Jackfish pushes Royals to the brink

WELLAND – Brandon Hupe’s two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning was the difference in Welland’s 5-4 win over Guelph in Game 3 of their semifinal on Tuesday night.  

Welland leads the best-of-five series 2-1. Game 4 is Wednesday at David E. Hastings Stadium.  

Hupe’s home run came after Guelph scored twice in the top half of the frame to take the lead. Brendan Luther and Gianfranco Morello each had a pair of hits for the Jackfish, and Thomas Green scored twice.  

Welland starting pitcher Ben Abram (1-0) went six innings, giving up four runs (one earned) on six hits with three walks and four punchouts. Deivy Mendez recorded the last five outs for the save. He walked one and struck out two.  

Conner Morro went 2-for-3 with an RBI for Guelph. Liam Wilson, Garrett Takamatsu and Ashton Patterson all drove in a run, and Carson Burns had two hits and scored once.

Chris Lazar (0-1) took the loss after yielding two runs on five hits in two innings. He struck out three without issuing a walk. Lazar entered the game for Antonio Frias, who allowed three unearned runs in four innings. He scattered three hits, walked one and fanned five.