Jackfish sweep home and home over Guelph and win their 8th straight game

By ROD MAWHOOD

The Welland Jackfish celebrated Father's Day by sweeping the second half of a home and home against the Guelph Royals, and winning their eighth straight game, in a 7-3 final. 

The visitors opened a 3-0 third-inning lead before Welland responded with three of their own in the fourth inning, before adding a single in the sixth and scoring three more in the eighth inning for insurance. 

Ben Abram was his dominant self picking up the win on the mound. The 6'8" righty went seven strong innings while striking out ten along the way. 

"Ben gives us a great effort every time out," said Jackfish Manager Brian Essery. "And I've said it all season, he's the best pitcher in the league. 

Greyson Barrett drove in five more runs on the afternoon, giving him 10 against Guelph over the course of the weekend.

"Two excellent games this weekend from Greyson," Essery said. "Huge hits in big spots both Saturday and Sunday."

Catcher Robert Mullen chipped in with a pair of hits and two runs scored to raise his batting average to .345 on the campaign.

"We love the energy in the crowd today, with them behind us we knew we'd come back after being down three early," added Essery. 

The Jackfish visit London Friday night before hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs, next Saturday June 22, for 80's night. First 500 fans will receive a Jackfish Draw String Bag presented by Giant FM. Get your tickets now at wellandjackfish.com/tix or call 905-735-9845.