Havana.— Matanzas Crocodiles defeated Industriales Lions 4-1 in the first match of the semifinal phase of the 64th National Baseball Series.
The low temperatures in their home swampland at Victoria de Girón Stadium were no obstacle to the precise performance of coach Armando Ferrer’s team.
The Lions opened the scoreboard in the very first inning with a solo home run by Yasiel Santoya off the seasoned left-hander and starter Yoennis Yera, who from then on allowed no further "bites."
Yera finished with six innings pitched, giving up five hits to secure his sixth win of the season, with the fourth save credited to the fast right-hander Armando Dueñas, who threw three innings with only two hits and no walks.
Meanwhile, the Crocodiles, true to their style, made it clear that playing at home is like swimming in their own waters—hostile to any opponent.
Matanzas rebelled against the sustained dominance of right-hander Raymond Figueredo, who relied on his velocity—reaching pitches of 93 miles per hour—to give up two runs in the fourth inning and take a 2-1 lead that they never relinquished.
Back-to-back doubles by Hanyelo Videt and Yurisbel Gracial, combined with a stolen base and an error, fired up the crowd.
The remaining two runs for the Yumuri team came in the sixth inning.
The game will continue this Monday at the same venue. Left-hander Yamichel Pérez will start for the Crocodiles, and Carlos Manuel Cuesta will take the mound for the Blues.
The other semifinal will also begin between the reigning champions and hosts, Las Tunas Lumberjacks, and Artemisa Hunters at Julio Antonio Mella Park.
For the Tuneros, Yosmel Garcés, the current season’s win leader (12), will take the mound, while left-hander Geonel Gutiérrez will pitch for Artemisa.
