Cards win slugfest

HAMILTON – The Hamilton Cardinals took an eight-run lead through three innings and held on for a 13-9 win Sunday at home over Welland.

Luis Bernardo and Andrew Johnston each homered and drove in two for the Cardinals (2-0). Hamilton leadoff batter Brandon Nicholson went 2-for-5 with two RBI, Tyler Duncan drove in two on three singles, and Dennis Dei Baning and Danny Berg each drove in a run. Zach Marriott scored three times.

Mizuki Akatsuka (1-0) earned the win after giving up four runs on five hits with two strikeouts in three innings. Cards’ starter Owen Slater also went three innings and gave up four runs on five hits. He walked four and struck out one.

Ethan Hunt had a home run and three RBI for the Jackfish (1-2). Greyson Barrett went 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs, Tyler Dupuis drove in a run on two hits, Robert Mullen singled twice, Brandon Hupe went 3-for-5, Matteo Porcellato doubled twice and scored twice, and Steven Moretto and Ethan Pasco both drove in a run.

Brandon Underhill (0-1) took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits in 2.1 innings. He walked one and struck out two.