Cuban right-handed pitcher Pavel Hernández spoke with World Baseball Network after earning his 300th career strikeout in the Serie Nacional de Béisbol en Cuba.
Hernández is in his eighth season with the Industriales de La Habana and he talked to World Baseball Network about his progress this season and his future outlook in baseball.
Hernández, 28, recorded his 300th career strikeout on April 4 against the Tigres de Ciego de Ávila. Hernández has had a strong season and World Baseball Network asked him about the improvements he’s seen in himself as a pitcher compared to previous seasons. This year, Hernández leads the Cuban National Series with 39 strikeouts.
“I feel like I’m in a good place mentally and physically and that I am fully at peace. I was able to build on what I did playing in Nicaragua last winter,” Hernández told World Baseball Network. “I also have a great support system with my friends and my family”
Moreover, Hernández pitched for Gigantes de Rivas this past winter in Liga de Baseball Profesional Nacional. He struck out 10 batters in 11 innings with an ERA of 4.50 for Gigantes de Rivas.
In his most recent start for Industriales de La Habana, he had another strong performance pitching seven innings whil allowing zero earned runs against the Alazanes de Granma on April 16. He also struck out four batters in the process.
“‘The future is always uncertain, but my goal, whether in Cuba or a professional league, will always be to grow and develop, to improve my level of play in every aspect and to be able to reach a higher level to compete with the best players.” Hernández said
Additionally, Hernández could have possible opportunities in Asia in the KBO, NBP or CPBL down the line if he continues to pitch well.
“I think baseball is also about a lot of experiences off the field that entails learning and observing,” Hernández said. “This is even more important in these times with so much information being available for everyone to access through social media.”
Hernández has 102 strikeouts in 147 innings in the Cuban Elite League. He hopes to help Industriales make the Cuban National Series postseason, which is reserved for the six teams with the best record at the conclusion of the regular season.
WBN Cuba: https://worldbaseball.com/league/cuba/
Photo: Fans hold a Cuban flag while watching a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, May 30, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
