Woodbine Racetrack Game Report: Panthers Bats Stay Hot in Win Over Leafs
KITCHENER - Debut spoiled.
The Kitchener Panthers spoiled the managerial debut of Garrett Takamatsu on Thursday evening, beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 15-8.
With the win, the Panthers improve to 15-25 and secure the six-seed heading into the IBL playoffs, while the Leafs fall to 23-17.
Kitchener starter Adam Roberston picked up the win in the best start of his IBL career.
The southpaw tossed five scoreless innings on three hits, five walks, and two strikeouts.
Panthers centre fielder Andy Leader went two-for-four at the plate, highlighted by a three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Toronto starter Dylan Jacober had a night to forget, allowing nine earned runs on ten hits and four walks in four innings pitched.
TORONTO - 8-12-2
KITCHENER - 15-17-1
BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: Up 7-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning, Panthers catcher Robbie Gauthier hit a three-run home run to give the Panthers a 10-0 lead.
BY THE NUMBERS...
8. With Jordan Castaldo and Grant Tamane injured, the Leafs had just eight position players on Thursday.
9. For the second game in a row, Maple Leafs third basemen Johnathan Solazzo hit two home runs, giving him nine on the season. Watch yourself, Justin.
15. The 15 runs allowed by the Leafs were the most runs they have given up in a game all season.
29. 29 runs in the last two games for the Panthers, who scored three runs in their two games prior to this.
72. The Panthers scored 72 runs against the Leafs in six games this season, splitting the season-series three games apiece.
LOOKING AHEAD...
The Leafs end their road schedule tomorrow when they travel to Brantford to battle the Red Sox.
They return home for their season finale on Sunday against the London Majors.
Photo: @LaRussaGastro