Raidel Martínez earned his 15th save of the season on Wednesday after striking out two of three batters he faced in one inning of relief during the Yomiuri Giants’ 5-4 win over the Hanshin Tigers at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya. The right-hander from Pinar del Río, Cuba earned his third save in as many outings.
Martínez yet to allow a run on the season in 18⅔ innings pitched on the campaign and is also second in the Central League in saves. Over his eight seasons in the Nippon League the flamethrowing hurler has now saved 180 games. The Cuban has been the most dominant reliever in the Japanese circuit over that span.
During the offseason Martínez signed a 5-year, 32 Million dollar deal with the Yomiuri Giants making him the highest paid player in NPB after seven seasons with the Chunichi Dragons. Expect Cuba to feature the pitcher in the upcoming World Baseball Classic next year.
Cuban action on the day:
Raidel Martínez (YOM): 1.0IP,0H,0ER,2K (0.00)
KBO:
Rubén Cárdenas (KH) 4-2,2B (.238)
CPBL:
No Cuban action on the day.