The Granma team knocked out Sancti Spíritus 12×1 and equaled the record against their current rivals with one victory per side, at the Bayamese Mártires de Barbados park, as the 63rd National Baseball Series continued today.
To achieve their fourteenth victory of the campaign, the Alazanes relied on a timely nine-hit offense, which included Alfredo Despaigne’s Grand Slam, and a superb demonstration by pitcher Sammy Benítez.
With his eleventh homer of the season, Despaigne gave his team a decisive advantage in the third inning and almost ordered the expulsion of left-hander Alex Guerra, the first of the five pitchers from Sancti Spiritus who paraded on the mound.
In addition, the Granma slugger alone assumed the lead in home runs, breaking the tie with William Saavedra, and with his four RBIs he reached 28 to put himself two behind the first baseman from Pinar del Río and his teammate Yaser Julio González, who share the top of that locker.
The left-handed Guerra was able to complete the third inning, but at the beginning of the fourth he was injured and the bull pen could not find a way to stop the attack of the Alazanes, who did not stop until they were out of combat (in seven innings), their fifth of the season.
Meanwhile, Benítez celebrated his 24th birthday in style, allowing just two hits, including Rodolexis Moreno’s home run, with which the Gallos avoided the loss.
Sammy (2-2) was dominant and no other batter reached second base, in six innings of work; Meanwhile, he enjoyed good control with two walks and a strikeout, to score the second success of the tournament.
Second baseman Yulieski Remón also stood out for the winners, with two singles and the same number of runs brought in for the home play, while reaffirming himself at the head of the hits department, now with 40.
The duel continues tomorrow, in the headquarters of the four-time national champions, who will depend on the also young man, Alexei Ricardo.
