The Leñadores de Las Tunas are poised to reclaim the Cuban baseball crown this Saturday after defeating the Vegueros de Pinar del Río on Friday, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. Supported by their fans at the Julio Antonio Mella Stadium in the provincial capital, the team secured the third game of the Cuban baseball finals with a 5-2 victory and now stands just one win away from achieving back-to-back championships.
Currently, the fourth game is underway on their home field, giving them a significant advantage. If they win this match, they will sweep their opponent for the second consecutive year in the 63rd National Baseball Series finals. Last year, Las Tunas swept the Leones de Industriales 4-0.
In the third game, the Leñadores scored three runs in the first inning against starter Bladimir Baños, who managed to get only one out. A double in the fourth inning by Roberto Baldoquín, his third hit of the day, brought Yunieski Larduet home with the fourth run for the reigning national champions against left-handed reliever Randy Martínez of the Vegueros.
Leñadores' starter Alejandro Meneses remained solid for five innings, allowing no runs. However, his reliever Rodolfo Díaz gave up a home run in the sixth inning to Willian Saavedra, his 27th in the playoffs, tying the historic postseason home run record held by the legendary Omar Linares.
Nonetheless, the team from Las Tunas quickly regained their four-run lead in the bottom of the inning thanks to Larduet, following a wild pitch from pitcher Yancarlos García. Alexander Urquiola's squad, mostly neutralized offensively, managed to score one run in the seventh inning, bringing the game to 5-2.
With this victory, the eastern team seeks to clinch their third Cuban baseball championship this Saturday.
Key Moments in Las Tunas' Path to Victory
As the Leñadores de Las Tunas approach a potential championship, here are some key questions and answers about their journey and prospects.
What is the current standing of Las Tunas in the finals?
Las Tunas leads the series 3-0 against Vegueros de Pinar del Río.
Who were the standout players in the third game?
Roberto Baldoquín and Yunieski Larduet were key players, with Baldoquín hitting a crucial double and Larduet scoring important runs.
How did the pitching staff perform in the third game?
Alejandro Meneses delivered five scoreless innings, while Rodolfo Díaz allowed a historic home run but then the team regained control.