Jackfish Impress on Opening Day

WELLAND - The Welland Jackfish opened their inaugural season in the Intercounty Baseball League with a commanding 9-1 victory over the London Majors at Welland Stadium on Saturday Afternoon. 43-year-old London, Ontario native, Andrew Mercier led the Jackfish offensively going three for four with an RBI while centrefielder DeAndre Asbury-Heath hit a deep solo shot to right-centre field in the third inning.  

“It was amazing to get out on that field and finally get to play” said Asbury-Heath.  

Saturday’s game was the teams third scheduled game of the season but due to poor field conditions last weekend the team had to postpone their first two games of the year.  

“The fans made the game so much better and it was awesome to play in front of that loud crowd” said Asbury-Heath.

Announced attendance at Welland Stadium was 1,034.  Starting Pitcher Euclides Leyer picked up his first win of the season by throwing six innings, only allowing one earned run and struck out two batters.  Lefty Juliandry Higuera was credited with the loss for the London Majors.   

The Jackfish hit the road tomorrow afternoon to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs.  First pitch is set for 2:00pm at Dominico Field at Christie Pits. The next home game is Thursday May 23 against the Brantford Red Sox which will also be our first “Thirsty Thursday” of the season.  Three-dollar beers will be sold (while supplies last). 

The Welland Jackfish are a member of Ontario's most elite baseball league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, with the league established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. For more information, visit www.wellandjackfish.com or follow the Jackfish on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @wellandjackfish.