How sweep it is!

Jackfish advance to second round of IBL Playoffs
By Rod Mawhood

The Welland Jackfish completed the sweep of the Kitchener Panthers Saturday night at The Pond taking the best of five opening round IBL playoff series in three straight games with an 8-2 victory.

The Peak Performer of the Game, starter Rich Corrente, set the tone.

Corrente went six solid innings, allowing four hits, while striking out four.

In fact, all three Welland playoff starters tossed quality starts against the Panthers, something that didn't go unnoticed to Jackfish Manager Brian Essery.

"Rich was fantastic, that's exactly what we needed," said Essery. "All three starters were really good and our bullpen is very strong."

St. Catharines native Tyler Dupuis had three hits and two RBI, while former Brock Badger Justin Gideon continued his power at the  plate hitting his 20th home run of 2022, a two-run shot - his first long ball of the postseason. 

"Gideon is a stud," Essery said. "He puts fear in every pitcher in this league."

Welland now awaits its second round opponent as playoff tickets remain on sale at wellandjackfish.com 

"The next round opponent doesn't matter," added Essery. "We're prepared to play anyone."