Lawson hits three home runs in Panthers win

KITCHENER - Despite the game not meaning anything in the standings, the Kitchener Panthers and Welland Jackfish wrapped up the regular season with a barnburner at Jack Couch Park Sunday.

Trent Lawson hit three home runs and drove in six runs as part of Kitchener's 11-10 win over Welland.

Petey Kiefer also hit his first-career IBL home run, and finished a triple shy of the cycle.

The Panthers got on Jackfish starter Halen Knoll early and often, lighting him up for nine runs in the first three innings of play. Knoll took the loss, giving up 11 runs (10 earned) on 16 hits in four plus innings of work.

Welland didn't go away quietly, scoring six runs in the fourth inning to close the gap.

Evan Elliott gave up eight runs (six earned) on 10 hits in four innings, striking out five in the no decision.

Jake Liberta picked up his first IBL win, giving up a run on three hits in three innings of relief. Danny Garcia got the save, pitching the final two innings.

Kitchener didn't get a hit after Anthony Porcellato came on in relief of Knoll, but the pitching held up.

Kiefer and Yunior Ibarra both finished the game with three hits.

Before the game, a moment of silence was held after the passing of Panthers legend Bob McKillop.

The game also served as a playoff preview, with Kitchener and Welland meeting in the first round.

The two teams begin its best-of-five series on Thursday in Welland. Game 2 is in Kitchener Friday at 7:30 p.m.

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