HAVANA.- (ACN) Camagüey became the fifth team with a ticket to the second phase of the Cuban baseball championship in its 56th edition when beating 6-4 Las Tunas, winning thus 2-1 the wild card series.

Shortstop Alexander Ayala led Camagüey´s offensive in the decisive game to the next round, with three doubles in four at-bats and two RBIs.

Starting pitcher Jose Ramon Rodriguez highlighted when allowing five hits and one earned run in six innings, including five strikeouts and three walks, although the win went to reliever Arbelio Quiroz, and save for Yormani Socarrás.

Alejandro Meneses took the loss by surrendering eight hits and five runs in six innings, while Andres Quiala and Rafael Viñales both hit solo homers for the losing side.

After losing away 2-0 the first match of the wild card series, Camagüey took advantage of their local status and won 5-4 the second game, to then ensure their presence in thenext phase thanks to yesterday´s win.

With this victory, the Bulls access the second stage of the national baseball classic for the first time, and join Matanzas, Ciego de Avila, Villa Clara and Granma, directly qualified by finishing in the top four seats of the standings.

In the fight for the remaining ticket to the elite round of Cuban baseball championship, Holguin took the lead after defeating away 5-4 Isla de la Juventud in the first match held last Monday at Cristobal Labra stadium.

Thus, Holguin got a major success as visitor in the initial game and today they will go for the decisive victory as host in the first of two matches agreed for Calixto Garcia Park.