Raidel Martínez consolidated his lead in saves in the Central League of Japan’s Professional Baseball League by preserving his team’s lead in the Yomiuri Giants’ 4-3 victory over the DeNA BayStars at Yokohama Stadium. He now moves 10 saves away from his career high for a season.
The right-hander allowed one hit, but allowed no runs, and struck out two. This is another excellent season for the Pinar del Río native, and it appears he will achieve his goal of reaching the postseason with the most iconic team in Japanese baseball.
He threw a total of 14 pitches, nine of which fell in the strike zone. After striking out the first two batters he faced, he was tagged for a single, but then closed the game by forcing Dominican Miguel Sanó to hit a harmless popup to the third baseman. With this save, he reached 33 for the season, adding his lead in this category in the Central Circuit.
Cuban action on the day:
NPB:
Raidel Martínez (YOM): 1.0IP,H,0ER,2K (1.49)
Ariel Martínez (NH): 4-2 (.222)
Dayán Viciedo (DB): 3-1 (.238)
Christian Rodríguez (CD) 0-0,DR (.235)**
KBO:
Rubén Cárdenas (KH): 3-0 (.245)*
CPBL:
No Cuban action on the day
*Cuban-American
** Minor Leagues