Raidel Martínez eclipsed 40 saves on the campaign after retiring the three batters he faced in order after hurling a scoreless inning during the Chunichi Dragons’ 7-6 victory over the Yakult Swallows at Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo.
The right-hander from Pinar del Río, Cuba earned his eighth save in his last outings and lowered his ERA to 1.00, while also increasing his lead in saves in the Central League. For the flamethrower it was his third straight season with over 30 saves and the 173rd of his career in the NPB.
Martínez without a doubt has become the most dominant reliever in the NPB giving up a total of 14 earned run in 155⅓ innings pitched over that span. The hurler who is a free agent at season’s end is looking for a nice raise. At least six teams figure to vie for his services this offseason.
Cuban action on the day:
NPB:
Ariel Martínez (NH) 4-1,R
Coco Montes (YOM) 3-1*
Raidel Martínez (CD) 1.0IP,0H,0ER,K
Dayán Viciedo (CD) 3-2**
Andy Martín (CM) 0-0,PR**
KBO:
No action on the day
CPBL:
No Cuban action on the day