Panthers Improve to 17 and 10 After 4 Win Week

In a busy week which saw the Panthers’ depth get heavily tested, the team stepped up admirably from top to bottom to pick up four meaningful wins and advance to seven games above .500 on the season.

Game 1

The Panthers hosted the Hamilton Cardinals on Thursday at Jack Couch park with both teams holding identical records of 13 and 10 on the season and sitting in a tie for 3rd place.

After trailing 8-2 in the 2nd inning, the Panthers bullpen shut the door and the offence exploded for 12 unanswered runs throughout the contest to snatch back the victory, 14 to 11.

Raul Gonzalez, Liam Wilson and Elliot Curtis all had home runs and 3 RBI in the contest. Marcel Lacasse also had a home run and 2 RBI while Jacklin had 3 hits and scored 4 runs. 

In total, the Panthers called upon five relievers who all did a fantastic job at keeping the Hamilton bats quiet while the Panthers chipped away at, and eventually overcame, the early Hamilton lead. David Bruinsma tossed 2 scoreless innings with 3 K’s, Brett Reid tossed 1 scoreless, Daniel Marquez picked up the win in 1.2 innings of work, Liam Devine struck out all 4 batters he faced and Brady Schnarr didn’t allow an earned run as the bullpen delivered a very strong group performance.

Game 2

The Panthers visited the Guelph Royals at Hastings Stadium on Saturday night in what ended up being a shortened contest as rain made the field unplayable after 6 innings with the Panthers holding a 3-1 lead. With over 5 innings having already been played, the game was ruled to be a complete contest and the Panthers were awarded with the victory.

Jacob Douglas delivered another strong outing to pick up the win on the mound, throwing 6 innings and allowing only 1 run and 5 hits. Keegan Marsden led the offence with 2 hits, 2 RBI and a walk. Marcel Lacasse also hit his fifth home run of the season and drew a walk.

In a game that featured a low amount of offence, it was the Panthers’ defensive game which shined with catcher Yunior Ibarra, first baseman Keegan Marsden and outfielder Humberto Ruiz all making big plays to keep the Royals off the board.

Game 3

In another game that featured a rain delay, this time only temporarily, the Panthers hosted the Brantford Red Sox to Kitchener on Sunday evening and picked up a 6-4 win.

Jose Vasquez looked strong, throwing 4 scoreless innings in his return to the mound before being shut down due to rain delay. Brett Reid picked up the win throwing 1.1 innings without allowing a base runner and Jordan Bahnuk picked up the save tossing 2 scoreless innings to close things out.

Offensively, Raul Gonzalez led the way going 3 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBI. Nick Parsons also had 2 RBI and Yunior Ibarra picked up 2 hits.

Game 4

Playing their 3rd game in as many days, the Panthers welcomed longtime rivals, Barrie Baycats, to Jack Couch Park. With both teams jostling for playoff seeding, the Panthers were able to come out on top by a score of 4-2.

Christian Hauck delivered yet another strong start as he improved to 5 and 0 on the season, throwing 6 innings of 1 run ball. Brady Schnarr picked up his 1st save of the season as he threw a scoreless 9th inning and struck out 2 batters.

Offensively, Andy Leader and Tyler Hinrikus hit solo home runs while Nick Parsons and Keegan Marsden had 2 hit games.

Jett Jarvis also had a hit and delivered the play of the game with an incredible diving catch in right field to rob Barrie of an extra base hit.

Looking Ahead

The Panthers are back in action Thursday as they visit the 1st place Welland Jackfish in Welland. The Panthers have gone 2 and 2 so far this season vs the Jackfish.

Saturday sees the Panthers travel to Barrie to take on the Baycats again before hosting the London Majors at home at Jack Couch Park on Sunday evening.