Panthers victorious in run parade with Red Sox
KITCHENER – On Bark at the Park night at Jack Couch Park, both the Panthers and the Brantford Red Sox showed some bite in scoring a CBL-high 37 runs scored.
But in the end, it was Kitchener scoring 23 runs - their highest single-game output in nine seasons - and dispatched the Sox 23-14 to snap a six-game losing skid.
The preparation played a big factor, according to Panthers manager Pete Kiefer, who said the team put in some great practices since their 7-6 defeat in Guelph on Saturday.
“We had a harder workday on Tuesday, and a lighter day yesterday," he said before the game. "A few of the guys even had showed up earlier this morning to put some extra work in."
That work paid off with six home runs, and a nine-run fourth inning, an inning where they sent 14 batters to the plate.
Malik Williams went four-for-four with two home runs and seven RBI to lead the way.
His first came in the first inning, his third of the season, a two-run shot to open the scoring.
Zane Skansi hit his first career CBL home run in the home half of the second. And they weren't done. Petey Kiefer hit a solo shot onto Ottawa Street to give the Panthers a 4-0 lead early.
Kitchener poured it on with three more runs in the third and ballooned the lead to 16-0 after four innings.
Evan Elliott tied a season-high with six innings of work in the win. He gave up two runs on five hits, striking out three and walking one.
Raffi Gross and Yosvani Penalver also had home runs for Kitchener.
Brantford didn't go away quietly though.
Chris Ortega had a two home run game for the Sox, and Lucas Bateman had his first career home run.
The visitors scored eight runs off Brett Reid in the ninth inning in a game that lasted three hours and 38 minutes.
But in the end, Jake Liberta came in and struck out three to finish it off and improve Kitchener's record to 6-9 on the season. Brantford dropped to 3-8.
With a matchup with the Majors in London Friday night, the Panthers will be back in action at Jack Couch Park on Sunday, June 21 against the Barrie Baycats for a Father’s Day matinee. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.
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