The team Sorrels of Granmareigning champion of the National Series of Baseball, began with a 3-2 victory over the Crocodiles of Matanzas the 62nd edition of the Cuban tournament, which was officially inaugurated this Wednesday at the Mártires de Barbados stadium, in bayamo.
A hit by the emerging Pedro Almeida at the end of the ninth inning against the pitches of the Yumurino reliever Noelvis Entenza was the decisive hit of the match, won by the closer Carlos Santana with just a third of an inning on the box, according to the report of the Cuban News Agency (ACN).
Historical game inaugurated the 62nd National Series of #Baseball
Women as referees, the farewell of Carlos Martí and the return to the Cuban diamonds of the star Alfredo Despaigne. #Cuba #62SNB #BaseBall https://t.co/tO7vXqKw4Z pic.twitter.com/fSEqmRNBwq— JIT Cuban Sport (@jit_digital) March 30, 2023
This game, according to the outlet, was historic for several reasons, including the fact that it was the first in the history of national baseball that had a body of referees made up only of women, led by Yanet Moreno from the capital.
In addition, it was used for the official retirement ceremony of Granma’s mentor Carlos Martí and the audience was delirious with the presence in the batting box of the slugger alfredo despaignewho returned to the lineup for an opening clash, after several years enrolled in the Japan professional baseball.
Known as the “Horse of Horses” he played until last season with the SoftBank Hawks, and now became the most important hitter for the Alazanes, going 2-3 and driving in a run, the publication specifies.
other games of the day
In the Latin American park, the cast of Industriales gave Ciego de Ávila the first KO of the season (13-3 in seven innings), achieved with a five-run cluster in the seventh act.
Madero at the ready, stood out for the Leones right fielder Yosvany Peñalver (3-2, pair of doubles and three RBIs) and starter and fourth hitter Yasiel Santoya (4-3, two biangulars and two runs hit), supporting the winner, Pavel Hernandez.
The only grout of the day was given by Mayabeque to Holguín (4-0), visitors at the Calixto García stadium. The ACN points out that the success corresponded to Yadián Martínez, despite allowing five hits and giving away the same number of tickets in 6.0 innings. First save for Adrián Sosa, who threw three immaculate chapters.
At bat for the Mayabequenses, Juan Manuel Martínez stood out, who went 3-2. There was a home run by shortstop Rangel Ramos.
In the other results, Santiago de Cuba defeated Artemisa 6-5, Villa Clara 5-4 Cienfuegos and Sancti Spíritus 10-3 Camagüey, with four trailers from Spiritus third baseman Rodolexis Moreno.
In turn, Isla de la Juventud defeated Las Tunas 6-3 and Pinar del Río 10-2 Guantanamo.
The outlet highlights that this Thursday the clashes between these same rivals will continue, with a double bill starting at 10:00 am.
