Holguin struck early at Calixto Garcia Stadium, scoring five runs in the first inning—providing the momentum needed to contain the Santiago squad, which had won its previous four matchups against Guantanamo. Tñ

Holguin offense racked up 15 hits, led by Yasiel Gonzalez—last season’s home run leader—who celebrated his return from the Chinese League by hitting a home run in his first game of the season.

Meanwhile, Sancti Spiritus Gallos kept their strong start by defeating Las Tunas Lenadores 8-7 at Julio Antonio Mella Stadium, and the team of Ciego de Avila Tigres beat Camaguey Toros 8-2 at Jose Ramon Cepero Stadium; additionally, Guantanamo Indios notched their first win of the season by defeating Granma Alazanes 10-1 at Martires de Barbados Stadium.

Santiago de Cuba and Sancti Spiritus share the top in the Eastern Zone, both with a record of four wins and one loss, followed by Holguin and Ciego de Avila at 3-2; Las Tunas and Granma have two wins and three losses, while Camaguey and Guantanamo round out the standings with one win in five games.

In the Western Zone, the team of Pinar del Rio nicknamed Vegueros capitalized on an offensive outburst in the seventh inning to defeat the Isla Piratas 14-10 at Capitan San Luis Stadium, taking sole possession of first place.

At Latinoamericano Stadium, the Industriales Leones defeated the Artemisa Cazadores 12-1, while Mayabeque Huracanes beat Matanzas Cocodrilos 11-9 at Victoria de Giron Stadium in a home-run fest—featuring six homers—that kept the scoreboard busy.

Cienfuegos Elefantes defeated Villa Clara Leopardos 11-4 at 5 de Septiembre Stadium.

Pinar del Rio leads the Western Zone with a 4-0 record, ahead of Matanzas, Artemisa, and Mayabeque, who are tied at 3-2. Villa Clara, Industriales, and Cienfuegos hold 2-3 records, while La Isla sits in last place with one win and four losses.

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