Six-run eighth sends Panthers past Leafs

TORONTO – Eric Martin’s three-run home run capped a six-run eighth inning that sent the Kitchener Panthers to a 14-12 win over Toronto on Wednesday night at Christie Pits.

Jett Jarvis went 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs atop the Panthers’ lineup, Kenny Di Clemente drove in two and scored twice, Blake Jacklin went 3-for-5, Liam Wilson scored three times, Stephen Whalen went 4-for-5 with three RBI and two runs, Tyler Hinrikus drove in a run and scored twice and Dreyden Sloat had an RBI.

Grant Shantz (1-0) picked up the win, allowing four runs on four hits with a walk in two innings. Christian Hauck earned his first save after a scoreless ninth. Jacob Douglas started and went five innings, giving up six runs on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

For Toronto, Johnathan Solazzo hit one of four Leafs’ home runs and drove in five. Jordan Castaldo and Justin Marra each homered and had two RBI and two runs, Aidan McAskie hit a solo home run, Jose Vinicio went 3-for-5 with three runs and an RBI, Greg Carrington and Luca Boscarino each had an RBI and Connor Lewis scored twice.

Chris Nagorski took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits over 1.2 innings, striking out two.

Kitchener improved to 8-13, and Toronto fell to 12-10.