GAME 1: Panthers bats go cold in Welland

WELLAND - The Kitchener Panthers had a hard time solving Teodoro Ortega.

The Jackfish starter took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and Welland's offense took care of business in a 7-0 final Thursday night.

Yosuke Fujie broke up the no-no to lead off the seventh, one of three Panthers hits on the night.

Yunior Ibarra and Petey Kiefer had the other hits.

Ortega struck out eight in eight scoreless innings for the win.

Andy Vargas took the loss, giving up five runs on five hits in five innings of work. He walked three and struck out four.

Kitchener was hanging in there, with the game scoreless going into the fourth.

Welland broke it open with a three-run fourth, and they were off to the races.

Game 2 is Friday night at Jack Couch Park in Kitchener at 7:30 p.m.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW and #PackTheJack for IBL playoff baseball!