Naykel Cruz in gala night puts Cocodrilos de Matanzas in semifinals

The Cocodrilos de Matanzas qualified to the semifinals of the 62nd National Baseball Series after defeating the Cazadores de #Artemisa (four goals to zero) this Friday at the Victoria de Girón stadium, with the young pitcher Naykel Cruz as the protagonist of the night.

The game went smoothly for the Matanzas left-hander who pitched the full nine innings allowing only five hits by the opposing batters, who also had nine strikeouts by Naykel.

Matanzas had another night displaying an offense of ten hits, with Ariel Sanchez standing out, who in four at-bats connected three singles, drove in one run and scored another.

The Crocodiles were not very good defensively, committing three errors, more than in previous games, however, there were some quality plays like the one made in the ninth inning by center fielder Eduardo Blanco.

In this way Matanzas moves on to the semifinal, most likely against the Leñadores de #LasTunas, a demanding team especially because of the quality of their hitters. The Leñadores have been the best team of the whole campaign, after finishing first in the qualifying round and defeating the Tigres de #CiegoDeÁvila in four straight games in the quarterfinals.

Although this last match of the Cocodrilos against the Cazadores was not a full stadium, there was a good attendance of the public, the conga and chants tinged the meeting, even when it was stopped by rain at the end of the sixth chapter; the stands of the Victoria de Girón made the excitement of the play offs noticeable, accompanying their players who in this way also officially qualify for the next Elite League of Cuba.

Written by Alejandro López Quintero.