South takes IBL all-star game

WELLAND – Welland’s Matteo Porcellato reached base three times and was named all-star game MVP as Team South defeated Team North 13-6 at Welland Stadium on Saturday night.

Porcellato singled twice, accounting for two of his team’s 12 hits, and also walked and scored twice in the win.

Brantford’s Gus Wilson rounded the bases on an inside-the-park home run, and South teammate and Jackfish catcher Robert Mullen added a two-run blast in the third inning to break a 2-2 tie. Chatham-Kent’s Seth Strong went 2-for-3 and scored, and London’s Starling Joseph doubled and scored.

The South squad pulled ahead with a nine-run sixth inning as 14 batters went to the plate.

Brantford righty Josh Laukkanen earned the win after pitching two innings. He allowed a run on four hits and struck out one.

For the North team, Barrie’s Canice Ejoh went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in the first inning. Toronto’s Jordan Castaldo singled twice, walked and scored, Barrie’s Nolan Machibroda hit a solo blast, and Guelph’s J.D. Williams singled and added a sacrifice fly.

Hamilton’s Mizuki Akatsuka took the loss after yielding two runs on a hit and a walk.