Jackfish erupt early and often in win over Hamilton
Team off to first (3-0) start in franchise history
By Rod Mawhood • Photo by Steve Ruddy
WELLAND - A pair of early home runs was all the Welland Jackfish would need in a 10-2 humbling of the Hamilton Cardinals. Brandon Nicholson, who finished the game 3-for-5, and Gio Morello went deep in the victory.
The Jackfish would use a five-run sixth inning to put the game out of reach as Jake Harford pitched seven solid innings of eight strikeout baseball to lower his season ERA to a minuscule 0.69.
Jackfish Manager Brian Essery was pleased to see his club's prowess at the plate carry over from last Saturday's comeback victory against London. "It was nice to see the bats stay hot from the ninth inning of last game," explained Essery.
Welland finished the night with 13 hits as every starter but newly signed Ethan Hunt registered at least one base knock.
"They are definitely gelling, and they all like each other. We've got a tight group, and winning ball games certainly helps," Essery said.
The Jackfish are off to their first (3-0) start in franchise history. In fact, Thursday's victory is the club's first three-game win streak, period.
"We're a tough team to play against, and we'll continue to battle and compete all season," added Essery.
And white Hunt made his debut for Welland, Zarley Cina made his return going 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI.
Welland now begins a home and home set against the Toronto Maple Leafs, beginning Saturday afternoon at The Pond.
First pitch flies at 1:05 pm as the Jackfish present First Responders Day.
Jackfish Jottings: Hunt is an Oklahoma native.
The game featured a 20-minute rain delay as the always entertaining Welland Jackfish staff kept the fans engaged - many of whom waited through the rain for the game to resume.