Barstormers take down Panthers in opener

CHATHAM – Chatham-Kent kicked off the campaign with a 9-1 home win over Kitchener on Saturday night.  

Mitsuki Fukuda started the Barnstormers’ offensive onslaught with a three-run home run in the first inning. Spencer Marcus went 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs, Sadler Goodwin drove in two runs on two hits, Spencer Morin had two hits and an RBI, and Nathan Picchioni and Robert Mackie both drove in a run.  

Brock Whitson (1-0) went six innings to earn the win on the mound. He gave up one run on five hits with two strikeouts.  

Yosvani Penalver led the Panthers’ offence with two hits and an RBI. Trent Lawson also had a pair of hits.  

Panthers starting pitcher Yadian Martinez (0-1) took the loss after giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits in five innings. He walked one and struck out six.