Deans Brilliant in Relief as Royals Comeback to Beat Panthers in Extras
KITCHENER - What a relief!
The Guelph Royals erased a 5-1 deficit on Thursday, beating the Kitchener Panthers 7-6 in extras to improve to 19-12 on the season.
With the loss, the Panthers fall to 10-22.
Guelph starter Hector Yan took a no-decision after allowing one earned run on five hits and four walks in five innings.
The lefty struck out six Kitchener batters.
He was relieved by Brandon Deans, who took care of business the rest of the way, throwing five shutout innings, striking out eight and allowing just two hits.
Royals centre fielder JD Williams continued his tear, going four-for-five.
Kitchener starter-turned-reliever Yadian Martinez took the loss in extras, allowing three earned runs on four hits and one walk in four-and-a-third innings.
GUELPH - 7-11-3
KITCHENER- 6-7-1
BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: Tied at six in the top of the tenth, Royals left fielder Ethan Hammond hit an RBI double down the line in right field to score Williams from second.
An honourable mention to Royals right fielder Andy Leader, who threw ghost runner Jett Jarvis out at home after a one-out single from Raul Gonzalez.
BY THE NUMBERS...
3. A sloppy game at times for the Royals, who made three errors, including two in the first inning which led to a five run first for the Panthers.
4. The Royals trailed by as many as four runs in the game, before a two-run seventh inning kickstarted the comeback.
8. Eight strikeouts on the night for Deans in just four innings. His career high in strikeouts is ten, that coming in August of 2022 against the Brantford Red Sox.
LOOKING AHEAD...
The Royals complete their home-and-home with the Panthers on Saturday when they host the Panthers.
The first pitch is set for 7:30 pm. Fans who buy tickets to this game will receive a card to enter Wednesday's home game -- also against the Panthers -- for free.