Ridel Martinez

Havana, August 18 (JIT)- Cuban pitcher Raidel Martinez scored his 33rd save in the Japanese Professional Baseball League 2024, to secure the victory of the Chunichi Dragons over the Hanshin Tigers with a score of 8x4.

At the Vantelin Dome in Nagoya, the lanky and fast right-hander from Pinar del Rio retired both opponents he faced. Thus, he broke the 32-save tie he held with Japan's Ryoji Kuribayashi in the Central League.

With this save, his third in the expiring week, Raidel became the absolute leader of the entire Japanese professional circuit, which also includes the Pacific League.

But there's more. He closed in on his personal record of 39 saves, achieved in the 2022 season, when he also topped that department in both Leagues.

After his most recent performance, Raidel shows an excellent average of clean runs allowed per complete game (1.15), with only six runs, one home run and 43 strikeouts in 47 innings of work.

In the other game with Cuban presence, Órix Buffaloes overcame Nippon Ham Fighters 5x2.

For the losers, Ariel Martínez hit a single in his only official at bat to drive in a run. Thus, he raised his offensive average to .235 and his towing total to 50.