Jackfish shred Maple Leafs

By Rod Mawhood • Photo by CJH Photography

The Welland Jackfish continued their impressive season with a 13-1 hammering of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Jackfish used a bat around eight-run sixth inning to improve to an Intercounty Baseball League best (24-8) on the season to open a home and home set against the Maple Leafs. 

Ethan Hunt and Gio Morello both drove in three runs for Welland, while James Smibert had three hits. 

"It was a really good response by us tonight, we needed that," said Jackfish Manager Brian Essery after Welland dropped a 7-4 decision to the Guelph Royals on Thursday.  "We had some big hits tonight with runners on, by Smibert, Hunt and (Hogan) Brown."

Jackfish ace starter Jake Harford was stellar again pitching seven strong innings of one-hit, five strikeouts, baseball.  

"Jake was excellent again tonight," Essery understated. 

Deivy Mendez closed out the game for the Jackfish striking out the side. The Dominican Republic native still boasts a zero (0.00) earned run average in seven appearances this season. 

Mike Wagner pitched the eighth inning for Welland, and congratulations are in store for the Buffalo, NY native who just became a father six days ago.

Welland visits Toronto Sunday afternoon to close out the home and home set.

The Jackfish next home game is this upcoming Thursday night, August 4, against the Brantford Red Sox. First pitch flies at 7:30 pm. Get your tickets now at wellandjackfish.com