Everything vs nothing

Good morning! Have a good Sunday, everyone! Yes, the II Elite League postseason has already begun, and in what way: the Crocodiles devoured the pitching of the Lumberjacks, imposing their status as favorites to discuss the title. Let's take a look back at everything that happened!

Matanzas 12, Las Tunas 0 (KO in seven innings)

In just the first seven pitches of the game, the Matanzas Crocodiles welcomed Leñadores left-hander Dariel Góngora to the postseason. This is how it all began: Yordan Manduley arrived safely at first due to a throwing error by shortstop Juan Carlos Arencibia. Alexander Pozo singled with a bunt near the first base line, which Góngora couldn't catch in time.

After two pitches, Góngora missed the chance to start the first inning with two outs, before facing the Crocodiles' third hitter, Yurisbel Gracial. Yes, game situations and destiny often change drastically in the postseason. Góngora had begun Game 1 on Saturday night with a string of 12 consecutive scoreless innings against the Crocodiles' fearsome lineup. However, after throwing his seventh pitch the story took a complete turn. At a 3-1 count, Gracial crushed a fastball of just 82 mph, which hung in the center of the strike zone: the ball ended up in the confines of centerfield, in the second section of stands at Victoria de Girón Park.

Matanzas 3, Las Tunas 0, was just the beginning. Góngora managed to dominate the next three hitters: Yordanis Samón, Rusney Castillo, and Dariel Álvarez, what a trio! And then, in the second inning, he also put out Erisbel Arruebarena, who missed with a powerful line drive to left fielder Denis Peña. So, Góngora got a fourth consecutive out, although he had to use 16 pitches. He really was far from dominating his opponents and, in that second inning, he was devoured by the bottom of the Crocodiles' lineup.