Azucareros book return to Double-A ‘Carnaval de Campeones’

The Azucareros of Yabucoa trounced the Leones of Patillas 12-1 on Monday night to win the Southeast Section section title and punch their ticket for a return trip to the Superior Double-A Baseball League “Carnaval de Campeones” after a one-year absence. (Gilmari Cruz)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Azucareros of Yabucoa defeated the Leones of Patillas 12-1 on Monday night, booking themselves a return trip to the Superior Double-A Baseball League “Carnaval de Campeones” (Tournament of Champions) after a one-year absence.

The lopsided victory at Néstor Morales Stadium in Humacao earned Yabucoa the Southeast Section final series crown and eliminated Patillas, last year’s tournament runner-up. 

A five-run outburst, highlighted by a grand slam from Jan Ávila in the top of the first inning, gave the Azucareros a lead they would not relinquish. Right-hander Arturo Martoral pitched five scoreless innings to earn the win.

Michael Vega, Luis Omar Dávila, Sergio Ortiz and Carlos Rodríguez pitched in relief without allowing a hit. Yabucoa’s first five runs came off starter Carlos Polanco, who managed to retire only one batter and took the loss for Patillas.

Ávila drove in four runs and scored two for the Azucareros. Jan Hernández drove in three runs, Luis Pintor hit a two-run homer, and Kevin Santa crossed home plate three times.

Yabucoa became the fifth team to qualify for the “Carnaval,” joining the Mulos of Juncos (East), Petateros of Sabana Grande (Southwest), Tigres of Hatillo (North) and Maratonistas of Coamo (South).