S P O R T S

Havana.  October 24, 2013

THE first games of Cuba’s 53rd National Baseball Series will be played November 3, including a much-anticipated duel in Santa Clara, according to the National Baseball Federation.
The official first pitch is scheduled for the Augusto César Sandino Stadium where reigning champions Villa Clara will face off against last year’s runner-up Matanzas. Unlike other seasons, the start of the season will take place simultaneously in seven other stadiums.
Other match-ups for the November 3-5 sub-series include Isla de la Juventud vs Pinar del Río, in the Capitán San Luis; Las Tunas-Artemisa, in the 26 de Julio stadium; and Cienfuegos-Mayabeque, in the Nelson Fernández.
Additionally, Havana’s Industriales meet Santiago de Cuba in the Guillermón Moncada; Sancti Spíritus-Guantánamo, in the Nguyen Van Troi; Ciego de Ávila will host Holguín in the José Ramón Cepero; and Granma and Camagüey will face-off in the Cándido González.
The game between Granma and Camagüey is of special interest to the home team, since it coincides with celebrations commemorating the 500th anniversary of Bayamo, founded November 5, 1513. Baseball will be part of the extensive festivities.
During the 2013-2014 National Series, teams from Pinar del Río, Mayabeque, Isla de la Juventud, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey and Guantánamo with play eight sub-series (24 games) in their home stadiums, while the remaining teams have seven home sub-series (21 encounters).