Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, Matanzas and Villa Clara have won by their own merits their inclusion in the postseason of the 52nd Cuban National Baseball Series. W hen some thought the beginning of the season would only serve to break the inertia and to loosen up a little the stiff arms due to the pre -competition training, Sancti Spiritus took the lead, mainly supported by the formidable trio of batters that are Frederich Cepeda, Yulieski Gourriel and Eriel Sanchez.
The roosters were on top of the standings during the 45 games of the first round, and once the time of asking for reinforcements came, they strengthened their squad as any other team.
But luck , which has always been against them, would look direct into their eyes for leave them later. The portent Yadier Pedroso would pass away in a tragic car accident and speedy outfielder Duvergel Giorvis got injured and that prevented him from wearing of orange and blue. Despite the misfortunes, they kept their consistent and accurate play, without any excesses, which provided them one of the tickets granted for the playoffs.
Eventually, Cienfuegos´ elephants reached Sancti Spiritus a fter being behind them throughout the first round. Then Iday Abreu´s disciples did not lose the lead anymore, so much of the press has assigned them the role of FAVORITES.
Cienfuegos´ head coach has managed to instill in their pupils a spirit of struggle to confront the stigma of so little combative the teams of this province have earned. Abreu has a first level line up that combines speed and power; where specially highlight the duos Rodriguez -Leyva and Molinet -Pito Abreu, and despite his pitching staff does not include top-quality pitchers, he has men with vast experience and caliber who can do a fine work in the postseason (Gonzalez, Entenza, Ibarra, Hernandez, Socarras, etc).
He also counts with a central line like no other in the country, and has an adapting offensive that is able to bunt or make hit and run plays before disappearing the ball over the fences, the main rival of the elephants will be on their own head.
Matanzas will try to improve the third place they achieved last year. This team has interpreted to perfection his manager intentions and looks stronger than ever. Victor Mesa has made his pupils to play with enough self-confidence to reach the proposed objectives.
Which is the objective? The crown. Only that trophy this province do not see since those championships won by the legendary ¨ Henequeneros .¨
In the most agonizing moment, but with the extraordinary force of who comes from behind , Villa Clara grabbed the last berth for the playoffs. The oranges finished the first round in the bottom of the table, but they strengthened their squad mainly due to the luck of his manager Ramon Moré in the reinforcement’s gala and now they have managed to overcome the difference to finish fourth in the standings.
