Panthers Pick up 2nd Win of the Week vs Jackfish
The Kitchener Panthers welcomed the Welland Jackfish to town on Sunday afternoon for the 2nd close fought battle of the week. The Panthers came out victorious on both occasions thanks to clutch hits and solid pitching.
In the 1st meeting between the two teams, the Panthers secured a 3-2 victory with Cuban import players, Yamichel Perez and Yunior Ibarra, playing significant roles. Perez delivered a gem of a start, allowing only 2 runs through 8 innings of work while striking out 7. His mental toughness was on display as he was able to bounce back from a rocky 1st inning, which included a lead off home run, to quiet the Jackfish bats and only allow 5 hits and 1 run over his last 7 innings of work.
Catcher, Yunior Ibarra, not only turned in an impressive day behind the plate, he also had the biggest swing of the game as he sent an 0-1 slider over the left field wall in the top of the 9th to give the Panthers a 3-2 lead. The home run was Ibarra’s 2nd hit of the day.
Brady Schnarr recorded the save as he threw a scoreless 9th inning which ended on an outfield assist by Jett Jarvis. With 1 out and a runner on 3rd, Jarvis caught a flyball in right field before throwing a dart to Ibarra at the plate to gun down the tagging baserunner to end the game.
Sunday’s matchup was another back and forth contest which ended with the Panthers recording an 8-6 win.
Jose Vasquez delivered a strong start on the mound, tossing 6 innings with 5 strikeouts and 3 runs allowed and left the game with a 6-3 lead.
In the top of the 7th inning, Welland 3rd baseman, Steve Moretto, hit a 3 run home run to even up the contest. The tie didn’t last long as Blake Jacklin knocked home a pair of runs with a double to put the Panthers ahead by 2.
Jordan Bahnuk was brought in to record a 6 out save as he pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th innings.
Staying true to a winning formula, the Panthers once again recorded the final out on a standout defensive play. Second baseman, Nick Parsons, sealed the victory with a diving play up the middle before glove flipping the ball to Raul Gonzalez at 2nd base to get the force out.
Offensively, Blake Jacklin led the way with a 4 for 5 game including 2 doubles, a stolen base and 2 RBI. Liam Wilson also had a big day, going 3 for 4 with a triple, RBI and walk while Yunior Ibarra continued his hot streak at the plate with a pair of hits and 3 RBI in the contest.
Andy Leader also had a pair of hits, including his 6th home run of the season while Marcel Lacasse reached base 4 times thanks to a pair of hits and walks
Looking Ahead
The Panthers are back in action at home this Thursday as the Toronto Maple Leafs come to town.