Havana, August 31 (JIT) - Cuban Raidel Martinez earned his 28th save in the Japan Professional Baseball League 2023.

He retired all three batters in a row in an inning of relief, which contributed to Wednesday's 3x2 victory of the Chunichi Dragons over the Yakult Swallows at the Vantelin Dome in Nagoya.

The Pinar del Río right-hander, who added another strikeout to his personal tally, improved his effectiveness to 0.22 and moved within one save of the Central League lead.

Raidel has worked in 42 games, in which he accumulated three wins, one loss, 11 hold points and 28 saves. In 41 innings pitched, he has allowed 28 hits, including one home run, given away three tickets and struck out 55. He has allowed just three runs and only one clean sheet.

The Dragons are in sixth place (last) in the Central League with a record of 44 wins, 69 losses and three ties. That circuit is led by Hanshin Tigers with 69-44-4.