HAMILTON OFFENSE EXPLODES AS MAPLE LEAFS DROP SECOND STRAIGHT

Written by: Noam Streiffer

The Maple Leafs dropped their second game in a row to the Hamilton Cardinals on Sunday at Christie Pits. It was a dominating 9-2 win for the Cardinals, as they jumped to 1-1 on the young season.

Yadian Martinez got the start for the Leafs and made it through five innings despite allowing five runs. He did crucial work to save the bullpen for the Leafs despite the disappointing performance.

On the Cardinals' side, it was Hector Yan who got the ball, and he cruised through five innings of shutout ball while striking out seven Leafs. Connor Cory and Luis Ramirez combined for the final four innings of work to seal the game for Hamilton.

It was a full team effort for the Cardinals on the offensive side of the ball. They scored runs in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 9th innings. Six of the nine Cardinals’ starters accounted for at least one RBI.

Toronto’s two runs both came off solo home runs. Dennis Dei Baning hit his third home run in as many games in the bottom of the 7th, and Matt Brandt teed off in the bottom of the 9th for his first of the season to bring the final score to 9-2.

Coming up: The Leafs head to Welland to take on the defending champion Jackfish. First pitch is set for Saturday, May 23 at 6:05 p.m.