Panthers spoil Hamilton opener, get first win of 2026 season
HAMILTON - Zane Skansi drove in three runs, and Yosuke Fujie brought home two more as the Kitchener Panthers took down Hamilton 7-4 Friday night.
It's Kitchener's first win of the year, and brings their record to 1-1.
Hamilton looked like they were in cruise control to start. They took the 2-0 lead, and Owen Boon had yet to surrender a hit through three innings.
But the Panthers got to last year's MVP in the fourth, courtesy a two-out two-run double from Skansi to tie the game.
Kitchener continued to get it done offensively.
Mateo Zeppieri walked three times, and stole three bases on the night. Josh Williams went two-for-four and drove in a run.
Evan Elliott went four innings in his first start of the year, giving up two runs on four hits.
Hamilton got as close as getting the go-ahead run to the plate in the eighth, as Elian Serrata struggled with command and walked three batters and clunked one with the bases juiced.
But they got out of it, and Bawin Colon earned his first CBL save, striking out two batters in the ninth to seal it.
Kitchener pitching surrendered just five hits on the night.
The Panthers host Chatham-Kent for the home opener Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
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