Las Tunas saves the day in Cuban baseball

Havana, February 18 (RHC/PL)-- The Leñadores de Las Tunas won their game against the Avispas de Santiago de Cuba in the National Baseball Series, by winning the third game by a score of 11 to 4.

Pablo Civil's disciples hit 16 hits, including two home runs and four doubles, to support the work of Yudier Rodriguez and Alberto Pablo Civil, and achieve their first victory against the Santiago Cubans after two losses.

Left fielder and mask Rafael Viñales led the Tuneros' offense, batting 3-3 with a home run, two runs batted in and two runs batted in, supported by center fielder Yuniesky Larduet (4-3), who scored a run, a run batted in and another run scored.

Yosvani Alarcón (5-3), catcher and starter, also stood out with a 5-3 hit, three RBIs and two runs at home.

For the defeated team, center fielder Yoelkis Guibert hit 4-3 with a pair of doubles and two runs batted in.

The success went to starter Rodríguez, who in seven innings allowed four clean runs and 10 hits, with four strikeouts and three tickets given away. Civil pitched the remaining two chapters and allowed three singles.

Starter Carlos Font took the loss, allowing seven runs -three unassisted- and 10 hits in four episodes, with four passports issued.

The Leones de Industriales completed the sweep with a double victory over the Azucareros de Villa Clara, 6x3 and 5x4. The first victory occurred in 11 innings, in a game postponed from Wednesday. They are now in third place, tied with the Huracanes de Mayabeque, who defeated the Cazadores de Artemisa 11x1, with a seven-inning knockout.

In the remaining games on Thursday, Matanzas beat Pinar del Río 5x1, Cienfuegos lost 6x12 to Isla de la Juventud, Ciego de Avila beat Holguín 20x4, Sancti Spíritus lost 8x9 to Granma and Camagüey beat Guantánamo 10x5.

Now Santiago remains at the top with 13-5, followed by Matanzas 12-5, Mayabeque and Industriales 11-6, and Ciego de Avila and Granma 10-8.