2024-02-17 16:46:52
Text: Raúl del Pino
Photos: RL Hevia
Once again the names of the teams involved in a sports competition allow the classic play on words: hunters or prey? And in this case, the final of the second Elite Cuban Baseball League fits perfectly and gives better shape to the question: Artemisa or Matanzas?
Although on paper the Yumurinos earned the title of “large” favorites during the regular phase, in this instance the adjective can be changed to “light.” Although the Matanzas artillery is unparalleled and several luxury bats converge in their lineups, one should not underestimate an Artemisa squad that has looked very compact and functioning almost like clockwork.
At an individual level, two names stand out on each side after what was seen in the semifinals. Despite the 16 errors that sank Las Tunas, long-range production was what set the tone for Matanzas’ 3-2 victory. And in that section Yordanis Samón and Yurisbel Gracial led the way with four homers per capita, of the 12 given by those led by Armando Ferrer.
On the other side, the group contribution of the Artemisa team was fundamental to build each of the four victories over Industriales. However, the name of an experienced reinforcement like Frederich Cepeda gave an extra boost with his pair of home runs to Yulieski González’s pupils, who also have in their ranks the best closer they can aspire to: Livá n Moinelo.
And speaking of reinforcements for the Cazadores, for the final they are joined by one who is from home but had not been able to play because he was under contract in Nicaragua. The incorporation of third baseman Dayán García, members of the Cuban team that was put together last year, will be a crucial incentive in the aspirations of his squad, although the player himself clarified that he will start from the bench because he does not want to take away his put to no companion.
Along with the duel between both teams for the title of the contest called to become the highest point of national baseball in the year, the particular fight between veterans Cepeda and Samón will also take center stage. media and fan attention, since both veterans have been engaged in a tough fight for years for the historic leadership of doubles and looking for a domestic title in any way.
The first game of the final, scheduled for this Tuesday night at the Victoria de Girón, will feature another fight that is difficult to predict, this time from the mound, between Yoanni Yera and Geonel Gutiérrez, probably the two best left-handed starters in the game. country today.
The man from Matanzas added half of his team’s successes against Las Tunas to his personal account and in the process left an exquisite ERA of 0.82 PCL. Gutià © rrez, for his part, was not responsible for any decision against Industriales but he also worked outstandingly and this is evidenced by the solitary clean race that he allowed in his only start.
