The defending champions topped their home-field advantage at Victoria de Giron Stadium, securing the win with 10 hits, timely offense, and dominant pitching.

  On the mound, left-hander Yoanni Yera pitched five innings with five strikeouts to earn the win, while Islay Sotolongo took the loss.

  The result allows the Cocodrilos to take the first step in a season defined by a new structure divided into Western and Eastern zones.

  In other Western zone action, Industriales defeated Pinar del Rio 5-1 at Havana’s Latinoamericano Stadium, highlighted by a spectacular grand slam from Yasmani Tomas in the 10th inning.

  Artemisa beat La Isla 9-2, and Villa Clara came from behind to defeat Mayabeque 6-5.

In the Eastern zone, Sancti Spiritus defeated Camaguey 9-4, Ciego de Avila beat Las Tunas 3-2, Granma routed Holguun 14-2, and Santiago de Cuba crushed Guantanamo 11-1.

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