Penalver powers Panthers to win over Toronto
KITCHENER - Yosvani Penalver only had one hit on the night, but it provided the momentum swing the Kitchener Panthers needed.
Down 2-0, he hit a three-run home run in the third inning and Kitchener never looked back in a 7-5 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday night at Jack Couch Park.
The Panthers scored three more in the fourth, two of which came off the bat of Malik Williams. His two-run single extended the lead, while Williams reached a milestone with his 100th career RBI.
Jorge Minyety got the win, striking out three in six innings of work. He gave up two runs on four hits, including a first inning solo homer from Yasiel Puig.
Jacob Liberta gave up three runs (two earned in the ninth), and Toronto did get the tying run to the plate, but the lefty reliever wrapped things up.
Kitchener improves to 14-26 on the season, while Toronto dropped to 12-24.
The Panthers hit the road to Welland on Saturday, before playing four of their next five at home. The next home game is Sunday at 2:05 p.m. against Barrie.
Kitchener will sport special jerseys on Sunday, commemorating Orange Shirt Day to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW and #PackTheJack!