Little smoke and too many axes! With the strength of the champions, the Lumberjacks (Leñadores) opened the final of the 63rd National Baseball Series ahead, after beating the Vegueros 9x1, thanks to an offensive of 15 hits and a good performance by Eliánder Bravo from the mound.

Pinar del Río.- The Lumberjacks ended with an outstanding qualification after facing a Pinar del Río pitching that boasts young talent and experienced veterans. The first inning seemed eternal for starter Mario Valle once the visitors lined up cannon shots to score three runs. The right-ander was dealt the loss, despite Alexander Urquiola's efforts to stop the bleeding with seven "shooters."

For his part, Eliánder left another example of gallantry after six innings of only one run, four hits, a pair of strikeouts, and the same number of walks. The left-hander's dominance is not the result of chance but, rather, of the analysis of his rivals and the accurate placement of his pitches, according to his statements in a press conference after the game. "I study batter by batter, especially their weak áreas, and the pitches that affect them the most. So I try to take those notes to the field."

Given the thermal sensation of high temperatures, Abeysi Pantoja assured his steps regarding handling “his arms," as he moved pieces at the precise moment. So that, reliever Rodolfo Díaz added the fourteenth save of the campaign, after a solid three-inning relief. Meanwhile, the weather put the field players in a tight spot, given the forced retirement of Roberto Súliban Baldoquín and Héctor Castillo. The Alarcón brothers know this field well, which they demonstrated by batting for an average of .700, with seven hits in 10-at bat. Yosvani (5-3/ 2 R) continues with a devastating pace, in tune with what he was during the regular calendar; while Yordanis (5-4/ 2 W/ RBI/ R) reinforced the second round of artillery to give no respite to the rivals. Yudier Rondón also stood out at bat, with two hits and to two RBIs in four visits to the home plate.

Denis Peña's swing provided the last blow of the afternoon. For the fourth consecutive game, Denis, surpassed the limits of the field, in a postseason that he started a bit slow. Without a doubt, the man from Jobabo is knocking on the door of the Cuban team.

Leñadores and Vegueros will play again on Tuesday; the green and red team will seek a second smile that will bring them closer to their second consecutive title. On the other hand, Alexander Urquiola will take advantage of Monday's break to regroup his team and pursue the top division before traveling to the Balcón de Oriente. The current champions have a record of nine wins and one loss in the last three battles for the Crown while they have maintained their undefeated record in opening duels.