Matanzas Crocodiles Qualify for the Elite League.
The Matanzas team, who were crowned champions in the 59th National Series, will seek to repeat the same feat in pursuit of their second domestic title.
After the conclusion of the game between the Vegueros de Pinar del Río and the Cachorros de Holguín, with the latter winning 3-2, the Cocodrilos de Matanzas secured their direct qualification to the Cuban Baseball League.
In a season marked by significant changes for the team managed by Armando Ferrer, where young prospects carried the team and performed admirably, the Cocodrilos finished in second place in the overall standings with a record of 46 wins and 29 losses.
The team representing Matanzas, known as the Athens of Cuba, achieved their goal of qualifying for the playoffs of the current baseball season and securing a spot in the fifth Cuban Baseball League.
In the quarterfinals of the national championship, the Reptiles will face the Sancti Spíritus team. The best-of-five series will begin at José Antonio Huelga Stadium.
The red and yellow team will rely on their ace pitcher, left-hander Yoennis Yera, who returns to the team after playing in the Mexican Baseball League.
Other important additions to the western team heading into the final stretch of the domestic tournament are pitcher Javier Mirabal and catcher Ariel Martínez, both with experience in foreign leagues and expected to play key roles.
The Matanzas team, who were crowned champions in the 59th National Series, will be looking to repeat their success and secure their second domestic title.
Written by George Carlos Roger
