Cuban Raidel Martinez achieves personal best in saves in Japanese Baseball

Havana, October 13 (RHC)-- Cuban pitcher Raidel Martinez got his 22nd save of the year, after striking out two of the three batters he faced in an inning of relief in the 3×2 win of the Chunichi Dragons over the Yakult Swallows, in the Central League of Japanese baseball.

The lanky right-hander, who set a new personal record for career saves in Japan, reduced his effectiveness to 2.20.   Martinez, who celebrated his 25th birthday last Monday, surpassed the 21 saves achieved during the previous season.

The Pinar del Río native came to the Dragons in 2018 and in his debut he only intervened in seven games and did not record any saves. A year later he participated in 43 games and was credited with eight saves.

In 2020 he totaled 40 appearances and earned 20 saves. This season, the national team member has surpassed his previous performances with 46 starts and 45 innings worked until his last appearance.

The Chunichi Dragons, who will not be in the Japanese baseball postseason, have only three games left to play in the regular phase.