They were down but never out. Facing a two-run deficit in the seventh inning of a key Game 1 of the Cuban National Series Quarterfinals, Pinar del Río pulled off a win in the second extra innings game of the 2021 Cuban postseason. Lázaro Emilio Blanco hit a single into the right field off Gallos reliever Yanieski Duardo in the 10th inning to score shortstop Juan C. Arencibia from second base, giving the Vegueros a decisive 8-7 lead – 9-7 was the final score – for a dramatic victory on Wednesday afternoon at 5 de Septiembre stadium in Cienfuegos. BOX SCORE The Vegueros lead the best-of-five Series, 1-0, and will send Vladimir Baños to the mound in Game 2 against Yamichel Pérez on Friday morning, with a chance to put Sancti Spíritus against the wall. Neither Yoen Socarrás nor Erlis Casanova, starters of Game 1, made it through the sixth inning. Casanova allowed seven runs (6 earned) and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings, and Socarrás allowed seven runs (five earned) and eight hits in 5 frames. Both bullpens saw a lot of action, but Pinar’s bullpen was much better and that was one of the keys of the game for them. Reilandy González, Frank L. Medina, Liván Moinelo, and Raidel Martínez, combined for 5 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, giving their team a chance to comeback and win Game 1. Pedro Álvarez, working his fourth inning, recorded one out in the 10th before allowing Juan C. Arencibia’s double to right field. Sancti Spíritus’ manager, Eriel Sánchez, pulled out Álvarez and brought in Yanieski Duardo, one of his best relievers. Duardo walked pinch hitter Reinier León and allowed Blanco’ single to right field that scored Arencibia. Pinar was winning 8-7. William Saavedra followed with a grounder - fielder’s choice RBI - for the final score, 9-7. After the fourth inning the game was a back and forth until the seventh. Sancti Spíritus scored two runs in the first inning while Pinar discounted one against Socarrás in the second. But in the fifth, Arencibia’s double tied the score at 2, while an intentional walk to Blanco didn’t work out well for Sancti Spíritus when William Saavedra went deep to put Pinar del Río ahead, 5-2. It was Saavedra’s 21st home run in Cuban postseasons, fifth in the all-time list. After Vegueros took the lead scoring four runs in the top of the fifth inning, Sancti Spíritus turned the tables on Pinar by coming back from a 5-2 deficit in the bottom of the fifth. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases, and an error by Pinar’ shortstop allowed Sancti Spíritus to cut the lead to 5-4. Minutes later Frederich Cepeda hit a three-run homer off starter Casanova to put Sancti Spíritus back on top, 7-5. Sancti Spíritus would not score more in the game. The lead didn’t last much. In the top of the sixth, an error and four consecutive singles by Acosta, Rojas, Dueñas, and Arencibia, allowed Pinar to tie the game at 7, sending starter Socarrás to the showers. Pedro Álvarez threw 3 2/3 on relief allowing only three hits and the decisive run in the 10th. He was charged with the loss. Pinar’s closer Raidel Martínez was brilliant during his 2 innings of work. His fastball was clocked at 97 mph and had some movement. He faced seven batters allowing only one hit while striking out four, three in the tenth to earn the win. National Series Quarterfinals Jan 27, Game 1: Pri 9, Ssp 7 (10 Innings) Jan 29, Game 2 – 10 a.m.: Probables, Vladimir Baños, Pri (9-6-3.93) vs. Yamichel Pérez, Ssp (7-7-4.50) Pinar del Río leads the best-of-five series 1-0 (Top photo of William Saavedra: Radio Rebelde)

The Santiago de Cuba Avispas powered up late against the Las Tunas Leñadores to take Game 1 of the Cuban Quarter Finals series by a score of 7-4. BOX SCORE Andrés Quiala got the Leñadores on the board early with a first-inning double off starter Carlos Font to bring Yunieski Larduet home. The Avispas were held scoreless until an Edilse Silva single to left – with bases loaded - in the third off Las Tunas starter Yudier Rodríguez tied the score at 1-1. Seconds later, Santiago took the lead by an error of leftfielder Héctor Castillo allowing Santiago Torres to score. An inning later, Osday Silva’ single combined with a sacrifice hit and back-to-back singles of Marcos Fonseca and Santiago Torres extended the lead at 3-1. Las Tunas responded in the fifth. With one out and still facing Font, the Leñadores loaded the bases and an infield single by Danel Castro and an error tied the score at 3-3. After loading the bases again, Font was able to survive in the inning thanks to a double-play grounder via 3-6-6-1 against Rafael Viñales. In the sixth inning, the Leñadores took the lead 4-3 against Font with sacrifice fly of Manuel Avila that brought home Yordanis Alarcón. That score held until the bottom of the seventh, when Rudens Sánchez doubled, Edilse Silva singled tying the score at 4-4 and Adriel Labrada connected off Yudier Rodríguez for a go-ahead two-runs home run. Santiago scored one more run in the inning for the final 7-4 score. It was a disastrous seventh inning for Las Tunas’ manager Abdel Civil, who did not take starter Yudier Rodríguez out of the game after six innings of work. Font pitched seven innings, allowing four runs on nine hits. In ocassions he was erratic but struck out two and got the run support he needed for the win. Avispas closer Yunior Tur closed out the favored Leñadores, getting six outs and striking out three. He was credited with the save. Yunior Tur was solid on relief and got his first save of the 2021 postseason. (Photo: José R. Castillo) Game 1 on Tuesday Monday had no attendance because of the COVID-19 pandemic. No fans are expected in the rest of the 2021 Cuban postseason. National Series Quarterfinals Jan 26, Game 1: Scu 7, Ltu 4 Jan 28, Game 2 – 1 p.m: Probables, RHP Alberto Bicet (Scu) vs. RHP Yoalkis Cruz (Ltu) Santiago de Cuba leads the best-of-five series 1-0 (Top photo of Carlos Font: Roberto Morejón)

There’s domination and there’s the Leones and the Alazanes in the postseason. With their unbelievably exciting 5-4 victory in 10 innings in Game 1 on Tuesday, the Leones have won 9 straight postseason games against the Alazanes, the longest win streak by any team against a single opponent in Cuban postseason history. It didn’t matter that stars such as Alfredo Despaigne and Guillermo Avilés were back in Granma’s lineup for the game. Also it didn’t matter that Granma was three outs away from winning its first postseason game against Industriales. At the end, the Leones found a way to tie the game in the nineth, and take it to extra innings where they were able to score and beat the Alazanes, once again. BOX SCORE There was Alberto Calderón, who avenged his 0-for-3 in the nineth inning with his team facing defeat. Calderón led off the top of the inning with a solo homer off Granma closer Kelbis Rodríguez to tie the score at 4-4. Then it was Industriales’ closer Andy Rodríguez who ended this Game 1 classic, picking up the final six outs. Andy had an almost perfect relief, retiring five of the six batters he faced, walking one with two strikeouts. Andy Rodríguez was stellar on relief for Industriales. (Photo: IndustrialesdeLaHabana site) Industriales scored first against starter Leandro Martínez in the first inning, when Jorge Luis Barcelán was hit by a pitch with bases loaded. The Leones extended their lead in the third, thanks to back-to-back singles of Stayler Hernández and Lisbán Correa, an error, and sacrifice fly of Barcelán. Industriales starter Brian Chi kept Granma’ bats mostly quiet during the first four innings, but the 21 y/old righthander couldn’t hold the lead in the fifth. With one out Raico Santos doubled to right, Osvaldo Abreu was hit by a pitch, and Alfredo Despaigne drilled an RBI single to center as Santos beat the throw home. Minutes later a wild pitch brought Abreu home with the tying run. Alex Sánchez led off the seventh with a single off Chi, and Industriales’ manager, Guillermo Carmona, didn’t wait a minute and decided to pull Chi out of the game. Chi didn’t disappoint in only his second postseason career start, completing six innings of two runs – three at the end of the game – on six hits while striking out 3 with 3 walks. Carmona turned to Juan Peñalver, who got one out, but allowed Abreu’s single to center – well played by Guillén avoiding a double – that moved the runner to third and sacrifice fly of Despaigne to extend Granma’ lead to 4-2. With only two more chances left, the Leones started their comeback in the eighth and nineth innings against Kelbis Rodríguez, who was asked to protect a two-run lead and pick-up a six-out save. He instead picked up a blown save. In the eighth, back-to-back-to-back singles of Andrés Hernández, Barcelán, and pinch hitter Wilfredo Aroche cut the lead to 4-3. While in the nineth, center fielder Alberto Calderón sent a ball into history, going the other way off Rodríguez to tie the game 4-4. In the tenth, Carmona continued to move his pieces and, with one out, pinch hitter Oscar Valdés singled to right off reliever Carlos Santana to get things started. Yosvany Peñalver followed with single to right field that moved Valdés to third base, and when Calderón grounded to Santana, he decided to throw to second to complete a 1-6-6-3 double play to end the inning, but Granma’ shortstop Yulián Milián made a throwing error to first allowing Valdés to score the winning run. Wednesday is day off and Game 2 is scheduled on Thursday 10:00 am at José A. Huelga Stadium in Sancti Spíritus. National Series Quarterfinals Jan 26, Game 1: Ind 5, Grm 4 (10 Innings) Jan 28, Game 2 – 10 a.m.: Probables, RHP Maikel Taylor (Ind) vs. RHP Lázaro Blanco (Grm) Industriales leads the best-of-five series 1-0 (Top photo of Alberto Calderón: Andy Lans)

The 60th Cuban National Series postseason will get underway today, with the Santiago de Cuba-Las Tunas and Granma-Industriales series – I went over both predictions yesterday – while another series will begin on Wednesday, Pinar del Río-Sancti Spíritus. The first change to the 2021 postseason schedule was announced yesterday. Cienfuegos-Matanzas will play Game 1 on Thursday, Jan 27th instead of a day earlier, a change related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the RY-PCR tests performed on the Cienfuegos players. And because making playoff predictions in baseball is always fun and foolish, here is my prediction for the Quarter Finals series between Vegueros (Pinar del Río) and Gallos (Sancti Spíritus). 2021 Quarter-finals schedule Pinar del Río (8) at Sancti Spíritus (1) – Wednesday, 10 a.m. ET on Tele Rebelde Game 1 starters PRI: Vladimir Baños (8-4-3.93) SSP: Yoen Socarrás (11-4-2.63) Knowing that pitching depth is always important in short series, we can deduce that the best-of-five series between Vegueros and Gallos will be an epic one. Vegueros, with a long history of titles and a clear advantage in postseasons, will be a challenge for the regular season first place Sancti Spíritus. Both teams were the only ones that had an ERA under 4.00 during the regular season. Pinar led the league with an excellent 3.58 while Sancti Spíritus rotation was not far behind, 3.91. The question here is: which rotation will hold more? Pinar has a lot of experience with starters Erlis Casanova, Vladimir Baños, and youngster Yaifredo Domínguez, whom combined for 274 innings, 23 wins, and a 3.45 ERA in the 60th NS and totalize 15 postseason wins. The Gallos starters, Yoen Socarrás (11-4-2.63), Yamichel Pérez (7-7-4.50), and José E. Santos (7-4-4.17) - except for Yoen - they lack experience and combined have won only two postseason games, that will be key in the series. I do believe we may see promising Pedro Álvarez – who started only 8 games this year – taking a more decisive role in the series. In modern baseball, the bullpen is almost everything and it’s here where I like Pinar chances. The Gallos have relievers with excellent numbers: Yanieski Duardo who saved 11 games, and Yankiel Mauri who from the bullpen won 10 games and saved 5. However, the return of LHP Liván Moinelo and RHP Raidel Martínez from the NPB, plus the arms of Frank L. Medina – 10 saves – and Reilandy González – 49 IP/45 SO & 1.82 ERA in the season - will make Pinar overwhelmingly favorite, especially if they get to the late innings with at least minimum advantage. Offensively both teams struggled to produce runs during the season. Pinar will love to see William Saavedra be the guy he knows he can be in postseasons – 20 HRs/60 RBIs in 65 games – but my eyes will be in Yaser Julio González, first Pinar’s hitter with 17 home runs since Yosvany Peraza in the 2012-13 season. Sancti Spíritus’ manager should not underestimate the 121 runs batted in by the trio of Dueñas-Rodríguez-Blanco. With the lack of power from other hitters, Pinar's manager Alexander Urquiola should exploit as much as he can speedy Juan Carlos Arencibia, who had 19 steals this year. Four hitters are the core of Sancti Spíritus’ offense: veterans Freddie Cepeda - .369, 31 EXT, 48 RBIs - & Yunier Mendoza - .333, 27 EXT, 47 RBIs -, and youngsters Geisel Cepeda - .354, 23 EXT, 48 RBIs - & Daviel Gómez - .317, 35 RBIs -. For Freddi, unfortunately, this will be one of his last opportunities of winning a championship with his hometown team. One interesting thing about this series, and overall, about this postseason is to see how the bubbles affect performance, if at all. The policy of no travel days and a day-rest in between games will also be beneficial to bullpens but, again, I do believe it will benefit more the team with the deepest bullpen this postseason, and that is Pinar del Rio. Prediction: Pinar del Río over Sancti Spíritus (Photos Ricardo López Hevia, Oscar Alfonso, Marcelino Vázquez, Juan Moreno)

Finally, after a 75-games season, the 2021 Cuban postseason is set. Eight teams are in, for the first time since 2012, and the action begins with two series on Tuesday. Two other series will get underway Wednesday. This year there will be one-day rest between games for all series, for the first time in Cuban postseason history. Here is a look at the first two of the best-of-three series matchups: 2021 Quarter-finals schedule Las Tunas (5) at Santiago de Cuba (4) – Tuesday, 10 a.m. ET on Tele Rebelde Game 1 starters LTU: Yudier Rodríguez (12-5-3.43) SCU: Carlos Font (12-3-4.14) Santiago de Cuba advanced to a Cuban postseason for the first time since 2010 and will have to face an offensive team that won the title two years ago. Las Tunas is arriving to this postseason with a potent offense that can score a lot of runs. The team led the league in homeruns (70) and were second in BA (.331). Veterans like Danel Castro, the Alarcón brothers (26 HRs combined), Rafael Viñales (19 HRs), and the speedy Yuniesky Larduet (23 steals) can be a problem for Santiago’s rotation. Pitching will depend on the return of their ace Carlos Juan Viera, but veterans Yudier Rodríguez and Yoalkis Cruz, along with youngster Alejandro Meneses may be able to lead a rotation with an ERA (4.98) just under the league average (5.16). On the other hand, Santiago de Cuba is no longer the powerhouse of the 90’s and 2000’s and this postseason the team will not have one of their best hitters on Yoelkis Guibert (.362 BA in 43 games this year). The team’s rotation is also a question mark. Santiago’s ace, Carlos Font (12-3 this year), will be leading a rotation with minimum postseason experience. The big question is how veterans Alberto Bisset and Danny Betancourt will perform against a solid offensive lineup such as Las Tunas. Yunior Tur is one of the best closer in Cuban baseball, but I can assure you he will be tested. Santiago possesses an exciting young player on Santiago Torres, with a slash line of .363/.466/.613, and one of the candidates to the MVP award. However, Torres will need all help he can get from veterans Edilse Silva and Ariel Benavides, and established Adriel Labrada and Rudens Sánchez. Prediction: Las Tunas over Santiago de Cuba Industriales (7) at Granma (2) – Tuesday, 1 p.m. ET on Tele Rebelde Game 1 starters IND: Brian Chi (4-3-2.94) GRM: Leandro Martínez (6-7-3.98) Industriales barely advanced to the postseason to face a team that won 48 games this year and that has won two of the last four championships (2017-2018). For the record, Granma has never beaten Industriales in the postseason, then the question is, will this trend continue? Ten games and ten defeats is Granma all-time record against the Blue Lions but… we are in 2021 and I do believe Granma can put a stop to that trend. Granma and manager Carlos Martí enter this series as the favorites. The series should be an exciting battle between Industriales’ young rotation and the Granma’ power-packed lineup. Consider that four of the best Granma’s hitters have some type of experience playing pro-leagues: Raico Santos, Guillermo Avilés, Alfredo Despaigne, and Roel Santos – on his way back from Venezuela and pending to be added to the team. One hitter will be missed ate least during this Quarter-final series, Lázaro Cedeño (.331 BA/11 HRs), who is still recovering from an injury. Lefty Leandro Martínez will start Game 1 on Tuesday but ace Lázaro Blanco (7-1-2.01) is expected for Game 2 on Thursday. It was an up-and-down season for Industriales and manager Guillermo Carmona. The team was affected like no other by the COVID-19 pandemic, ending on a 6-4 kick to win the postseason ticket. I know I already said that Granma is the favorite to win the series – going against history here – but Industriales remains dangerous. There is a lot of question marks for a rotation that seems to be one of the worst ever for an Industriales team. Brian Chi, the addition of RHP Maykel Taylor – with experience in foreign leagues but without pitching in Cuba for the last 6 years – José P. Cuesta (7-6-4.35), and relievers Andy Rodríguez (12 SV) and Héctor Ponce (7 SV) are Carmona’ best choices to stop Granma. One of the top candidates to the MVP Award this season, Lisbán Correa, who led the league in HRs (28) and RBIs (82), will lead a team with the second worst number of runners stranded (2116), slightly better than…Granma (2161) and Cienfuegos (2161). Correa will be helped by experienced players such as Frank C. Morejón (.300), Stayler Hernández (.327/7 HRs/64 RBIs) and Yoandy Urgellés (.301), while youngsters Alberto Calderón and Jorge Alomá should be key in Industriales' success this postseason. With that said, there’s no such thing as an upset in a best-of-three series, and I repeat, Industriales is a dangerous team. Prediction: Granma over Industriales (Photos Rafael Viñales & Santiago Torres/Dubler Vázquez, Lisbán Correa & Guillermo Avilés/Yirsandy Rodríguez & Ibrahín Sánchez/Boris Luis Cabrera)

Following a 75-game regular season, the 2021 Cuban League playoffs schedule, featuring an expanded 8-team field for the first time since 2012, was announced today. The Quarter-finals round is going to be played in bubble locations. Those locations are: José A. Huelga Stadium in Sancti Spíritus: Granma (2) vs. Industriales (7) & Cienfuegos (6) vs. Matanzas (3) 5 de Septiembre Stadium in Cienfuegos: Pinar del Río (8) vs. Sancti Spíritus & Las Tunas (5) vs. Santiago de Cuba (4) After completion of the Quarter-finals round, the reinforcements for the four teams advancing to the semifinals will be selected. All postseason rosters will consist of 29 players. Below is the full schedule for the 2021 postseason quarter-finals. Times are subject to change. (Photo 5 de Septiembre Stadium/Phil In The Blanks)

A month has passed since my last post and, with only one week left in the schedule of the 60th Cuban National Series - considering the new series that started today -, there is a lot to decide for the upcoming 2021 CNS Postseason. Ten teams are still with chances of making the cut to the Cuban Play Offs. Surprisingly, Granma and Sancti Spíritus are now leading the tournament, both tied in first place with an identical 42-25 record. Meanwhile, Las Tunas is just two games behind, and four other teams follow: Matanzas and Cienfuegos, three games back, and Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba, 5 GB. Pinar del Río, five and a half games back, will be the last qualifier if the season would end today. Besides the top eight teams there are two others, Industriales and Mayabeque, with still chances of making it to the following and decisive round. Industriales has been lacking good pitching and is now positioned in “zona de eliminación”, but just ½ game behind Pinar. The bad news for the team is that because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent 11 cases that have been identified on the team, they will not play again until January, when the season will resume play with all pending games. In the other hand, a surprising Mayabeque is not far either, just one game away of Industriales and 1 ½ behind Pinar. If you ask me, I do believe Pinar del Río and Industriales are the teams with more opportunities to make it to the 2021 Cuban Play Offs. Pinar is the only team with still 15 games to play, a clear advantage, while Industriales has 12 games pending, including two against Pinar. Are we going to know the eight teams that will advance to the postseason before the end of the year? Absolutely no. While the top 5 teams most likely will secure their ticket when the qualifying calendar ends on December 27th, the following three to advance will not be easy to predict, and fans will have to wait until beginning of January 2021, when all pending games are finally celebrated. Highlights of the last four weeks: 45-Game Hitting Streak: César Prieto Set a New Record 21-year-old second baseman César Prieto, from the Cienfuegos Elephants, who on November 21 broke Rey Isaac’s 1994 Cuban record of 37-game hitting streak, on November 28 set the new record at 45 GHS. Prieto saw his streak broke against Granma’s pitchers Erluis Blanco and Kelbis Rodríguez, when he went 0-for-5 in the game. Here is the sequence of his at bat in a game that his team lost 6-2: 1 INN – 43 2 INN – F7 5 INN – F8 7 INN – 63 9 INN – 3U According to our senior writer Yirsandy Rodríguez, since September 19 when the streak started, 69 days passed, 222 plate appearances and 11 Saturdays. Prieto’s batting average during the streak was .432 (45-83) and his offensive line was .432/.486/.604 (AVG/OBP/SLG). The second baseman faced 84 pitchers during the stretch and was successful against 63 for a sensational 75%. Yirsandy also adds that, Prieto was so consistent that he was able to have 27 multi-hits games, securing - during those games - 78% of his 222 PA. Prieto got on base in 50 consecutive games during the streak, a sensational feat in this era of on-base performances. Even when the Cuban National Series level is not the same than 10 years ago, Prieto deserves all credit for this spectacular feat in Cuban seasons, an achievement that will be extremely difficult to break. Ciego’s RHP Luis Alberto Marrero throws third “no-hitter” of 2020 NS Season It looks like this 60th NS is made for no-hitter performances. The last time the Cuban National Series had three no-hitters was 20 years ago, during the 39 NS (1999-2000). This year, after the ones completed by righthanders Arnaldo Rodríguez and Noelvis Entenza, RHP from Ciego de Ávila, Luis Alberto Marrero, completed the third no-hitter of the season on November 26th against Artemisa. It was a shortened game, only 5 innings, and where the Mercy Rule for teams winning by at least 15 runs after 5 innings was applied. Marrero got offensive support from his team, that had 16 hits including 7 doubles and two triples, to complete his 5 innings of work. The final score was 15-0. Marrero strikeout two and had no walks in a game that lasted only 1 hour and 37 minutes. It was the fourth no-hitter in franchise history for Ciego and second this year. Some Feats During the Past Month 12/20: Las Tunas’ outfielder Héctor Castillo hit by the cycle against Santiago de Cuba in 18-6 win at Guillermón Moncada Stadium in Santiago. Castillo went 4-for-5 during the game with 2-RBIs. 12/20: César Prieto set a new record for most singles in a 75-games season. Prieto went 3-for-5 against Isla de la Juventud for his 118th hit of the year, breaking Amado Zamora's record of 115 from 1985 during the 24 CNS. 12/19: Isla de la Juventud’ infielder Luis Felipe Rivera reached the 2000 hits mark in National Series to become the 26th hitter in the 2000 Hit Club in Cuban NS. 12/16: Sancti Spíritus’ veteran outfielder Frederich Cepeda hits his 400th career double in National Series. Cepeda reached the milestone against Camagüey’s RHP Yosimar Cousin. Doing so, Cepeda became the only hitter in NS history with 400 doubles, 300 homeruns, and 2000 hits. 12/10: Denis Laza of the Mayabeque Huracanes reaches 1,000-hit mark in Mayabeque 8-3 loss against Industriales at Latinoamericano Stadium. 12/05: RHP Jorge Hernández of the Cienfuegos Elefantes beat Matanzas 12-2 notching the longest period of time between National Series wins – 7 years, 1 month, 1 day. 12/05: Lisbán Correa of the Industriales Leones became the 2nd Industriales player with more homeruns in a season with 22 passing Kendrys Morales fantastic 21 HRs mark during his rookie 2002 Cuban season (41 NS). 11/28: Against RHP Erluis Blanco and Kelbis Rodríguez of Granma, César Prieto had his 45-GHS halted. Prieto went 0-for-5 in a Cienfuegos 6-2 loss. 11/26: Ciego’ RHP Luis Alberto Marrero tossed the 60th no-no in National Series history. Marrero completed his feat against Artemisa in a 15-0 - 5 innings Mercy Rule game – win at José Ramón Cepero Stadium in Ciego de Ávila. 11/26: Cienfuegos’ second baseman César Prieto set a record of 45-games hitting streak against Holguín. Players of the Weeks I understand I am behind on this list, but I do not want to forget the names of all players that, since November 19th, has been awarded Player of the Week. Here are the four players selected during this period: Week of Nov 21-25: 2B-César Prieto (Cienfuegos) -.385 AVG/.952 OPS/3 2B/6 R/6 RBI plus a new record of 45 games hitting streak Week of Nov 28-Dec 3: 1B-Guillermo Avilés (Granma) - .611 AVG/1.953 OPS/3 HR/13 RBI/8 BB Week of Dec 5-10: RHP-César García (Granma) – 2 W/17 IP/1.59 ERA/10 SO Week of Dec 12-17: 3B-Juan Miguel Soriano (Cienfuegos) - .471 AVG/1.180 OPS/HR/9 RBI Season’s Leaders Batting Batting Average: César Prieto (Cienfuegos) .411 (118 H – 287 AB) Home Runs: Lisbán Correa (Industriales) 25 Runs Batted In: Guillermo Avilés (Granma) 74 Stolen Bases: Magdiel Gómez (Villa Clara) 21 Runs: César Prieto (Cienfuegos) 71 On-Base Percentage: Frederich Cepeda (Sancti Spíritus) .556 Pitching Earned Run Average: Lázaro Blanco (Granma) 2.01 (62.2 IP-14 ER) Strikeouts: Frank Madan (Camagüey) 97 Wins: Frank Madan (Camagüey) 12 Saves: Yunior Tur (Santiago de Cuba) 13 Upcoming Series (Dec 22-24) 1 pm (ET) – José R. Cepero Stadium – Camagüey @ Ciego de Ávila 1 pm (ET) – Victoria de Girón Stadium – Villa Clara @ Matanzas 1 pm (ET) – José A. Huelga Stadium – Las Tunas @ Sancti Spíritus 1 pm (ET) – Calixto García Stadium – Guantánamo @ Holguín 1 pm (ET) – Mártires de Barbados Stadium – Santiago de Cuba @ Granma 1 pm (ET) – Cristóbal Labra Stadium – Pinar del Río @ Isla de la Juventud 1 pm (ET) – Nelson Fernández Stadium – Cienfuegos @ Mayabeque Upcoming Series (Dec 26-27) 1 pm (ET) – Capitán San Luis Stadium – Villa Clara @ Pinar del Río 1 pm (ET) – Cristóbal Labra Stadium – Mayabeque @ Isla de la Juventud 1 pm (ET) – Cándido González Stadium – Granma @ Camagüey 1 pm (ET) – 26 de Julio Stadium – Cienfuegos @ Artemisa 1 pm (ET) – José A. Huelga Stadium – Santiago de Cuba @ Sancti Spíritus 1 pm (ET) – José R. Cepero Stadium – Guantánamo @ Ciego de Ávila 1 pm (ET) – Julio A. Mella Stadium – Holguín @ Las Tunas (Photos César Prieto, Frederich Cepeda, and Lisbán Correa/Aslám Castellón, Oscar Alfonso, and Ricardo López Hevia)

During the time when Cubans were defecting like an open bag of M&M’s, Frederich Cepeda stayed in Cuba. Not because he was not good enough to play in the major leagues. More so because he was a bit too aged for what major league teams were looking for in a baseball player. It appears he has aged like fine wine. He may be one of the best hitters the major league teams never signed. The former outfielder who now spends more of his time at designated hitter became the first Cuban player in the history of the Nacional Series to accumulate 2,000 hits, 300 homeruns and 400 doubles according to the WBSC website, though Baseball Reference still shows him falling short of those numbers (1901, 292 and 371). The 39 year old started his career in 1997 playing for the Sancti Spiritus Gallos. He is still playing for them now. They are currently in second place in the Cuban League. There is a lot of history in his game, something he can tell youngsters once he retires. An Olympic gold and silver medal achieved in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008). One year of playing the game in the NPB in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants (2014), though he only hit .163 in 129 at bats. Participation in World Cups and World Baseball Classics. The game of baseball has taken him to all corners of the world. And he has come back as a champion in many of those events, taking home eight gold medals, three silver medals and two bronze. Yulieski and Lourdes Gurriel played with him for Sancti Spiritus. Yulieski is four years younger than Cepeda, but has still had success in the major leagues, including a World Series ring with the Houston Astros, something he never accomplished in Cuba. The Sancti Spiritus Gallos have yet to win a championship with Cepeda playing on the team. The only championship they have won was in 1979. Perhaps the 2020/21 season will give him a Cuban championship with Sancti Spiritus.

The former Olympic gold medalist became the only player with at least 2,000 hits, 300 home runs and 400 doubles. Frederich CEPEDA became the only player in the history of the Cuban National Baseball League (Serie Nacional) to reach 2,000 hits, 300 home runs and 400 doubles. The 39-year old veteran slugger told the Prensa Latina Agency that he feels "proud of still playing baseball." Frederich Cepeda made his debut in the Serie Nacional in 1997 for Sancti Spiritus and still represents the team, currently in second place during the 60th edition of the league. He helped Cuba win Olympic gold (Athens 2004) and silver (Beijing 2008) medals. He also contributed to two IBAF Baseball World Cups (2003 and 2005), two IBAF Intercontinental Cups (2002, 2006), two Pan American Games (2003 and 2007). He was on the roster that played the WBSC Premier12 2019. He also helped Cuba finish second in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 and made the World Baseball Classic 2009 All-Star Team. During a 24-year career, Cepeda also played for the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Yomiuri Giants in 2015 and for the Piratas de Campeche of the Mexican League.

Where to begin? It has been two excellent weeks of baseball since our last post - that includes the festivities for the 34th All-Star Game and a new offensive record in Cuban Baseball history. Regarding the standings, a lot has changed in the 2020 Cuban regular season. The Matanzas Cocodrilos (29-18) continue leading the 60th NS, followed now by Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos - only one game behind. Three other teams are “in business” for the 2020 postseason: two-time champion Granma, four-time champion Pinar del Río, and 2018 champion Las Tunas, the latter with a streak of five consecutive wins. Sancti Spíritus is ranked seventh, but the biggest disappointment right now is Camagüey. The Toros were swept by Cienfuegos over the weekend and they have lost eight of the last ten games, descending to the always difficult 8th place. The top-8 teams are followed by four other contenders: Industriales (25-22), the surprising Mayabeque (24-23), Villa Clara (21-22), and Holguín (22-25), all of them with still chances to make it to the postseason when we approach the last 25 games of the season. The 2020 All-Star Game The 2020 All-Star Game was the 34th National Series ASG. After three suspensions due to weather conditions, the game was hosted by Santiago de Cuba and was played at Guillermón Moncada Stadium on Tuesday, November 10, with the Future Stars Team prevailing over the Present Stars Team, 8-6. All-Star Game box score For first time in National Series ASG history (1963-2020), the traditional East and West teams were replaced by Future Stars (U25) and Present All-Stars (25 year and older) teams. Here is how it all happened. Santiago Torres named MVP The Future Stars were behind 6-5 in the eight, when PH Iván Prieto tied the game with a solo homer against Noelvis Entenza, and then 25-year-old Torres put his team ahead with another solo homer off reliever Joel Mojena. Torres went 2-for-3 in the game, also adding an important RBI in the seventh, to bring his team closer 6-5. Both starters failed Youngster Yosimar Cousín (Future) and veteran Lázaro Blanco (Present) had rough starts, and either of them could not get three outs. Cousin had a disastrous first inning – three hits and a walk -, as he allowed Billy Correa Grand Slam for the shortest outing of his career. Correa’s homer was historic because it was the first Grand Slam in National Series ASG history. On the other hand, Blanco recorded only two outs allowing three runs on four hits and a walk. In the fourth, the Present Team added two more runs extending their lead 6-3, but in the seventh Present Team’s reliever Erlis Casanova gave up three hits and two runs, allowing the Future Team to start a comeback in the game. Future Team bullpen seals the victory There is no doubt that Torres performance was key in the game, but we need to add that the Future Team’s bullpen also shined, shutting down the Present Team to seal the victory. The young arms of Yankiel Mauri (Sancti Spíritus), Renner Rivero (Matanzas), rookie Laidel Torres (Artemisa), Yunior Tur (Santiago de Cuba), and Andy Rodríguez (Industriales) combined for five-scoreless innings, allowing two hits and three walks and striking out six. Rookie Laidel Torres’ scoreless seventh inning gave him the win. Torres walked one batter but managed to face the minimum to keep the score 6-5, giving his team the opportunity to comeback an inning later. Andy Rodríguez took the save completing 1 1/3 innings, striking out three, including Rafael Viñales and Yoelkis Guibert in the ninth, to end the game. Other activities Cuba’s special All-Star Weekend festivities include not only the classic ASG but a display of on-field skills - pruebas de habilidades - in which star league players compete in contests involving base-running, infield and outfield throwing accuracy, and long-distance throwing strength. Sunday’s game also featured the traditional home run hitting contest. These were the winners: Home to First Base Time: José Luis Gutiérrez (Santiago de Cuba) 3:43 seconds. Home to Home Time: José Luis Gutiérrez (Santiago de Cuba) 13:95 seconds. Catcher’s throw to second: Richel López (Cienfuegos). Double Play competition: SS-Yorbis Borroto (Ciego de Ávila), 2B- Jorge Enrique Alomá (Industriales), and Lisbán Correa (Industriales) – 1.95 seconds to complete a 6-4-4-3 double play. HR Derby: Pinar’s outfielder Yasser Julio González (40 HR) broke Yasmani Tomás’ record (38) set in 2013 1. Yasser Julio González (Pinar del Río) – 40 HRs First Round: 25 Second Round: 15 2. Luis González (Camagüey) – 33 HRs First Round: 20 Second Round: 13 Highlights of the Week (s): 42-Game Hitting Streak: Cienfuegos César Prieto is the new Rey del Hit During this past weekend, Cienfuegos 21-year-old second baseman César Prieto broke Rey Isaac’s record of 37-game hitting streak. The Cienfuegos Elefantes played the Camagüey Toros in a doubleheader on Saturday, November 21. Prieto attempted to break the Isaac’s record for the longest single-season NS hitting streak against the Toros in the first game. The game, rescheduled from September 24 and where Prieto was 0-for-2, saw the infielder in his first at bat – officially third – and in a 2-2 count, singled to right field against LHP reliever Rodolfo Sorís, to go down in history as the new record holder with 40 games. In the second game, Prieto doubled off RHP Frank Madan in his initial at-bat to run the streak to 41 games. On Sunday, November 22 Prieto extended the record to 42 games, with single to center field vs. Yusney Saborit in the fifth inning. Prieto started the streak on September 19 with an infield hit in the fifth inning against Las Tunas LHP Yudiel Rodríguez. Santiago’s outfielder Rey Isaac held the previous 37-games record since 1994. Isaac’s 1994 streak was cut short on December 17, 1994 by Industriales and future Yankee’ sensation RHP Orlando “Duque” Hernández. 9,741 days later, Prieto announced to the world he was the new Cuban record holder. Matanzas’ Noelvis Entenza throws second "no-hitter" of 2020 NS season For the 2nd time in franchise history, a Matanzas pitcher has thrown a no-hitter. This time was RHP Noelvis Entenza taking down the Granma Alazanes in a 3-0 victory in seven innings. It was the first career no-hitter for 35-year-old Entenza. It was only the second Matanzas no-no since Jorge Martínez on January 29, 2009 against Industriales at Latinoamericano Stadium. The most recent no-hitter was delivered this season by RHP Arnaldo Rodríguez of Ciego de Ávila on October 29. There was one no-hitter last season. In a game played at Mártires de Barbados Stadium and in a controversial decision, Entenza was credited with the no-no after what most people considered was a scoring error by the official scorer of the game. It happened during the sixth inning of the game, when with a runner on, Osvaldo Abreu' groundball to center field was stopped by Matanzas' shorstop Sandy Menocal, who had no clear possibility of out in any bases. The official scorer initially credited Abreu with a hit, but it was pressured to change it to an error. Just judge yourself by watching the user's - Jorge Quesada - video shared on his Facebook page. The decision was upheld and Entenza completed his "heroic" feat an inning later. Entenza walked three and hit one batter during his 7 innings of work. The veteran righthander was not brilliant, but using his slow speed pitches became an enigma for Granma’s hitters. He faced 25 hitters and only struck out two. Matanzas scored one run in the third inning and two more in the fifth to seal the victory. Overall, it was the 59th no-hitter in National Series history since the league started back in 1962, and probably the most controversial since December 8, 1992, when Ernesto Guevara Ramos pitched No-hitter #36 against Industriales...and guess what, in the same Mártires de Barbados Stadium. Some Feats During the Past Two Weeks Sat 11/21: César Prieto broke Rey Issac’s record of 37-game hitting streak reaching 40 against Camagüey. Sat 11/21: Santiago de Cuba beat Artemisa by the mercy rule in five innings, 18-0. Sun 11/15: Las Tunas' infielder Danel Castro hit his 229th career home run passing Ciego's outfielder Yoelvis Fiss in the 28th historic place in NS. Tue 11/10: Lisbán Correa of Industriales but playing for the Present Stars Team, hit the first Grand Slam in All-Star Game history. Correa homered off RHP Yosimar Cousín in the first inning during an 8-6 loss against the Future Stars Team. Tue 11/10: Holguín catcher Iván Prieto homered off RHP Noelvis Entenza during his first ever All-Star at bat. By doing so, Prieto became the first ever catcher to homer in a National Series ASG during his first at bat. Wed 11/4: Matanzas’ veteran RHP Noelvis Entenza tossed the 59th no-no in National Series history. Entenza completed his feat against Granma in a 3-0 win at Mártires de Barbados Stadium in Granma. Player of the Week (November 14-19): Carlos Juan Viera, Las Tunas Leñadores After striking out 10 and allowing no runs in the 16 innings he threw last week, Las Tunas’ righthander Carlos Juan Viera was selected the Player of the Week on Monday. Viera twirled a seven scoreless innings with four strikeouts against the leader Matanzas on November 14, in an 8-0 win. Five days later, on November 19, Viera threw his third career shutout against Cienfuegos, allowing four hits and striking out 6 in a 6-0 win. Viera's work was key in Las Tunas' five-game winning streak. Player of the Week (October 31-November 5): Yankiel Mauri, Sancti Spíritus Gallos The 60th National Series selection from Oct 31 to Nov 5 was right-hander reliever Yankiel Mauri from the Sancti Spíritus Gallos. Two great performances over the week helped him claim the Player of the Week honor on Monday (Oct 9). Mauri wrapped the week by completing 5 1/3 scoreless innings with three hits and no walks. Mauri was recognized for his two appearances, collecting two wins. Season’s Leaders Batting Batting Average: César Prieto (Cienfuegos) .412 Home Runs: Lisbán Correa (Industriales) 18 Runs Batted In: Dennis Laza (Mayabeque) 54 Stolen Bases: Yuniesky Larduet (Las Tunas) 16 Runs: César Prieto (Cienfuegos) 50 On-Base Percentage: Frederich Cepeda (Sancti Spíritus) .574 Pitching Earned Run Average: Yankiel Mauri (Sancti Spíritus) 1.29 Strikeouts: Frank Madan (Camagüey) 62 Wins: Carlos Font (Santiago de Cuba) & Yankiel Mauri (Sancti Spíritus) 8 Saves: David Mena (Matanzas) 11 Upcoming Series (Nov 24-26) 1 pm (ET) – Victoria de Girón Stadium – Pinar del Río @ Sancti Spíritus 10 am (ET) – José R. Cepero Stadium – Artemisa @ Ciego de Ávila 10 am (ET) – Cándido González Stadium – Isla de la Juventud @ Camagüey 1 pm (ET) – Julio A. Mella Stadium – Industriales @ Las Tunas 1 pm (ET) – Calixto García Stadium – Cienfuegos @ Holguín 1 pm (ET) – Mártires de Barbados Stadium – Villa Clara @ Granma 1 pm (ET) – Guillermón Moncada Stadium – Mayabeque @ Santiago de Cuba 1 pm (ET) – Nguyen van Troi Stadium – Matanzas @ Guantánamo Upcoming Series (Nov 28-29) 2 pm (ET) – José A. Huelga Stadium – Artemisa @ Sancti Spíritus 2 pm (ET) – José R. Cepero Stadium – Pinar del Río @ Ciego de Ávila 2 pm (ET) – Cándido González Stadium – Industriales @ Camagüey 2 pm (ET) – Julio A. Mella Stadium – Isla de la Juventud @ Las Tunas 2 pm (ET) – Calixto García Stadium – Villa Clara @ Holguín 2 pm (ET) – Mártires de Barbados Stadium – Cienfuegos @ Granma 2 pm (ET) – Guillermón Moncada Stadium – Matanzas @ Santiago de Cuba 2 pm (ET) – Nguyen van Troi Stadium – Mayabeque @ Guantánamo (Photos Santiago Torres, Yasser Julio González & César Prieto/Roberto Morejón & Aslám Castellón)

NEW YORK (AP) — Chicago White Sox slugger José Abreu won the AL MVP prize Thursday, a reward for powering his team back into the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The first baseman from Cuba got 21 of the 30 first-place ballots in voting by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Cleveland third baseman José Ramírez finished second and Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu was third. The NL MVP was to be announced later Thursday night. Abreu led the majors with 60 RBIs and 148 total bases, and topped the AL with 76 hits and a .617 slugging percentage. He played in all 60 games during the virus-shortened season as Chicago claimed a wild-card spot. The 33-year-old Abreu batted .317 with 19 home runs, connecting six times in a three-game series against the Cubs in late August. That barrage of longballs at Wrigley Field was part of his 22-game hitting streak, the longest in the majors this year. Abreu was the 2014 AL Rookie of the Year and is a three-time All-Star. He became the fourth different White Sox player to win the AL MVP, joining Frank Thomas (1993-94), Dick Allen (1972) and Nellie Fox (1959) in awards that have been presented since 1931. Smooth around the bag, Abreu ended an MVP drought for AL first basemen. None had won the award since Justin Morneau for Minnesota in 2006; Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto won the NL MVP in 2010. Ramírez hit .292 with 17 home runs and 46 RBIs. His late-season surge helped Cleveland clinch a wild-card spot. No Indians player has won the AL MVP since Al Rosen in 1953. LeMahieu led with majors with a .364 batting average. Able to play all around the infield, he is now a free agent. AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber of Cleveland was fourth and Angels outfielder Mike Trout was fifth. A three-time AL MVP, Trout had finished in the top four every season since he was AL Rookie of the Year in 2012. This will be the first time in more than 75 years the MVP trophies don’t carry the name and likeness of Kenesaw Mountain Landis, baseball’s first commissioner. In an Associated Press story in late June, former MVPs Barry Larkin, Terry Pendleton and Mike Schmidt said they favored pulling Landis’ name off future plaques because of concerns over his handling of Black players. BBWAA members overwhelmingly voted in October to remove any mention of Landis from the MVP trophy and the award won’t be named for anyone this year. The organization will discuss in 2021 whether to name it for someone else, with Frank Robinson -- the only player to win the MVP in both leagues -- and former Negro Leagues star Josh Gibson among those being mentioned as possibilities. Landis became commissioner in 1920 and no Blacks played in the majors through his reign that ended when he died in 1944. Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947. Landis’ legacy is “always a complicated story” that includes “documented racism,” official MLB historian John Thorn has said. In 1931, Landis gave the BBWAA control of picking and presenting the MVPs. During the 1944 World Series, the group decided to add Landis’ name to the plaque. His name had appeared on all MVP plaques since then and was featured more prominently than the actual winners of the Kenesaw Mountain Landis Memorial Baseball Award.

"I had heard that Cubans are a deeply religious people. In two days in Cuba I have learned that baseball is their religion." - Samuel Harold Lacy, Legendary Afro-American sports journalist from Baltimore The beginnings Baseball was introduced to Cuba in the 1860s by Cuban students returning from colleges in the United States and American sailors who ported in the country. The sport spread quickly across the island nation after its introduction, with student Nemesio Guilló receiving credit for the game's growth in the mid-19th century. Nemesio and his brother Ernesto attended Spring Hill College, in Mobile, Alabama and both returned to Cuba in 1864. The two formed a baseball team in Cuba in 1868, the Havana Base Ball Club. Bullfighting was very famous in Cuba at that time, but this activity began to be replaced by the new sport that required greater power of concentration and that it was not as cruel as the bullfighting. In Matanzas as well as in Habana the game started to spread quickly. In 1868, during the first Cuban War of Independence against its Spanish rulers, Spanish authorities banned the sport in the island. On October 1st of that year, Francisco de Lersundi, General Captain of the island, passed a law banning the baseball practice throughout the national territory because he considered it "an anti-Spanish game with insurrection tendencies, opposed to the language and favored the lack of affection to Spain...". As such, baseball became symbolic of freedom and egalitarianism to the Cuban people. The ban also prompted Esteban Bellán to join the semipro Troy Haymakers. He became the first Latin American player to play in an Organized League in the United States. Bellán started playing baseball for the Fordham Rose Hill Baseball Club, while attending Fordham University (1863–1868). He also played for the Unions of Morrisania, a New York City team. Bellán played for the Haymakers until 1862; in 1861 this team had joined the National Association. After the execution of the medical students in Habana in 1871, several rich families sent their children to study to schools and universities in the United States. Nemesio Guilló - one of the founders of Cuban baseball - and José Dolores Amieva, along with his two brothers, were part of this wave that introduced the techniques in Cuba and helped to promote the sport they knew in America. They created a team in Matanzas and began to play in wastelands. The historic stadium Palmar del Junco in Pueblo Nuevo, Matanzas was built soon after and it was considered as the first of its kind in the island. It was also where the first official baseball game took place in Cuba on December 27, 1874. It was the first recorded organized game in the country. The historic had the Matanzas Baseball Club taking on the Habana Baseball Club. According to a report in the El Artista newspaper published in Habana city four days later, the Habana team won by 51-9 points supported by pitcher Ricardo Mora and hitter Esteban Bellán, of the Mutual Baseball Club of New York. The game finished at 5:35 minutes that afternoon, and the dark did not allow the hame to continue. Pitcher Ricardo Mora started and ended the game, he also hit a home run. In the historic game, Bellán became the first Cuban and Latin American player to hit three home runs in a game. According to the report signed by a sport editor named Henry, a large audience witnessed the game and the simple uniform of the Habana Club team drew peoples attention. Three years later, in 1877, the first "international" game with an American team was held at the same Palmar de Junco Stadium in Matanzas. In 1878 the passion for baseball emerged among Cuban people. The Cuban Professional League was created the same year. In the beginning, the Cuban League consisted of three teams: Almendares, Habana, and Matanzas. In that first season every team played the other two teams four times each. Habana ended up winning the first championship. The teams were composed of amateurs and were all-white, however, professionalism gradually took hold as teams bid on players to pry them from their rivals. Baseball quickly became the king of sports in the island. Stadiums were built everywhere in Habana, where dozens of enthusiasts came to see baseball games in places like Canteras de Medina, Melitón, Hacendados, Placer de Peñalver, and Quinta de Torrecillas in Puentes Grandes. By 1886 The Sport, a Cuban magazine, was already publishing the following "Baseball is today, without distinction of classes, age, and sex, the preferred diversion of all." What would later become one of the most beautiful, powerful, and controversial stories ever seen in sports, the history of Cuban baseball, had started. First Organized Baseball Game Played in Cuba December 27, 1874, Palmar de Junco Stadium, Matanzas (Photos: BaseballdeCuba Archives)