Vargas fans 11 as Panthers get comeback win
KITCHENER - Despite being down 6-1 after two innings, the Kitchener Panthers didn't quit.
Andy Vargas struck out 11 batters in five innings of work, and the Panthers got five home runs to take a wild 11-10 win over Chatham-Kent at Jack Couch Park Sunday.
"It just shows you his resilience, about not quitting and giving up just because he got off to a rough start," Panthers field manager Pete Kiefer said of his starter.
"He battled back, and just gave us what we needed."
Yunior Ibarra, Arthur Kowara, AJ Karosas and Nick Parsons all went yard, before Yosvani Penalver hit a three-run home run in the eighth to give Kitchener the lead for good.
Every Panther in the starting lineup got a hit.
"(The offense), they could also have quit because it was tough," Kiefer said, alluding to dealing with the switch pitcher Mizuki Akatsuka.
The import went seven innings, giving up 11 hits and eight runs (six earned) for Chatham.
Danny Garcia got the win for Kitchener, while Sam McKinlay was saddled with the loss.
Yankiel Mauris collected his second save of the year, limiting the Barnstormers to two runs in the ninth.
Kitchener improves to 2-1, and hosts Brantford Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.
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