Yanieski Duardo, first pitcher from Sancti Spíritus to record one hundred saves in the National Series

It took Yanieski Duardo just a few hours to go from his 99th to his 100th save—a milestone that makes him the first pitcher from Sancti Spíritus to reach that number of saves in the National Series.

Tell us how you managed to set this record in such a short time; players often feel pressured when a record is within reach. Didn’t you feel that way?

No, no, no. I simply went out there to pitch another game.

I approached it just like any other game in my career. As the saying goes, pressure is what ruins your performance when it comes time to decide the outcome of the match.

How do you handle the pressure in a game like this, where the tying run was on third base?

The first thing a pitcher needs on the mound is concentration—putting the past behind you and focusing on the batter coming up next.

How do you achieve that kind of concentration?

Well, that comes with years of experience, because you have to—at least in my case—come into the game when it’s close and preserve the lead.

Did you decide on your own to become a premier closer right from the time you recorded your first save?

Yes, ever since I started playing here—in our league, the National Series—I’ve always been a closer; right from the moment I got here and recorded that first save.

Everything I’ve done since then has been about the game. When you get that save—usually in high-pressure situations…

How do you feel when you get that final out?

For me, it’s a success, because the team succeeds thanks to me.

Did you have a choice, or did you decide on your own not to pitch to Samón for the final out?

Yes, exactly. That’s what I’ve always said: take it batter by batter. Because if you walk a lefty—like in this situation—and then Samón comes up, one mistake on a pitch can cost you the game.

You’re happy, but what else are you feeling?

Happy—and what can I say? It’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever experienced in my life; aside from the birth of my son, reaching 100 saves in my career is a huge milestone.