Matanzas, Cuba – The Cocodrilos de Matanzas have reclaimed the crown of Cuban baseball, completing a dominant sweep of the Las Tunas Leñadores in the 64th National Baseball Series (SNB). The decisive victory, an 11-0 shutout played at the neutral Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana on , sparked jubilant celebrations in Matanzas as the team returned home to a hero’s welcome.
The win marks Matanzas’ first national title in six years, solidifying their position as a benchmark in contemporary Cuban baseball. The series sweep underscored a postseason run characterized by timely hitting and effective pitching, a formula that proved too much for the defending champion Leñadores.
The fourth and final game was a display of offensive firepower from the outset. Matanzas exploded in the first inning, stringing together eight consecutive hits and scoring seven runs before Las Tunas could record an out. Three opposing pitchers were forced into action in a frantic attempt to stem the tide, but the damage was already done. The early lead effectively decided the contest, allowing Matanzas to maintain control throughout.
Ariel Martínez extended the lead in the second inning with a home run, further demoralizing the Las Tunas pitching staff. The relentless Matanzas offense continued to pressure their opponents with hits from Eduardo Blanco, Andrys Pérez, and José Noroña.
On the mound, left-handed pitcher Yamichel Pérez delivered a masterful performance, supported by the team’s explosive batting. Pérez’s strong start and the consistent offensive output proved to be a winning combination, securing the championship victory for Matanzas.
The city of Matanzas erupted in celebration upon the team’s return. Fans lined the streets, eager to recognize the players who brought the national title back to the province. The team toured the main streets and avenues, acknowledging the outpouring of support from a fanbase that remained steadfast throughout a challenging season.
Team captain Eduardo Blanco emphasized the significance of the championship for the city of Matanzas. “This title was a commitment we had with the people of Athens, Cuba, who supported us throughout a very complex season,” Blanco said, acknowledging the challenges the team faced. He highlighted the resilience of the team, noting that they had to “go the extra mile” to achieve their goal.
Blanco also acknowledged the contributions of younger players who stepped up in the face of injuries and departures. “It was a season of ups and downs in which several important players for us were injured or left their contract, but the young people knew how to grow and assume a leading role,” he explained.
The team’s most valuable player in the postseason added that securing the national title was only the first step. “We achieved our first goal, although we are still not satisfied and will fight to retain first place in the upcoming Elite League,” he stated, signaling the team’s ambition to continue their success.
Manager Armando Ferrer, who also led the team to a championship in Series 59, used the occasion to send well wishes to Lázaro Junco, a Cuban baseball legend currently facing health challenges. Ferrer urged the crowd gathered in Plaza Entre Puentes to offer their support to Junco, a testament to the deep-rooted respect for the game’s history and its iconic figures.
The victory secures Matanzas’ place as Cuba’s representative in the Baseball Champions League Americas 2026, scheduled to take place in Mexico City from to . The team will look to carry their momentum from the SNB into the international competition, representing Cuban baseball on a broader stage.
Matanzas’ dominant performance in the SNB finals, highlighted by their explosive offense and strong pitching, has re-established them as a force in Cuban baseball. The sweep of Las Tunas not only brought a championship back to Matanzas but also signaled a new era of competitiveness for the Cocodrilos, one built on a foundation of youthful talent and unwavering determination.
