Leafs strike early, often to beat Jackfish in Toronto's home opener

Photo by R.S. Konjek

Toronto, Ontario -- The Toronto Maple Leafs didn't waste any time getting comfortable at Christie Pits, scoring eight first-inning runs Sunday afternoon on their way to an 18-7 home-opening win over the Welland Jackfish.

Sean Reilly had two of Toronto's six hits in the first, driving in three on a pair of singles. Reilly finished the game 4-for-6 with five RBI and two runs. Johnathan Solazzo went 2-for-6 with a home run, five RBI and a pair of runs. Grant Tamane had three hits, three runs and an RBI, Jordan Castaldo went 3-for-4 with an RBI and four runs, Jeff MacLeod homered and drove in three while scoring twice, and Connor Lewis and Garret Takamatsu each drove in a run. 

Mateos Kekatos (1-0) went five innings, allowing four runs on four hits with five walks and four strikeouts to help the Leafs even their record at 1-1.

Eric Hegadoran (0-1) took the loss, giving up eight runs (five earned) on six hits in a 51-pitch first. He walked two and didn't record a strikeout. 

Offensively, Dane Tofteland and Matt Hilderbrandt each homered and drove in two, while Todd Gowan added a solo blast. Zarley Cina and Robert Mackie drove in the other runs.

Welland dropped to 1-2. 

Rain washed out the other two games scheduled for Sunday. Hamilton was slated to host Brantford, and that game will be played July 27. London was set to welcome Barrie, but no makeup date has been announced.