By Pavhel Rochin

The Lecani Astros took the lead in the semifinals of the JAPAC League's 50th Anniversary season, after beating JAPAC 4-2 in the first game of the series. The victory was backed by an outstanding performance from Marco Camarena, who worked seven full innings without allowing a run, surrendered only four hits, and struck out nine. Everardo Montoya Jr. allowed the two runs in the eighth inning, while Luis Alfonso Leyva closed the game with two scoreless innings and two strikeouts. Bruce Barrueta took the loss.

The Astros' offense began building the win from the second inning with a run-scoring single by Gaudencio Hinojosa, while in the third inning, Alonso Morales reached home plate thanks to an error by the center fielder. In the fourth inning, Chuyín Cardona hit the single that drove in the remaining runs for the Astros. JAPAC reacted in the eighth inning with their only two runs, both produced by a single from Alan Osuna, although the comeback attempt fell short against the strong work of the opposing pitching.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers showed explosive offense by defeating STRIKEOUT-GZ Contadores 16-6, also putting themselves one win away from advancing to the grand final. The white and blue squad connected for 19 hits and also took advantage of three defensive errors to score runs practically throughout the entire game. Among the most outstanding hitters were Eleazar Avilés, 5-3 with two RBIs; Yahir Yerena, 5-2, with a double and three RBIs; Adolfo España, 6-3 with a home run; Fidel Alba, 2-2 with a home run and four runs scored; and Jonathan Villalobos, 4-2 with a double and two RBIs. Priscy Ramos earned the win after pitching 5.1 innings, while Daniel Higuera was the loser.