Cuban Raidel Martínez reaches 16 saved games in Japanese baseball

September 9, 2021

At Mazda Stadium in Hiroshima, Cuban Raidel Martínez earned his sixteenth save of the season, allowing no hits or runs in a relief inning in the 4-1 victory of the Chunichi Dragons over the Hiroshima Carp.

The tall right-hander, who has accumulated five saves in his last seven outings, lowered his ERA to 2.10 and moved up to fifth place in saves in the Central League of Japan's Professional Baseball League.

His teammate and fellow Cuban Dayán Viciedo went 1-0 with two walks and a hit by pitch, leaving his average at .292. Also Cuban Ariel Martínez struck out in a pinch-hit appearance to lower his average to .255.

Meanwhile, at MetLife Dome in Tokorozawa, Cuban Alfredo Despaigne went 2-0 with a walk in the 9-0 victory of the SoftBank Hawks over the Seibu Lions. His average dropped to .219.

Finally, at Hotto Motto Field in Kobe, Cuban Leonys Martín tied for the lead in home runs in the Pacific League, connecting for his twenty-fifth. This occurred in the 4-1 victory of his Lotte Marines over the Orix Buffaloes.

The outfielder from Villa Clara improved his average to .254 and his total RBIs to 69, a figure that allows him to tie for second place in this category in the league.

His teammate Adeiny Hechavarría saw action only on defense, so his average remained at .204.

In the Pacific League, Lotte Marines (49-40-15) lead over Orix Buffaloes (51-42-14) and Rakuten Eagles (49-45-13). The Hawks follow with 46-45-17, four games behind the top.

In the Central League, Hanshin Tigers (59-43-4) lead, followed by Yomiuri Giants (52-41-14) and Yakult Swallows (49-40-12). Chunichi is fourth (41-52-14) 13.5 games away from first place.

In each league, the occupants of the first three places will advance to the postseason (October-November). The leaders will only dispute the second round, which will offer tickets to the Japan Series.