Panthers Riding 5 Game Winning Streak, Busy Week Ahead
The Kitchener Panthers, winners of their last 5 games, are entering into a busy stretch of the season as there are 4 games scheduled over the next 5 days, including a home and home series against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday and Thursday.
In last weeks action, the Panthers went a perfect 3 and 0 while recording wins against Welland, Brantford and Barrie.
The story of the week, once again, was the Panthers offence exploding for runs in bunches as they recorded double digits in all three victories for a total of 42 runs scored. Several Panthers put up impressive weeks, but it was Elliot Curtis who led the way with 9 hits, a .561 average, 4 extra base hits, 5 runs scored and 7 RBI. Elliot’s offensive explosion was enough to earn recognition as the IBL player of the week.
After recording a gutsy come from behind 10-5 win on the road in Welland on Thursday, the Panthers visited Brantford for a Canada Day matchup. The Panther bats provided the fireworks, tallying 18 runs in the decisive victory. Elliot Curtis led the way with 4 hits, including 3 doubles and 5 RBI while Liam Wilson also had a 4 hit day with an RBI, walk and 4 runs scored.
Tyler Hinrikus, Keegan Marsden, and Humberto Ruiz also had multi hit efforts and Marcel Lacasse launched a home run in the victory.
The third game of the week was on the road in Barrie on Sunday as the Panthers ended the Baycats’ 9 game winning streak with a 14-2 win. Jacob Douglas tossed a gem for his 2nd win of the season, allowing only 2 runs in 6.1 innings of work.
Offensively, former Baycat, Marcel Lacasse led the way with 3 hits and 4 RBI including a home run. Raul Gonzalez also had 3 hits including a home run and 4 RBI. He is currently leading the league with 34 RBI.
Liam Wilson also picked up a double and his 8th home run of the season which has him tied for the league lead.
Stephen Whalen and Elliot Curtis both had 3 hit games as well as the Panthers pounded out an eye popping 21 hits on the afternoon.
Looking Ahead
The Panthers start the week on the road at Toronto on Wednesday before welcoming Toronto to Kitchener on Thursday evening at 7:30. The Panthers will then head back out on the road for a Friday evening contest at London before finishing the week off by hosting the Welland Jackfish at home on Sunday at 5:15 PM.