21 Run Offensive Explosion Leads to Victory Over Cardinals

The Kitchener Panthers scored early, often, and then some more in a 21-12 victory over the Hamilton Cardinals on Thursday Night. After falling behind 2-0 in the top half of the first inning, the Panthers stepped in ready to hit against former Barrie Baycats standout pitcher, Adrian Salcedo, launching three home runs, plating ten runs and chasing the starter from the game after only a third of an inning pitched.

Andy Leader kicked off the scoring with a two run double, plating Liam Wilson and Blake Jacklin. The Leader double was immediately followed by a two run shot by Eric Martin and a solo shot by Keegan Marsden. Later in the inning Jett Jarvis cleared the bases with a three RBI Triple followed by a Blake Jacklin no doubt home run to put the Panthers up 10-2 and end the day of Salcedo.

The Cardinals launched a comeback effort, tacking on four runs in the top of the second inning, cutting the lead to 10-6 but the Panthers bats exploded once again in the third inning plating seven more runs thanks to a two RBI single by Eric Martin, the second grand slam of the season by Stephen Whalen and a solo shot by Tyler Hinrikus.

The game settled down through the fourth and fifth innings with both teams putting up zeros on the board before Hamilton scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning and were denied more as Nathan Laird came in to pitch with two outs and the bases loaded and was able to induce a fly ball to work out of the jam and keep the score at 17-9.

The Panthers answered back in the bottom of the inning when Liam Wilson crushed a two run shot off the light pole in left field, extending the Panthers lead to 19-9.

The Cardinals chipped away with a pair in the top of the eighth inning but the Panthers restored their ten run lead on a RBI double by Wilson followed by an RBI single by Leader.

The game finished with a score of 21-12 with the panthers being led by the performances of Blake Jacklin (3 for 5 with 5 runs scored, 2 RBI, a home run and a double), Liam Wilson, (3 for 4 with 4 runs scored, 2 walks, a home run and a double), Eric Martin (2 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBI), Andy Leader (2 for 4 with a double, 3 RBI and 2 walks), Stephen Whalen ( 2 for 6 with a grand slam), Jett Jarvis had a triple and 3 RBI and Keegan Marsden and Tyler Hinrikus each had a solo blast.

Jacob Douglas (4-1) picked up the win, going 5 innings and giving up 6 runs while striking out 4. Nathan Laird had another strong performance out of the pen, going 2.1 innings, striking out 4 and allowing 1 earned run.

Looking Ahead

The Panthers head to London for a 7:35 contest at Labatt Memorial Park on Friday the 15th before hosting the Brantford Red Sox for a 5:00 PM home game on Sunday the 17th at Jack Couch Park.

This Sunday’s game is our THEMUSEUM Day at the Park promo game. Bring out the kids to enjoy the interactive displays THEMUSEUM will be putting on and meet and greet with their mascot, Maverick. Don’t miss out on Maverick’s big pitching performance as he will be throwing out the Ceremonial opening pitch!

Tickets can be purchased here.