Panthers end home schedule with win over Majors
KITCHENER – A fantastic finale for the Kitchener Panthers.
Kitchener finished off the home portion of its 2026 campaign with a 7-3 win over league-leading London Thursday night.
The Panthers scored six runs in the first two innings, including two homers from Malik Williams and a solo jack from Mateo Zeppieri.
For Zeppieri, it continued a hot month of August, where he has eight home runs, second only to Yasiel Puig's nine.
Zane Skansi also drove in a pair of runs on a rare Jack Couch Park triple.
Jorge Minyety delivered one of his better performances of the season, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits in six innings of work to collect his third win of the year.
Owen MacNeil collected his first career CBL save, striking out five batters and gave up just two hits in the final three innings of play.
For the visitors, Majors shortstop Maikol Escotto tied the league's single-season record with his 81st hit of the year.
The Panthers will take to the road to face the Toronto Maple Leafs for a doubleheader at Christie Pits on Friday night at 5 p.m., and will conclude their 2026 season in Brantford on Saturday at 2 p.m.
The final home game meant it was fan and volunteer appreciation night.
Kitchener Rangers defenceman, 2026 Memorial Cup champion and Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick Alexander Bilecki delivered the ceremonial first pitch.
When asked about the team’s focus going into 2027, general manager and interim field manager Shanif Hirani mentioned pre-game, “we’re going to put a winning product out there.”
On behalf of the Kitchener Panthers, we thank you for tuning in all season long and we look forward to #PacktheJack again in 2027!