Nine-run seventh sends Cardinals past Panthers

Photo by Art Ward

KITCHENER – A nine-run seventh inning sent the Hamilton Cardinals to a 17-14 win over Kitchener Tuesday night at Jack Couch Park.

Hamilton cleanup hitter Josh Niles went 3-for-4 with two long balls, four RBI and three runs, while Dennis Dei Baning added four hits, including a home run and five RBI. Jacob Underwood was 2-for-6 with a home run, three RBI and two runs, Luis Jean scored three times, Tyler Duncan plated a pair of runs and had an RBI, Laine Renaud drove in a run, Jeremie Veilleux scored twice and VanRoay MacClain went 3-for-5 with a run.

Julian Russell (1-0) earned the win, allowing a run on one hit with three walks and a strikeout in 1.2 innings of relief. Cardinals’ starter Gabe Braun lasted two innings, giving up four runs (two earned) on three hits and four walks. 

Tyler Lawrence (1-2) suffered the loss, yielding eight runs (three earned) on four walks in 1.1 innings. He walked two and struck out two. Panthers starting pitcher Jacob Douglas allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits over five innings. He walked one and struck out six.  

Blake Jacklin led the Panthers with three hits, including a home run, four RBI and two runs. Stephen Nahrabeki and David Polson each went 2-for-2 with two runs and combined to drive in four, Jett Jarvis drove in a run, Andy Leader went 2-for-6 with a run, Dan Mahoney scored three times and Robbie Gauthier drove in two.

Hamilton improved to 11-28 and Kitchener fell to 14-25.