Panthers fall victim to the long ball in season opener

The Hamilton Cardinals dropped the hammer to spoil the Panthers season opener Thursday night winning 5-1  

Dennis Dei Baning homered twice and drove in three to lead the Cardinals. 

 Zach Marriott went deep in the ninth and had two RBI. Brendon Daley singled twice.

Yadian Martinez (0-1) took the loss, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits over seven innings. He walked one and struckout seven. 

Stephen Whalen drove in the lone Panthers’ run via a sacrifice fly in the ninth. Jett Jarvis and Jorden Carthy each had a pair of hits in the loss.

Japanese import Takaki Eguchi (1-0) picked up his first IBL the win on the mound, scattering three hits and walking one while striking out seven over six scoreless innings.

The Panthers are back in action Saturday night when they have the honor of travelling to Chatham Kent to play the Barnstomers in their inaugural IBL home opener.