Woodbine Racetrack Game Report: Majors Use Big Third Inning to Beat Leafs in London

LONDON - Onto the Cardinals.

The London Majors used a four-run bottom of the third inning to propel them to a 7-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday evening.

With the win, the Majors move back into a tie with the Welland Jackfish for first place in the IBL standings with a 25-9 record, while the Leafs drop to 21-14.

London starter Fernando Fernandez had the best outing yet of his season, throwing five shutout innings on three hits and no walks while striking out six Toronto batters.

Majors shortstop Keith Kandel led the way at the plate, going four-for-four.

Toronto starter Angel Castro had a better outing than his line suggested. 

The former Oakland Athletic allowed three earned runs on nine hits and one walk in six innings pitched while striking out six London batters.

But, if Maple Leafs third basemen Johnathan Solazzo's error was scored as such to lead off the bottom of the third inning, only one run against Castro on Friday would have been earned.

TORONTO - 2-8-2

LONDON - 7-11-2

BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: Up 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning, the Majors extended their lead to four on a two-out error committed by Maple Leafs first basemen Damon Topolie.

BY THE NUMBERS...

8. Eighth hits from the 9-1-2 hitters in the Majors lineup on Friday, making up for the fact that the 3-4-5 hitters went 1-11 with one walk. The benefits of a deep lineup.

9. A nine-pitch eighth inning for Marek Deska in his first appearance since leaving his last start against the Hamilton Cardinals two weeks ago with an injury. The Polish Prince was one pitch away from throwing an Immaculate Inning, but Majors catcher Robert Mullen grounded out instead of striking out for the last out of the inning.

9. Nine runners left on base by the Leafs on Friday, who loaded the bases in both the eighth and ninth innings.

LOOKING AHEAD...

The Leafs end their week when they host the Hamilton Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.

Photo: Craig Aikin 

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