The final hour of Cuba’s 54th National Series has arrived and playing today are those who performed the best over the season which began last September 21.
Ciego de Ávila and the Isle of Youth won the honor, never wavering in decisive moments, stepping up to the plate when the game required their best performances.
True enough, few predicted that the Isle of Youth would come this far, but that was based not so much on their ability, but rather on the strength of their opponents. To their credit, the Pirates proved they could rise to the occasion when facing powerful teams, playing their own game, within their own possibilities, as captain Michel Enríquez and manager José Luis Rodríguez Pantoja have said, respecting their opponents to better understand their weak spots.
Ciego de Ávila’s Tigers are today, based on their performance during the second half of the series, the favorite. Beyond their powerful pitching, defense and offense, the group knows how to function as a team, like a well oiled machine – a recognized strength of the Pirates, as well.
If there is any question about their odds, given the proven quality of their technical and tactical ability, it is the fact that the Pirates have shown they know how to make the most of what they have: play serenely, make every pitch count, keep the game tight, and go into the final innings with Cuba’s best closing pitchers.
Ciego has the strength of a giant and the wisdom of an experienced manager. The islanders have the wit and resourcefulness of the little guy. Who will win? The team which can play best under pressure, with the most determination.
