Matanzas secured the championship of the 64th Cuban National Baseball Series on Sunday, defeating Las Tunas 11-0 in a decisive fourth game played at the neutral Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana. The victory marked a sweep of the series for the Cocodrilos, claiming their second title in the history of the competition.
The game was effectively decided in the first inning, with Matanzas scoring seven runs on eight hits. Yamichel Pérez, the starting pitcher for Matanzas, delivered a dominant performance, allowing only five hits over seven innings while striking out four. The offensive onslaught continued throughout the game, with Matanzas ultimately recording 16 hits against five Las Tunas pitchers.
Ariel Martínez, batting cleanup for Matanzas, went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Andrys Pérez was a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI, while José Amaury Noroña contributed a 2-for-4 performance, including a double and two RBIs. Luis Ángel Sánchez also added a 1-for-4 outing with two RBIs.
Despite the loss, Las Tunas had reached the championship series for the seventh time in the last decade, coming off back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024. Their attempt at a three-peat was thwarted by Matanzas’ dominant performance.
Following the win, Matanzas will represent Cuba in the third edition of the Baseball Champions League Americas, scheduled to take place from March 24-29 in Mexico City.
Eduardo Blanco, captain of the Matanzas team, stated the championship was a commitment to the people of Matanzas, who supported the team through a challenging season marked by injuries and player departures. He added that the team has achieved its first goal but remains focused on retaining their position in the upcoming Elite League.
Armando Ferrer, the manager of Matanzas, who also led the team to a championship in Series 59, urged supporters gathered in Plaza Entre Puentes to send well wishes to Lázaro Junco, a prominent figure in Cuban baseball, who is currently facing health challenges.
The city of Matanzas celebrated the victory with a parade along its main streets, recognizing the team’s achievement and the resurgence of baseball enthusiasm among its fans.
