Panthers Defeat Red Sox In Strong Team Performance
The Kitchener Panthers, coming off a rough stretch of games, delivered a complete team performance to get themselves back into the win column in a Monday night game versus the Brantford Red Sox.
The Panthers were in need of a solid start on the mound and that is exactly what they received from IBL veteran Christian Hauck who went six innings, giving up five hits, one run and striking out eight Red Sox batters for his third win of the season and the twenty first of his IBL career.
Nathan Laird also looked strong on the mound, making his eleventh relief appearance of the season, throwing a scoreless seventh inning and picking up two strikeouts.
Offensively, Kitchener scored early and often, kicked off by a first inning which saw the Panthers jump out to a three run lead only six pitches into the game. After Jett Jarvis worked a four pitch walk and Blake Jacklin laid down a beautiful bunt single, Liam Wilson deposited the first pitch of his at bat over the left field fence to put the Panthers up by three runs. The home run saw Wilson reach two milestones as he recorded his 100th RBI and 100th run scored of his IBL career on the play.
The Panthers would keep the pressure on offensively as they scored at least a run in each of the first six innings as they cruised to a 9-4 victory. Eric Martin had himself a big night at the plate going 4 for 5 with two home runs and two RBI. Blake Jacklin had a pair of hits and runs scored, Andy Leader had a hit and three RBI, Liam Wilson went 1 for 3 with a home run, three RBI and two hit by pitches and Jett Jarvis went 1 for 3 with a run, RBI, and two walks.
The Defence was equally as impressive as the Panthers were perfect in all fielding opportunities with the highlight of the night coming on a ninth inning Jeter-esque play deep in the hole by Shortstop Tyler Hinrikus to throw the runner out at first base.
Looking Ahead
The Panthers have three more games this week with two of them being played at home.
On Thursday July 14th, the Panthers will host the Hamilton Cardinals at Jack Couch Park for a 7:30 pm game, followed by an away game in London on Friday the 15th at 7:35 pm and finally a home game on Sunday July 17th at 5:00 PM vs the Brantford Red Sox.