Jackfish opens series with win

Photo by Soar Photography

WELLAND - The Welland Jackfish opened their IBL playoff run with a 7-3 victory over the Kitchener Panthers to take a 1-nothing best of five series lead. 

On a very rare night the Jackfish actually scored more runs (seven) than they registered hits (six).

Leadoff hitter Gio Morello, who reached base in every regular season game for Welland, carried that over into the postseason chipping in with a pair of RBI while the number eight and nine batters in the Jackfish lineup, Matteo Porcellato and Hogan Brown each had two hits.

"We were tight for some reason," explained Manager Brian Essery. "Good teams find ways to win and that's what we did tonight."

Starter Jake Harford picked up the victory, as Chris Boatto pitched four strong innings to close things out.

"We'll be better tomorrow. We got it out of the way in Game 1. We expect to be better moving forward," Essery added.

Game two goes Friday night in Kitchener with game three back in Welland at The Pond Saturday night. Note the start time - 7 pm.

Get your playoff tickets now at wellandjackfish.com.