Rain forced the postponement of yesterday’s matchup between Santiago de Cuba and Granma; the “Lumberjacks” took advantage of the break to defeat Camaguey 9–2, bringing them within striking distance of the division leader.

The pressure isn’t coming solely from Las Tunas; Ciego de Avila and Holguin also won their respective games, intensifying a race in which six teams are separated by just a game and a half.

The “Tigers” (Tigres) of Ciego de Avila shut out Sancti Spiritus 8–0, while Holguin defeated Guantanamo 10–3 at Calixto Garcia stadium, fueled by home runs from Lazaro Cedeno, Rolando Veranes, and Andrys Aguero.

In the Western division, the “Tobacco Growers” (Vegueros) of Pinar del Rio have a bit more breathing space, though the “Crocodiles” (Cocodrilos) of Matanzas remain in close pursuit, preventing the leaders from letting their guard down.

Pinar del Rio defeated Artemisa 6–3 at Capitan San Luis stadium, while Matanzas responded with a 13–3 mercy-rule victory (knockout) over Villa Clara at Victoria de Giron stadium.

In the only doubleheader of the day, Mayabeque and Cienfuegos split their games at the 5 de Septiembre stadium: the “Hurricanes” (Huracanes) of Mayabeque won the first game 6–1, while the “Elephants” (Elefantes) of Cienfuegos bounced back with a 12–2 mercy-rule win. Industriales and La Isla are also scheduled for a doubleheader today at the Latinoamericano stadium, following rain that prevented their previous matchup.

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