a 12-5 record, are also favorites in their challenges starting this Tuesday.
At the Latinoamericano Stadium, the capital team, third in offense (.300) and fourth in pitching (3.62), will face the Villa Clara Leopards (5-13), sunk in 14th place.
Meanwhile, the Hunters, with the most effective pitchers (2.33 ERA) and the second-best defense (.978), will face the Ciego de Ávila Tigers (7-10), a team knocking on the doors of the privileged zone, on the José Ramón Cepero stadium.
In other matchups, the Holguín Cubs (13-7) will try to maintain their good momentum against the Pinar del Río Vegueros (8-12) at Capitán San Luis, and the reigning champions Las Tunas (11-6) will shake off the rust from several days without playing when they host the dangerous Mayabeque Hurricanes (9-10) at the “Mella” stadium.
Finally, the Sancti Spíritus Roosters (12-8) and the Camagüey Bulls (10-10) will seek to remain in the top eight in their matches against the Granma Alazanes (7-11) and La Isla Pirates (3-16), respectively. (Text and photo: PL)
