MAPLE LEAFS WIN SECOND IN A ROW THANKS TO INCREDIBLE PITCHING

Written by: Noam Streiffer

The Maple Leafs won their second game in a row on Wednesday night, snapping the Cardinals' six-game winning streak and gaining some much-needed momentum heading toward the second half of the season.

The pitching put the Leafs over the edge tonight, limiting a potent Cardinals lineup to just three runs at hitter-friendly Dominico Field.

Nick Veselinovic got the start and threw six innings of shutout ball while striking out seven Cardinals en route to his second win of the season.

"Today, honestly, I was just keeping it simple. I haven't shook off Matty Brandt in four outings. Have confidence in the guys behind me and throw the ball in the zone," Veselinovic commented.

His pitching was undoubtedly the difference-maker in this game, taking pressure off the bullpen and allowing the Leafs to use high-leverage arms in the later innings.

The bats were quiet for both sides until a five-run fifth inning for the Leafs broke things open. The scoring started on a Brando Leroux solo shot, followed by a string of RBI singles from Spenser Ross, Kirk Gibson and Matt Brandt.

"This is some of the best pitching I've ever faced, so it's just a matter of getting comfortable in there. As the season progresses, I hope to continue to get more comfortable and come up big for the team," Gibson commented postgame.

Reinaldo De Paula entered for the seventh and eighth innings, and it was a bend-but-don't-break situation as he allowed three runs but limited the overall damage, giving the Leafs a good chance to win.

Yasiel Puig drove in a run on an RBI groundout to add some insurance, but Luis Florentino entered the game in the ninth and collected the save with a scoreless inning, securing the 6-3 victory for Toronto.

Up next: The Maple Leafs head to Hamilton on Friday night for a rematch with the Cardinals, this time in enemy territory. First pitch is set for 7:35 p.m.