With an offensive line that produced 19 runs on the day and a bullpen that knew how to contain the dangerous moments, the Las Tunas Lumberjacks swept the Isle of Youth Pirates in Friday's doubleheader at Julio A. Mella Stadium, securing their home game and highlighting their strong start to the 64th Cuba's National Baseball Series.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- The day began with a strong Las Tunas offensive in the second inning, which led to a baseball knockout in the sixth, thanks to a resounding 11-0 score. The duel began with a close contest between the pitchers. Alejandro Meneses, the Las Tunas starter, looked solid on the mound, pitching five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and two walks, while striking out several batters to earn his first win of the season. On the other hand, Ángel Herrera initially seemed to have control, but everything fell apart for him and the relievers who came to try to avoid the shipwreck.
The second inning was a nightmare for the Pirates before a display of depth in the Las Tunas line-up, which produced a nine-run rally. But the power at bat didn't stop there. In the sixth inning, looking to close the game out by a margin, Yassel Izaguirre hit a solo home run that made the score 11-0, triggering the mercy rule to end the first game of the day.
However, in the second, the Pirates made it clear that it wouldn't be an easy afternoon for the home team. Las Tunas starter Yosmel Garcés failed to find his rhythm and was penalized for four runs in just one-third of an inning.
Faced with adversity, the team's management didn't hesitate. Their first crucial move was to remove Garcés and bring in Leodanis Sánchez, who got the necessary outs to prevent further damage. This change calmed the waters and gave the powerful green-red offensive line time to reawaken.
The Lumberjacks began to cut into the lead in the bottom of the first inning. But their momentum came in the third, when two singles and an error by the opposing defense allowed two runs to be scored and tied the game at four. The Lumberjacks scored three more runs in the following inning, leaving the score at 7-4, a lead they would never relinquish.
The green-red upper coaching staff once again demonstrated their masterful management of the bullpen. After Sánchez's effective relief, they brought in Anier Pérez; afterward, they entrusted the closing pitch to Keniel Ferraz, who pitched three solid innings, allowing just one run, to earn the victory. Finally, Alberto Pablo Civil pitched a perfect seventh inning, sealing the game and earning his first save of the Series.
After these two wins, Las Tunas improves its record to 6-2, demonstrating a powerful combination of timely hitting and a pitching staff that, although the starters are still seeking consistency, has found true strength in relief.