Custodio Shuts Down Jackfish in Royals' win

GUELPH- Guelph Royals had two big innings Saturday night at home to break Welland's eight-game winning streak with an 8-5 win behind the stellar pitching of Claudio Custodio who improved his season record to 7-0.

Custodio went eight innings, allowing only five hits and two walks while striking out 13. He rebounded after allowing a first-inning three-run homer.

Malik Collymore homered in the fourth inning to start Guelph's five-run rally. Brando Leroux went 3-for-4 to lead Guelph including an RBI double in the fourth inning. Ethan Hammond also added two hits and three RBI's with a two-run double in Guelph's five-run fourth. Josh Garton also added two hits for the Royals.

The Royals sealed the victory on J.D. Williams' two-run single in the sixth followed by a run-scoring single by Hammond, giving Guelph an 8-4 lead. Brendon Nicholson's three-run home run in the first inning gave Welland an early 3-0 lead. The Jackfish added single runs in the fourth and ninth innings but fell short.

Chris Lazar (1-3), in relief of Welland starter Wyatt Hummel, took the loss. He lasted only 1.2 innings, giving up four runs on six hits and a walk. Hummel went 3.2 innings, allowing four runs on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts. 

Welland remains in first place at 22-7 while Guelph improved to 20-9.