Leafs get blanked against the Jackfish

By Jeremy Margles

The Toronto Maple Leafs got shutout by a score of 10-0 in their first leg of a home-and-home against the Welland Jackfish.

The loss gives the Leafs a 1-5 record, while the Jackfish climb over the .500 mark, with a 3-2 record.

Wilgenis Alvarado started for the Maple Leafs, and had a rocky start, giving up eight runs (five earned) on 10 hits while walking one and striking out 1 over 2.1 innings.

Marek Deska entered in the third, and pitched the fourth, fifth and sixth innings too, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk, striking out three.

Adam Marra and Greg Carrington pitched the seventh and eighth innings respectively, shutting down the Jackfish. Each pitcher struck out a batter.

On the offensive side, the Leafs could only muster up four singles. Justin Marra had two, and Charlie Towers and Jordan Castaldo each had one. Greg Carrington and Dionysius Chialtas each drew a walk, the latter which was Chialtas’ first IBL plate appearance.

Ben Abram got the start for the Jackfish. Abram, who stands at 6 '8, threw a complete game shutout, giving up four hits and two walks while striking out 11.

The Jackfish scored early and often, with four runs in the first inning, and two in the second and third. Steven Moretto hit his second home run of the season and also hit two doubles, as he finished with a game high three RBIs. Ethan Hunt and Matteo Porcellato each hit their first triples of the season.

The Jackfish scored their 10 runs on 14 total hits, each their highest of the season, while the Leafs got shutout for the second time in the 2024 season.

The Maple Leafs look to rebound from this loss quickly, as they host the very same Welland Jackfish tomorrow, May 26 at Dominico Field at Christie Pits, at 2pm.