Panthers flush Royals in Canada Day showdown
KITCHENER – A nine-run fifth inning was key as the Kitchener Panthers stormed to a 14-7 victory over the Guelph Royals, on a humid Canada Day clash at Jack Couch Park.
It came on a scorching afternoon, weather patterns that flipped on its head throughout the game, going from a blazing 33 degrees at first pitch to strong wind gusts and stormy weather in the eighth.
With the Panthers down 2-0, Malik Williams sent the first pitch of the second inning over the wall in right field.
It was one of two home runs on the afternoon for Williams, who now sits at seven homers on the year, one behind the league leaders.
Zane Skansi and Yosuke Fujie also went yard for the Panthers in the win.
Those came back-to-back as part of a lengthy fifth inning, where the Panthers sent 12 batters to the plate.
Guelph's Miguel Hiraldo had a two home run day of his own, while Deivis Nadal also put one over the fence.
Evan Elliott would pick up the win on his longest outing of the season, going six innings and striking out three.
Malik finished three-for-four with two homers and drove in a game-high five runs.
“It was very nice to see the boys out there gelling everything together,” Williams said post-game. "The guys hit the ball really well today, and we capitalized.”
It is Kitchener's second win in three games, and Williams' mind is on continuing the momentum.
“We like our odds for sure. Last time out, it was a great game for us, so, we’re just trying to build off that,” he added.
The Panthers will play Brantford for its next three games, starting Friday in Kitchener and Saturday in Brantford.
First pitch on Friday night is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
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