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05/17/2006 Archived Entry: "45TH CUBAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES"
45TH CUBAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES BY CUBANO
45th Cuban National Series Championship
The Industriales Lions from Havana City and the current champion the Santiago de Cuba Wasps from Santiago de Cuba will start the quest for the Cuban championship tomorrow. These are the two teams with the most followers and more history in Cuba.
The last time these two teams met in the championship series was seven years ago. In 1999, Santiago de Cuba beat Industriales in seven games after being down 3 games to 2.
The best of seven series will kick off at the Guillermon Moncada Stadium in Santiago de Cuba. The regular series matchup ended three games a piece.
In 8 postseason games, Santiago de Cuba has a 312 ave(292-91), with 21 doubles, 3 triples, 9 home runs and 51 rbi and era of 2.16.
On the other hand, Industriales hit for 331 ave (420-139) with 24 doubles, 5 triples and 9 home runs, 75 rbi and a 4,49 era.
The Wasps will send veteran RHP Ormari Romero who started the WBC finals for Cuba against Japan. Young RHP Frank Montieth will take the mound for the Lions.
Industriales has played 154 postseason games with 89 wins and 10 Cuban titles whereas Santiago de Cuba has played 150 postseason games with 91 wins and 6 Cuban titles.
Santigo de Cuba probably will be without its best two pitchers. Norge Luis Vera (beat the Orioles in Baltimore when the Cuban team played the Orioles) and Danny Betancourt have been slowly rehabing injuries that prevented them from playing in the WBC. They are two of the best Cuban pitchers. This is the reason why I think the Lions will win their 11th championship however the Wasps are a team that won't go down easily. Industriales RHP Yadel Marti who was selected for the WBC all-star team is questionable.
