Today, Cuban pitcher Raidel Martinez reached 16 saves in the Yomiuri Giants’ 3×2 win in 11 innings over the Hanshin Tigers in the Japanese Professional Baseball League 2025.
With this performance, Martinez tied for the lead in the Central League’s saves department with Shinya Matsuyama, of the Chunichi Dragons.
In the game at the Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, the lanky right-hander from Pinar del Río was not as effective as on previous occasions. He allowed two hits in one inning of relief and gave up one ticket.
However, he also struck out one and cleared the danger by not allowing any runs. His effectiveness remained at 0.00 pcl.
So far, he has worked in 20 games, pitching 19.2 innings with only nine hits allowed, 16 strikeouts, and six walks.
In addition, he exhibits four hold points (enter the game and keep the lead). His excellent WHIP (0.76) speaks clearly of the dominance of the Giants’ closer.
Last season, as a member of the Chunichi Dragons staff, Martinez led the entire Japanese circuit with 43 saves.
