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The Leñadores de Las Tunas secured their spot in the grand final of the III Elite League of Cuban Baseball this Wednesday, after defeating the Avispas de Santiago de Cuba with a score of 10-6 and concluding the semifinal playoff 4-2, in a match held at the Julio Antonio Mella stadium.
The current national champions started at a disadvantage for the first time in the series, when the Wasps capitalized on defensive errors, an intentional walk, and six hits to score five runs in the third inning, knocking starter Jesús Enrique Pérez out of the game, according to the agency Prensa Latina.
However, the tuneros reacted decisively in the sixth inning, when the offense came alive with three consecutive singles that took Acuña out, and the reliever Yoel Tejeda could not contain the onslaught.
In that chapter, Las Tunas scored a six-run package that completely changed the course of the game. Luis Vicente Mateo, with a triple, and Yudier Rondón and Yunieski Larduet, with their respective RBI singles, were key players.
In the final innings, Lázaro Ponce and Yordanis Alarcón extended the lead with a double and a sacrifice fly, respectively, securing the victory.
In the pitching, Wilson Paredes delivered an outstanding relief of three and a third innings, and along with Keniel Ferraz, Rodolfo Díaz, and Yanielquis Duardo, they sealed the victory.
On an individual level, Yosvani Alarcón shone with four hits, while Jeison Martínez stood out for Santiago de Cuba, reaching 16 hits with a single and two doubles, setting a record for the semifinals of the Liga Élite.
Now, the Lumberjacks are preparing to compete for the title against the Ciego de Ávila Tigers -the victors over the Industriales Lions-, in a best-of-seven series that will begin next Saturday at the José Ramón Cepero stadium, home of the felines managed by Danny Miranda, leaders of the qualifying stage.
Frequently asked questions about the 2025 Cuban Elite Baseball League final
How did the Las Tunas Lumberjacks reach the final of the Cuban Baseball Elite League?
The Lumberjacks of Las Tunas secured their place in the final by defeating the Wasps of Santiago de Cuba with a score of 10-6, concluding the semifinal series 4-2. Despite starting at a disadvantage, the team from Las Tunas managed to come back thanks to a strong offensive performance and effective relief pitching.
Who were the key figures in Las Tunas' victory over Santiago de Cuba?
Yosvani Alarcón shone with four hits, while Luis Vicente Mateo, Yudier Rondón, and Yunieski Larduet played key roles with their RBIs at crucial moments in the game. On the pitching side, Wilson Paredes and other relievers delivered an outstanding performance to secure the victory.
Who will be Las Tunas' opponent in the final of the 2025 Cuban Elite Baseball League?
The Lumberjacks of Las Tunas will face the Tigers of Ciego de Ávila in the final of the 2025 Cuban Elite Baseball League. The Tigers secured their spot by defeating the Industriales Lions, ending their semifinal series with a score of 4-1.
How has the Las Tunas team prepared for international competitions?
The Leñadores de Las Tunas have been representing Cuba in various international competitions, such as the Americas Baseball Series and the Baseball Champions League. They have strengthened their team with players from different provinces to face teams from across the region and assess their competitive level.
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