Santiago de Cuba’s under-15 baseball team will battle for the crown in the National Championship final starting next Friday in Ciego de Ávila province.

The Santiago squad advanced to this phase after dominating the zonal semifinal alongside the local team with a 3-1 record, having earlier topped Group D at 14-4.

«Physically, the lads are well, and we’re focusing on psychological preparation these days because the tension is much higher now than in earlier stages of the championship,» Juan Gorguet, manager of the Indómito (Untamed) team, declared to the Cuban News Agency.

«To reach the final, the role of family has been fundamental – their unwavering support is what the lads need to take to the field and give 100 percent,» he emphasised.

«I’m satisfied with the work done because we’ve built this team since August, before the season began, and many playing today weren’t regulars in the line-up,» Gorguet highlighted.

«We’re going to Ciego de Ávila for the championship. We’ve worked to win. We have good pitchers, batters, a good collective, and crucially – we’re united as one among parents, athletes, and coaches,» he stated.

The manager revealed the line-up for the first game:
Osmel Tabera (CF), Alain Rodríguez (SS), Liván Peña (RF), Abilio Moya (LF), Ihosvany Doce (DH), Elver Godínez (3B), Eduarvis Falcón (C), Kevin La Rosa (2B), Kendry González (1B); with Marlon Ruvalcaba (LHP) on the mound.

Teams from Pinar del Río and Havana, representing the western zone, will also compete in the final.