Panthers on wrong end of blowout in London
LONDON - A lopsided fourth inning turned a close high-scoring game into a blowout.
The London Majors put seven on the board in the fourth and cruised to a 19-7 win over the Kitchener Panthers Friday night at Labatt Park.
Kitchener had a 7-5 lead headed into the home half of the fourth, buoyed by home runs from Yosuke Fujie, Mateo Zeppieri and Malik Williams, taking it to starter Victor Payano.
But Bawin Colon had a tough time finding the strike zone for Kitchener, giving up seven runs (six earned) on one hit, walked three and struck two batters.
He faced seven batters and didn't record an out.
Owen MacNeil surrendered five runs on six hits in the first three innings, before making way to Colon for the fourth.
Payano got through five, giving up seven runs (five earned) on seven hits, walking one and striking out five.
The Majors bullpen made the difference. While the Kitchener bullpen couldn't slow London down, the Majors' pen gave up one hit in the final four innings.
Zeppieri and Josh Williams each finished with two hits.
Malik Williams' home run was his only hit, but extended his hitting streak to nine games. He has hits in 12 of the 13 games he has played in this season.
Kitchener has been outscored 33-30 in the last two games.
The Panthers fall to 6-10 on the season. London improved to 11-4.
Kitchener is home to Barrie for Father's Day on Sunday at 2 p.m.
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