One step away
Well, we have two teams one step away to discuss the crown of this II Elite Cuban Baseball League: The Cocodrilos de Matanzas once again found the devastating offensive rhythm of their lineup and bombed the Leñadores de Las Tunas on Thursday night in Game 5. We'll get there in a few minutes. The other team that is literally “one step away” is the Cazadores de Artemisa, who led the series 3-0 before being defeated by Industriales on Thursday afternoon at the Latinoamericano stadium.
Depending on the outcome tonight in Game 4, we will know if the Lions will roar again, dreaming of a comeback in this Semifinal. Otherwise, everything would be decided, and then the Cazadores de Artemisa would become the first classified team to dispute the throne of this II Elite League of Cuban Baseball.
This could be a make or break Friday, so let's take a look at some expectations.
Matanzas 10, Las Tunas 5
When a team wins 10-5 and has 14 hits with nine extra bases (including five home runs), it is almost certain that all the starters will revolve around offensive production. However, we often ignore a key point: defense. And, in truth, I think Game 5 had all the cards and just enough cliche for us to hear this: “This team is a truckload of wood! Nobody can stop Matanzas! They are definitely one of the best teams in recent years!”… That's what they say all the time.
However, the Crocodiles' defensive work has been one of the keys to success and, even, if we remember Game 4, it has also influenced the losses. I mean: if Matanzas had not lost Game 4 due to the errors of Erisbel Arruebarena (in the seventh inning) and right-hander Armando Dueñas (to decree the walk off in favor of the Leñadores) in the ninth, the story would have been very different. In fact, with last night's success in Game 5, the Crocodiles would have won the Semifinal against the Las Tunas Lumberjacks. On the other hand, although they now have a 3-2 advantage, they will still have to play Game 6, where they will try to define the Semifinal playing at home.