Jackfish crown Royals, 5-4

GUELPH - The Welland Jackfish played small ball to earn a 5-4 victory over the Guelph Royals Saturday in Intercounty Baseball League action.

After Sam Cawker walked to start the top of the ninth inning, a pair of bunts moved him to third, while his teammates loaded the bases. Royals pitcher Yuki Narita’s first offering to Steven Moretto went to the backstop, scoring Cawker, giving the Jackfish a lead they wouldn’t give up.

Cawker, James Smibert and Matteo Porcellato all had two hits for the Jackfish.

Brando Leroux, Darius Barlas and Noah Roberts each had two hits for the Royals that scored three times in the second inning and once in the seventh.

The Jackfish improve to 2-2 and visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Sunday at 2 p.m. The Royals (1-3) visit the Kitchener Panthers Sunday at 2 p.m.