Panthers grab two-game lead on Maple Leafs
TORONTO — The Kitchener Panthers have a chance to take a commanding lead in their Intercounty Baseball League semifinal series against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.
The Panthers won two games in one afternoon Sunday, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The first win was the resolution of Friday’s rain-suspended game, which was paused in the eighth inning with the Leafs leading 4-3. On Sunday, Mike Andrulis slapped a single to centre that scored Mike Glinka and Andy Leader.
Closer Miguel Lahera had a three-up, three-down ninth to seal the 5-4 Panthers victory.
In the second game, Noelvis Entenza and Mike Schnurr combined for a shutout performance, while the Panthers’ bats broke out for seven runs despite stranding 13 men on base. Entenza had another dominant playoff outing, allowing just two hits over seven innings.
Zach Johnson led the offence with a home run and an RBI single, while Colin Gordner had two hits and scored twice.
Brian Burton and Keegan Marsden also drove in runs.
The Leafs were hampered by 10 errors, which led to four unearned runs. Aaron Hornostaj and Marcus Knecht had Toronto’s two hits.
Justin Cicatello took the loss, giving up five runs on six hits with a walk in four innings.
Game 3 in the best-of-seven semifinal series is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Jack Couch Park in Kitchener.
In Friday’s rain-shortened game, Jonathan Solazzo drove in two runs for the Leafs, while Aaron Hornostaj added two hits and an RBI.
Mike Reeves went 2-for-4 with a run, Connor Lewis had a sacrifice fly and Justin Marra had up two hits.
Toronto’s Andrew Simonetti lasted seven innings on the mound, allowing three runs on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
Kitchener’s Jonder Martinez started and went five innings, giving up a run on four hits with a walk and five strikeouts.
Keegan Marsden’s two-run double in the first inning gave the Panthers an early lead. Tanner Nivins made it 3-0 an inning later after a fielder’s choice.
The Barrie Baycats, meanwhile, have taken a stranglehold in the other IBL semifinal series against Hamilton. They won 8-5 Sunday on the strength of a Branfy Infante grand slam, overcoming a three-run deficit. Barrie leads the series 3-0 and can advance to the final with a win Tuesday in Hamilton.