Record crowd watches Welland wallop Brantford

By Rod Mawhood • Photo by Brandon Taylor

A record crowd on CAA Niagara 'Pack The Park Night' witnessed the Welland Jackfish hammer the Brantford Red Sox 18-5.

3, 011 fans packed The Pond as the Jackfish used a 13-run fifth inning to improve to an IBL best (16-6) on the season.

"Good crowd, always fun to play with the excitement in the stands," said manager Brian Essery who was able to use a lot of his bench in the lopsided victory.

James Bradwell got the start as Essery and the Welland brass try to convert the reliever into a starter.

"Ya, we're moving Bradwell along at a good pace. We're about three weeks away from letting him go - which is something we're all looking forward to."

Shortstop Luis Jean had three hits, while James Smibert had four runs batted in for Welland. Smibert is hitting .402 on the season.

"We had some good at bats later in the game," Essery said.

The Jackfish now entertain the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night on First Responders Night at Welland Stadium.

First pitch flies at 6:05 pm.

"If we want to stay in first place we have to keep winning," added Essery.

"That's our motivation at this point."

Visit wellandjackfish.com for ticket information, and all things on the best night out in Niagara.