Panthers thrashed in Toronto

The Panthers head to Barrie Thursday night in a three-way tie for second place in the IBL standings

By: Mark Pare

Former Blue Jays draft pick Marcus Knecht had himself a night.

He went five-for-five with two home runs to lead the Maple Leafs to a 20-3 win over the Kitchener Panthers Wednesday night in Toronto.

It was part of a five home run night for the Maple Leafs, which has been the bread and butter for that team all season long.

They lead the IBL in that category with 43.  For comparison, Welland is second with 25.

The Leafs would take a 3-0 lead in the second inning, but Kitchener tied things up in the third with an RBI single from Andy Leader, followed by a double from Ryley Davenport that drove in two runs. 

But that was all Kitchener could muster up.

Adam Robertson got the start, and tagged with the loss for the Panthers.  He went three innings, surrendering four hits and five runs (three earned), walking four and striking out none.

With the loss, and Welland beating Brantford, three teams go into Thursday night action with equal 12-11 records, five games back of first place London.

Kitchener, Welland and Toronto are tied for second place, while Barrie is fifth with an 11-13 record.

The Panthers continue their road trip in Barrie tonight. Game starts at 7:30pm. In Welland on Saturday. Game starts at 1:05pm, and the Panthers return home to face the Welland Jackfish on Sunday, August 29th, 2:00pm start time at Jack Couch Park.