Topolie comes through in Royals’ debut

Photo Aiden Fitzgerald

GUELPH – Damon Topolie didn’t waste any time making an impact with his new team.  

The 49-year-old, who started his IBL career with Stratford in 1995, singled home Conner Morro with two outs in the sixth inning to break a 5-5 tie and give the Royals a 6-5 win over Chatham-Kent on Tuesday night at David E. Hastings Stadium.  

It was the 499th RBI of Topolie’s career, which included parts of 26 seasons in Toronto. After two seasons away from the league, Topolie rejoined the Leafs for two games in early July and then signed last week with the Royals.  

Ethan Hammond went 2-for-4 with two RBI for Guelph (17-19). Liam Wilson and J.D. Williams each drove in a run, while Morro, Keinner Pina and Garrett Takamatsu had two hits apiece.  

Niall Windeler allowed a run on three hits in two innings of relief for the win. He struck out two before giving way to Edgar Garcia, who fanned three of the six batters he faced for his fifth save. Claudio Custodio started and went four innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with a walk and four punchouts.  

Sadler Goodwin hit a two-run triple for the Barnstormers (20-17). Spencer Morin went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and Evan Morrison and Mitsuki Fukada had two hits apiece.  

Mike DeLong (0-1) took the loss after giving up two runs on three hits in 1.2 innings. He struck out two and walked two. Aden Ryan started and was charged with four runs (one earned) on eight hits in four frames.