Big first inning leads Majors over Maple Leafs

LONDON - The London Majors struck early and held on late for a 6-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Labatt Park in Intercounty Baseball League action.
The Majors did most of its damage in the opening frame, plating four runs to seize control of the game.
Tucker Zdunich and Brad Verhoeven each drove in runs during the rally, while Champ Garner capped the inning with a two-run single.
The Maple Leafs chipped away with single runs in the first, third, and seventh innings, but couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Jhon Javier had a strong day at the plate for the visitors, going 3-for-5 with a double, while Justin Marra drove in two runs.
Majors starter Jose Arias worked 6.2 innings for the win, scattering nine hits and striking out five. Skylar Janisse closed out the ninth with three punch outs to earn the save.
Drew Howard took the loss for the Maple Leafs, allowing four runs — two earned — over five innings.
With the win, London improves to 13-7, and are poised to host the Barrie Baycats at 6:05pm on Canada Day. The Maple Leafs  slip to 10-11 on the season, and also play on Tuesday, when they travel to the Niagara region to take on the Welland Jackfish.