In an afternoon that saw few home runs, Las Tunas, reigning Cuban champion, defeated Matanzas 8-6 yesterday at the beginning of the last series of games of the second round of the 59th National Baseball Series.

Havana, Cuba.- The start of the Industriales-Cienfuegos and Camagüey-Santiago de Cuba games was postponed until today, Monday, while Sunday saw the Lumberjacks from Las Tunas, and the Crocodiles from Matanzas, both of whom have already qualified for the postseason, grab the attention of fans and specialists alike.

At the Victoria de Girón Stadium, located approximately 105 kilometers east of this capital, the visitors secured their 52nd victory to place at the top of the standings, in await of the performance of the Camagüey Bulls, with 51 wins and one less game played.

The key plays this Sunday were led by relief pitcher Yosbel Alarcón (4-2, 5CI, 1CA, 12B, 1HR) in the fifth inning, and included the offensive of the winners in the ninth inning when they were down by one run, and the inability of the host relief pitchers to close a game in which they were only two outs away from winning.

Las Tunas is the current leader of the Series, with 52-36, ahead of Camagüey (51-36), Matanzas (50-38), Industriales (49-38), Santiago de Cuba (46-41) and Cienfuegos (45-42) - already eliminated - in that order.

The winning team of the 59th Cuban Baseball Championship will represent the Caribbean island in the upcoming Caribbean Series, to be held February 1-7 in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, with the presence of the champions of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Panama and the host country. (PL)