Marra's blast lifts Leafs past Majors to even series

Photo by Craig Aikin

TORONTO – Justin Marra’s three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning broke a 2-2 tie and sent the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 6-4 win over London in Game 2 of the IBL championship Sunday afternoon at Christie Pits.

The best-of-five series is tied 1-1 with Game 3 Tuesday at Labatt Park.

Marra’s blast, his third of the playoffs, came with two out on a 2-2 pitch from Majors starter Owen Boon. The London righty (1-1) allowed five runs on 10 hits over six innings. He walked four and fanned five.

Jordan Castaldo went 5-for-5 and scored twice atop the Leafs’ lineup, while Garret Takamatsu and Chandler McLaren each had two hits and drove in a run. Johnathan Solazzo added a solo home run.

Marek Deska (3-0) earned the win, giving up three runs on seven hits over six innings, walking one and striking out two.

Dustin Richardson struck out one in a clean ninth for his third save of the playoffs.

Austin Wilkie hit a two-run blast for the Majors, while Byron Reichstein and Hayden Jaco added solo shots. Humberto Ruiz singled, doubled and scored.