Kiefer clutch for Kitchener in home opening win
KITCHENER - Petey Kiefer could not be stopped.
The second-year infielder hit two home runs and drove in five runs, leading the Kitchener Panthers to a 9-5 win over the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers Sunday at Jack Couch Park.
Kiefer hit a three-run jack as part of a six-run fourth inning, and a no doubter two-run shot in the eighth to give the home side some late insurance as the Barnstormers inched closer.
Owen MacNeil went four innings in his second start of the season. He gave up two runs on four hits and collected five strikeouts.
Ben Hewitt and Jake Liberta also saw their first action of 2026 on the bump.
Bawin Colon had some command issues in the ninth and had the tying run at the plate with two away, but was able to get a ground ball and closed it out.
Another highlight of the game came in the ninth, when Mateo Zeppieri took away a home run, robbing Austin Gurney at the left field fence.
Greyson Barrett and Yushin Ohta both hit dingers for the Barnstormers.
Kitchener improves to 2-1, while Chatham-Kent moves to 1-1.
Kitchener is home to London on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m.
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