Ciego de Avila Tigers just one step away from semifinals

Havana, June 2 (ACN)-- With an offense of 14 hits, the Ciego de Avila Tigers defeated the Mayabeque Hurricanes 7-4 and were one step away from a ticket to the semifinal phase of the National Baseball Series.

The Mayabeque Tigres took the lead in the first inning with a home run by the fourth hitter Yasniel González with a runner on base against the starter Dachel Duquesne, the winner for the second time in this playoffs.

However, the Tigers came back with a four-run blast in the bottom of the first inning against Yulian Quintana, an advantage they did not lose for the rest of the game. There was a save for Kevin Soto, who was able to get out of some complicated moments.

For the winners there was a solo home run by fourth baseman Osvaldo Vázquez, while catcher Alfredo Fadraga drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

With this victory, the Tigres take a 3-2 lead in the match-up against the Hurricanes. The sixth game will be played this Friday at Nelson Fernández Stadium, in San José de las Lajas.

This Thursday, Pinar del Río and Sancti Spíritus will play the sixth game between them, in a duel that is 3-2 in favor of Pinar del Río.

The champion Granma and the national runner-up Matanzas have already qualified for the semifinals.