The Holguín Cubs defeated the Toros 9-8 and took a 2-0 lead in the home series between the two teams at Calixto García Stadium in the eastern city.
The Holguin team trailed 7-8 at the end of the ninth, but managed to score the decisive pair of runs off reliever Félix Guerrero, supported by a home run by Michael Gorguet, his second of the game, and a walk to Ernesto Torres with the bases loaded.
Once again, the Camagüeyans' relief efforts failed, as they held the lead for almost the entire match, but neither starter Edgar Suárez nor the aforementioned Guerrero were able to maintain the lead they had gained with another good, though occasionally ineffective, offense.
Suárez was erratic again and went to the "showers" after allowing six runs and seven hits in just four and a third innings, in addition to issuing three walks.
Guerrero played the rest of the way but was still penalized and suffered his second setback of the tournament.
All of the hosts' runs were earned, largely thanks to home runs by Carlos Barrabí and Lázaro Cedeño.
Leonel Moas maintained his tremendous attacking streak, finishing 4-for-4 for the defeated team, while veteran Alexander Ayala went 3-for-6.
The Agramontinos left 16 men on base against the three pitchers employed by the winning team.
The third of five scheduled matches will take place this Thursday, starting at 2:00 p.m.
Related to Radio Cadena Agramonte (RCA)
