Panthers Clinch Sixth Seed With Win Over Maple Leafs

The Kitchener Panthers exploded for 17 hits and 15 runs in a 15-8 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday evening. With the win, the Panthers officially clinched the sixth seed in the upcoming playoffs. The Panthers will wait to see how the tightly contested pennant race between London, Welland and Guelph shakes out over the last weekend of regular season action to see who finishes in third place and will be Kitchener’s first round matchup.

Adam Robertson got the start on Thursday evening and turned in his best pitching performance of the season, picking up the win while throwing five scoreless innings and allowing only three hits. Dylan Jacober made his fifth start of the season for the Leafs and was tagged with the loss after allowing 10 runs on 10 hits through four innings pitched.

Offensively, every Panthers player picked up at least a hit, led by Andy Leader who went 2 for 4 with a home run and four RBI, Stephen Whalen who went 3 for 4 with two RBI and Robbie Gauthier who went 3 for 5 with a home run, double and three RBI.

Liam Wilson also went 2 for 4 with a walk, double and three runs scored and Keegan Marsden went 2 for 4 with an RBI, walk and three runs scored. Stephen Nahrabeki went 2 for 5 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Jett Jarvis achieved a career milestone, belting his first IBL home run on a no doubter to deep right field.

David Polson and Blake Jacklin both picked up a hit a piece as well.

Looking Ahead

The Panthers are back in action Friday the 19th as they travel to Hamilton to take on the Cardinals. Christian Hauck is slated to make his final start of the regular season.

The Panthers will return home on Sunday the 21st to play host to the Guelph Royals for a 2:00 PM game at Jack Couch Park. This is our “Kitchener Rangers Day” as several Rangers players will be in attendance to take batting practice, throw out ceremonial opening pitches and meet and greet/ sign autographs for the fans. There will also be a raffle with prizes including Rangers home opener tickets and Panthers Playoff tickets.

Tickets for the final home game of the regular season can be purchased here.

The IBL playoffs are scheduled to begin next week, with the Panthers’ opponent and game dates yet to be announced.