The Villa Clara Leopards baseball team, competing in the 64th National Baseball Series, was warmly embraced by a massive crowd at Santa Clara's Parque Vidal after clinching a postseason berth.
The state-run agency Prensa Latina reported, "After circling the central park, the athletes were greeted with exuberant hugs from the joyful public."
Following this heartfelt welcome, coach Ramón Moré addressed the gathered fans.
Villa Clara secured their spot by defeating Ciego de Ávila 2-0, capturing the eighth and final playoff berth.
Amidst a streak of nine consecutive victories, their qualification sparked controversy as Villa Clara's matches were scheduled against teams that were either already qualified or out of the running, according to Swing Completo.
The deep crisis in Cuba has cast a shadow over the National Series, plagued by power outages, game suspensions due to illness, and violent incidents.
In the quarterfinals, Villa Clara will face Las Tunas in a best-of-seven series.
Frequently Asked Questions About Villa Clara's Playoff Journey
How did Villa Clara secure their playoff spot?
Villa Clara secured their playoff spot by defeating Ciego de Ávila with a score of 2-0, earning the eighth and final berth in the playoffs.
What challenges has the National Baseball Series faced in Cuba?
The National Baseball Series in Cuba has faced numerous challenges, including power outages, game suspensions due to illness, and incidents of violence.