Las Tunas enjoyed another productive offensive display, capitalising on their rivals’ defensive frailties to secure a second consecutive victory over Ciego de Ávila – this time 6-3 – in their penultimate qualifying round clash of Cuba’s 8th U-23 National Baseball Series.

The heart of the local batting order (positions two through five) delivered emphatically on manager Osmani Urrutia’s demands, driving in five of the six runs. Jean Lucas Baldoquín (4 AB, 2 H, 2B, HR, 2 RBI) starred individually, showcasing power with two extra-base hits registering well above the tournament’s average exit velocity.

The Tuneros swiftly erased the Avilanians’ early lead, plating five runs against Yan Carlos Díaz across the first two innings. Though Díaz completed the start, he absorbed his third loss of the campaign.

For the visitors, Cristian Pagarizabal proved a headache for the red-and-green pitching staff, compiling three hits (including a double) in four plate appearances while scoring all his team’s runs.

Delivering another gradually improving performance as the game progressed, Sergio Fernández preserved his unbeaten record from the mound. He logged 5.1 innings with two earned runs, eight hits, one walk, and an equal number of strikeouts.

Yariel Sánchez – also registered as the squad’s third catcher – steered the closing stages to secure the save, consolidating the Balcón Oriente’s fifth win in eleven outings. They nevertheless remain below .500.

In other Group C action, Sancti Spíritus drew level with Camagüey at the top of the table (now 7-4) after defeating them 5-3 at the Cándido González stadium.