Collymore Blasts Royals Past the Panthers

KITCHENER - The baseball was flying all over Jack Couch Park Thursday night,  and for a change, it was the visitors doing most of the damage.

The Guelph Royals pounded out a season-high 23 runs on another season-high 23 hits as they humbled the Kitchener Panthers 23-3.  

All nine Royals starters tallied at least one hit in the rather one-sided contest which was summed up by Royals Manager Dino Roumel in one word "Ugly."

The Royals opened the scoring with two runs in their first at-bat and four more in the top of the 2nd inning. They scored runs in all but two innings on the night.

Malik Collymore posted a 5 for 5 performance with a pair of home runs, finishing a triple shy of the cycle with an incredible 8 RBI night.    

Ethan Hammond went 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBI,  while Brendan Keys added a  solo home run.
Conner Morro homered and scored five times,

Sean Reilly quietly added  three hits, and three RBI, plus he scored three times,

Dalton Pompey went 2-for-4 with three runs scored,  Brando Leroux drove in a pair of runs on two doubles, Darius Barlas had an RBI and J.D. Williams had two hits and drove in a run.

Emilis Guerrero (5-2) picked up the win, allowing three runs on nine hits over six innings. He struck out two and he did not issue a walk.

Nelson Mercado, Lukas Barry, and newcomer  Andrew Case combined to close out the ball game holding the Panthers scoreless for the final three frames.

Nik Cardinal  (0-1) making his first start for the Panthers took the loss, surrendering nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits in 3.1 innings. He walked two and struck out one.

The Royals improved to 14-8 on the season still a half-game ahead of the Barrie Baycats (14-9) for third place in the Intercounty.      

The Royals host the tied for first place London Majors (16-5) Saturday night at Hastings Stadium.  Game time is set for 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online via the Royals website or at the gate on gameday.