Raidel Martínez cemented himself in second place in saves in the Japanese Central League with 37 and preserving his team’s lead in the Yomiuri Giants’ victory over the Chunichi Dragons at Nagoya’s Vantelin Dome. He now moves five saves away from his career high for a single season.
Martínez pitched into the ninth inning with his team leading 5-4, the right-hander allowed one hit, but no runs and added a strikeout to preserve the win. This is another excellent season for the Pinar del Río native, Cuba and it appears he will achieve his goal of reaching the postseason with the most iconic team in Japanese baseball this year.
The hurler’s performance included 16 pitches, 10 of which were strikes. The first out came on a popup to the shortstop, before allowing the only hit against him. After a popup to left field came a walk, and with runners on first and second, he then fanned the next hitter to close out the inning thereby earn his 37th save of the season, his third-highest single season total.
Cuban action on the day:
NPB:
Raidel Martínez (YOM): 1.0IP,H,0ER,K,BB (1.36)
Dayán Viciedo (DB): 1-0 (.250)
Andy Martín (CL): 0-0,DR (.184)**
Randy Martínez (CD): 1.0IP,0H,0ER (4.91)**
KBO:
No Cuban action on the day.
CPBL:
No Cuban action on the day.