Reaching game 12 of the calendar and after over 270 plate appearances, Las Tunas’ offence exploded on Thursday with a 13-0 knockout victory against Ciego de Ávila, concluding their four qualifying round clashes in Cuba’s 8th U-23 National Baseball Series.

The red-and-greens pounced on opposing pitchers, connecting a dozen hits – including five extra-base hits – across 22 official at-bats for a collective .545 average in just five innings. This marks the best offensive performance by manager Osmani Urrutia’s artillery in the tournament to date, fulfilling expectations held by both coaches and local fans.

While the hitters ignited, starter Eloy Borrego kept the Avilanians firmly contained. He permitted only one opponent to reach first base – via Cristian Pagarizabal’s hit in the opening inning – before stringing together 13 consecutive outs.

Borrego mixed breaking pitches with a well-located fastball, forcing visitors into ten groundouts across the infield. Combined with three strikeouts and two flyouts (one caught in foul territory by the catcher), this sealed the winning pitcher’s complete game performance.

If fortune favoured the Tunero starter, the opposite befell Yankiel Tamayo. He endured persistent struggles from the mound across 1.1 innings, conceding eight runs (six earned) alongside five walks and an equal number of hits, absorbing the loss.

In the other Group C action, Sancti Spíritus also secured a sweep against Camagüey, defeating them 2-1 to seize the group lead with an 8-4 record.

With both teams riding positive momentum, Espirituanos and Tuneros (6-6) will clash from this Saturday at the José Antonio Huelga stadium. Each carries specific objectives as the first stage nears its conclusion.

The Yayaberos (Sancti Spíritus) aim to consolidate their privileged position, while Urrutia’s pupils seek to close the gap against rivals and position themselves to challenge for the top spot when they face Camagüey from 1 July at the Julio Antonio Mella park.