Castaldo leads Leafs over Jackfish

Toronto first baseman homers twice in win

By ROD MAWHOOD 

It appeared as if a first-inning inside the park homerun would spark the Welland Jackfish, but in the end, Jordan Castaldo was the difference in a 5-2 Toronto Maple Leafs victory Saturday night in the Rose City. 

Jonah Weisner went 4-for-5 with that inside-the-park homer in the loss, while Castaldo's solo shot in the sixth inning and two-run dinger in the eighth were all the Maple Leafs would need. 

Despite Weisner's productive night at the dis,h Jackfish Manager Brian Essery offered this.

"We're struggling at the plate right now, over the past three games," Essery said. 

"There are ups and downs throughout the season, and we'll be fine.

Euclides Leyer went five solid innings for Welland, and he was replaced by fellow starter Ben Abram, who pitched in a rare relief situation and shouldered the loss.

Nathan Currah picked up the win in relief for Toronto. 

"We had only two games this week, so the plan was to use Leyer and Abram tonight," said Essery. "This is the only time during the season this happens.

"Our pitching is keeping us in games right now, but I'm confident in our hitters and their abilities.. 

The Jackfish open a home and home series against Hamilton Thursday night at The Pond. 

Visit wellandjackfish.com or call 905-735-9834 for tickets and more information.