Raidel Martinez saves 19th game in Japanese baseball

Havana, September 22 (RHC) -- Cuban Raidel Martinez scored on Wednesday his 19th save in the current season in Japanese professional baseball, after not allowing any hits or runs in an episode of relief, which lowered his effectiveness to 2.11.

Supported by the relief of the giant from Pinar del Río (OesteO), the Chunichi Dragons won 2x1 against the Hanshin Tigers, in a game in which the Cuban Dayán Viciedo also hit a double in three opportunities, received a ticket and towed a run, to leave his average at 279.

On the same day, Alfredo Despaigne hit a single in three innings, received a ticket and drove in a run for the second consecutive game to contribute to the 4x1 victory of the SoftBank Falcons over the Lotte Marinos.

The Cuban slugger, who has five games in a row with at least one hit, raised his average to .249 and his hit total to 20. Another Cuban, Liván Moinelo (Halcones), retired the only batter he faced in one-third of relief to keep his effectiveness at 0.36. For Lotte, Cuban Adeiny Hechavarría failed in two opportunities to lower his average to .177.

In another game, Rusney Castillo failed in three innings in the Rakuten Eagles' 4x2 win over the Seibu Lions at the MetLife Dome in Tokorozawa. His average fell to .210.

The Central League is led by the Yakult Swallows (56-42-15), followed by the Hanshin Tigers (63-48-5) and Yomiuri Giants (56-46-16). Chunichi dropped to fifth place with 47-58-14, 12.5 games behind first place.

In the Pacific League, the Lotte Marinos (56-42-17) are in the lead over the Orix Buffaloes (56-47-15) and Rakuten Eagles (54-50-13). The Falcons are next at 48-50-19, eight points off the top.

In each circuit, the occupants of the first three places in the preliminary phase will advance to the postseason (October-November). The leaders will only play in the second round, which will offer tickets to the Japan Series.