Jackfish batter Brantford

By ROD MAWHOOD

The Welland Jackfish used a 10-run first inning en route to a 22-7 victory over the Branford Red Sox in front of 1,031 fans at the Pond. 

Leadoff hitter Hogan Brown led off the game with a solo home run on the first pitch of the game, and the Jackfish bats continued the onslaught all night long. 

"Ya we needed a breakout game, and that first pitch home run by Brown started it for us," Welland Manager Brian Essery said. 

St. Catharines native Tyler Dupuis added a three-run inside-the-park home run to bring the Jackfish faithful to their feet and finished the night with four runs batted in.

Scott Gillespie pitched six solid innings to pick up the win. 

"Gillespie was better tonight," said Essery who was able to use most of his bench in the lopsided victory. 

The Jackfish now prepare for a showdown with their arch-rival, the London Majors on Saturday night. 

"The London game is huge for us," Essery said. We'll see where we're at after that one. Back-to-back champs - hard not to get up for that one."

First pitch flies at 6:05 pm. It's Youth Baseball Night, and also the first Fireworks Super Show post-game. 

Let's pack The Pond. Get your tickets now at wellandjackfish.com