SPAIN – Marlins Puerto Cruz extended its winning streak to 18 games with a two-game sweep over Viladecans last weekend in the Spanish League. F.C Barcelona and Sant Boi split a pair of games and occupy the second and third spots, respectively.

The Marlins (18-0) broke a 2-2 deadlock in the opening game with three scores in the final inning – highlighted by a two-run triple by Daniel Sanchez – to capture a nailbiting 5-2 victory.

Leslie Nacar (8-0) went the distance while racking up nine strikeouts for the Tenerife-based powerhouse.

In the second match, Viladecans plated four runs in the third on a three-run triple by Oscar Angulo to grab an early 4-0 lead. But the reigning title-holders scored eight unanswered runs the rest of the game to remain unbeaten on the season with an 8-4 win.

Ivan Granados (7-0) registered 11 strikeouts while Viladecans reliever Marc Jodar (2-2) was dealt the setback.

SANT BOI AND F.C. BARCELONA BATTLE TO A DRAW
In a matchup featuring two of the Spanish League top contenders, Sant Boi beat F.C Barcelona 7-3 Saturday. William Domero belted a three-run shot in a fou-run third and Oscar Alvarez (6-3) went the distance to earn the win.

Barcelona rebounded on Sunday with an 8-3 win as Pedro Belmonte (6-0) continued his winning ways on the mound. Albert Diaz led the 15-hit attack with four hits while Jesus Golindano had a pair of RBIs.

In other league action, Pamplona rolled past the Valencia Astros twice (16-6 and 10-3), while San Inazio moved into fourth place with a sweep over El Llano, 7-3 and 7-2.

HONOR ROLL

Carlos Del Burgo, Pamplona
Went 3-fo-4 with four RBIs in a 16-6 rout against Valencia.

Alexis Fumero, Pamplona
3-for-5 with a home run and five RBIs in 10-3 win over the Astros.

Alberto Magallon, San Inazio
Allowed two runs and three hits over seven innings in 7-2 win against El Llano.

Leslie Nacar, Marlins Puerto Cruz
Gave up two runs and fanned nine in a complete-game 5-2 win against Viladecans.

Daniel Martinez, Marlins Puerto Cruz
Reached base five times in an 8-4 victory over Viladecans.

Juan Salazar, F.C. Barcelona
Was 3-for-4 with two RBIs in a 7-3 loss to Sant Boi.

Oscar Alvarez, Sant Boi
Allowed three runs and struck out seven in a 7-3 win over F.C. Barcelona.

William Domero, Sant Boi
Smacked a three-run homer in a 7-3 win against F.C. Barcelona.

Albert Diaz, F.C. Barcelona
Went 4-fo-4 with an RBI in an 8-3 victory over Sant Boi.

Pedro Belmonte, F.C. Barcelona
Surrendered three runs in a complete-game effort to beat Sant Boi, 8-3.

PITCHING LEADERS
0.93 – Victor Martinez, Navarra
0.98 – Homer Baez, F.C. Barcelona
1.00 – Pedro Belmonte, F.C. Barcelona
1.02 – Marc Jodar, Viladecans
1.24 – Ivan Granados, Marlins
1.50 – Oscar Alvarez, Sant Boi
1.50 – Ronny Malave, Halcones
1.54 – Ruben Fente, El Llano
1.62 – Leslie Nacar, Marlins

HITTING LEADERS
.456 – Richard Montiel, Marlins
.446 – Oscar Angulo, Viladecans
.426 – Felix Isasi, F.C. Barcelona
.421 – Alexis Fumero, Pamplona
.385 – Jose L. Riera, Sant Boi
.382 – Dirimo Chavez, San Inazio
.382 – Marc Carrillo, Sant Boi
.368 – Victor Lopez, Marlins
.367 – Nestor Perez, Marlins

STANDINGS

Photo courtesy of Diego Lazaro

Tags: Spain