Leafs hang on to beat Panthers

KITCHENER – The Toronto Maple Leafs made the most of their nine hits in a 4-2 win over Kitchener Thursday night at Jack Couch Park.

Cooper Lamb drove in two on a pair of hits, while Ryan Johnston and Grant Tamane had an RBI apiece. Damon Topolie added two hits, and Marcus Knecht went 2-for-4 with a run.

Alberto Tirado (2-3) pitched six scoreless innings for the win. He scattered three hits and struck out nine. Jean Carlos Henriquez picked up his first save after allowing two runs on three hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

For Kitchener, Brian Burton drove in the Panthers' only run.

Yuen Socarras (3-1) took the loss, giving up two runs and four hits in five innings. He walked one and fanned 10.

Toronto improved to 15-20, and Kitchener dropped to 23-11.