MAPLE LEAFS END 7-GAME LOSING SKID WITH WIN OVER THE LONDON MAJORS

Written by: Noam Streiffer

It had been a rough go of things for the Leafs heading into Sunday's game at Christie Pits. The Leafs hadn't won since Opening Day and sat at a league-worst 1-7, but after today's game, it was all smiles in the clubhouse as they defeated the London Majors 7-2.

Wilgenis Alvarado got the start for the Leafs after earning some trust in an effective relief appearance last week, and his stuff looked good as he went six innings and allowed just one run for a quality start.

"We talked about it before the game. I told him the boys need a win today, and he said, 'We're gonna win,'" Assistant Coach Brian Sewell commented postgame.

Alvarado had some very effective defense playing behind him, with Yordan Manduley and newly-acquired Brando Leroux acting like a brick wall up the middle, turning timely double-plays and making tough plays on the Pits' uneven grass.

"It feels great. We got that communication. He knows that I'll be ready there for him, and he'll be ready there for me, so it feels great," Leroux commented postgame.

Leroux had a great game on both sides of the ball. He capped off a five-run fifth inning for the Leafs with a towering three-run homer that would be the deciding blow in this afternoon's game.

"I felt great, you know? Because all I want to do is try and help my team out and, you know, I just got my pitch and barreled it up."

Leroux stayed calm in his approach and held that mindset of contribution that the coaching staff is so fond of.

A combined force of Graham Sim, Reinaldo De Paula, and Luis Florentino closed out the final three innings of this one and allowed just one run to secure the 7-2 victory.

Up Next: The Leafs take on the Guelph Royals at Christie Pits on Wednesday night. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m.