Juncos, Yabucoa even their respective Double-A semifinals series

The Azucareros of Yabucoa scored two runs in the third inning and three in the fifth to defeat the Gigantes of Carolina 5-2 on Saturday and even their Superior Double-A Baseball League “Final Four” semifinal series at a game apiece. (Aldwin Santiago)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Mulos of Juncos and the Azucareros of Yabucoa notched victories on Saturday to even their respective Superior Double-A Baseball League “Final Four” semifinal series at a game apiece.

Mulos star left-hander Luis Cintrón pitched a complete game, allowing just one hit and shutting out the Pescadores del Plata of Comerío 1-0 at Mariano “Niní” Meaux Stadium in Juncos.

Cintrón recorded eight strikeouts and two walks, throwing 67 of 111 total pitches for strikes in a dominant performance. The only hit he allowed was a single by Kevin Bermúdez in the fourth inning.

The result snapped a five-game winning streak for the Pescadores del Plata.

The game’s only run came in the sixth inning. With two outs, Brahiam Maldonado and Jean Ortiz hit back-to-back singles, setting the stage for Jan Rivera’s run-scoring hit that would prove to be all the Mulos needed.

The loss went to Comerío southpaw ace Luis Leroy Cruz, who allowed seven hits and struck out seven batters over six innings.

Meanwhile, the Azucareros scored two runs in the third inning and three in the fifth to defeat the host Gigantes of Carolina 5-2 at Roberto Clemente Walker Stadium.

Carolina saw a four-game winning streak come to an end.

With the Gigantes leading 1-0 in the third inning, Luis Pintor tied the game with an RBI single, and Juan Silva drove in Jan Hernández for the go-ahead run.

Pintor led Yabucoa’s offense, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored. Reliever Michael Vega earned the win after pitching 1.2 innings. Vega replaced left-hander Noel Pinto, who pitched the first four innings and received a no-decision.

Carolina ace right-hander Héctor “Heto” Acevedo took the loss, allowing five runs -- one unearned -- over four innings.

Series play resumes Friday at 8 p.m. with Juncos at Comerío and Carolina at Yabucoa (at Néstor Morales Stadium in Humacao).

In Friday’s series openers, Comerío beat Juncos 10-2 and Carolina topped Yabucoa 7-3.