Azucareros, Guayacanes advance to COLICEBA Carnival

In the COLICEBA East Division, the Azucareros of Yabucoa pounded out 15 hits en route to a 15-3 victory and a spot in the Carnival of Champions.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Azucareros of Yabucoa and the Guayacanes of Guayanilla secured their spots in the COLICEBA Carnival of Champions after winning their respective section semifinal series held Monday night as part of the 2025-26 postseason.

With the victories, both teams join the already qualified Bucaneros of Arroyo, Ganduleros of Villalba, Marlins of Ceiba, Guapos of Dorado and Jardineros of Aibonito.

In the East Division, the Azucareros unleashed a devastating 15-hit offense to defeat the Yunqueros of Río Grande 15-3. Michael Vega earned the win with four solid innings of relief without allowing a run, while Gerald Ceballos led the offense with three RBIs, three runs scored, a home run and a double.

Meanwhile, the Guayacanes secured their playoff berth in the West Division by edging the Maní of Mayagüez 2-1. Wilbert Rodríguez pitched six innings with six strikeouts to earn the win, and Jeremy Infante closed out the game for the save. Enrique Seda’s two RBIs in the second inning were enough to send Guayanilla to the Carnival.

In the Central Division, the Atléticos of Barranquitas forced a decisive third game by defeating the Tigres of Aguas Buenas, 4-2. Joel Huertas stood out in relief with 10 strikeouts in 5.1 innings, keeping the Atléticos’ hopes alive.

The final spot in the Carnival will be decided tonight at Pablo Marrero Stadium in Barranquitas, where the Atléticos and Tigres will face off at 7:30.