Matanzas wins over Granma in third baseball game

Sancti Spíritus, April 1 (RHC)-- With a 10-strikeout attack and a solid performance by relief pitcher Naykel Cruz, Matanzas defeated Granma by a score of 3 to 1 to raise the drama and put the discussion for the Cuban baseball title at 1-2.

After two consecutive setbacks and an alarming offensive drought, mentor Armando Ferrer's Cocodrilos woke up from lethargy and showed some of the qualities that led them to be crowned National Champion in 2020.

Fundamental in the victory was the work of the winning pitcher Naykel Cruz, who looked immense during 6.2 innings, with one run allowed, four hits, six strikeouts and one base on balls, for a total of 107 pitches.

With straight line pitches registering over 90 miles per hour, Cruz -- who is only 21 years old -- dominated his opponent's bullpen and led a ship that was unstable with starter Renner Rivero (2.1, 0C, 3BB, 3DB, 1K) in the role of pilot, due to his palpable lack of control, although he did not allow an uncontested run.

After this result, Alazanes and Cocodrilos will stage the fourth game of the final on Thursday at 14:00, local time, at the José Antonio Huelga Stadium in Sancti Spiritus.