GUELPH ROYALS
PROUD TRADITION SINCE 1919
Royals Comeback Falls Short in Welland
WELLAND - On to the home opener.
The Welland Jackfish avoid a serious collapse on Thursday evening, beating the Guelph Royals 9-6 to improve to 1-2 on the season.
With the loss, the Royals drop to 1-2.
Welland starter Jake Harford picked up the win, tossing five shutout innings on five hits and five strikeouts.
Jackfish shortstop Luis Jean led the way at the plate, going two-for-three with three runs batted in.
Guelph starter Kyle Thomas struggled in his second career IBL start, allowing six earned runs on ten hits in four innings pitched.
GUELPH - 6-11-3
WELLAND - 9-12-0
BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: With two out in the bottom of the first inning, Jean hit a two-out single to centre field to cash in a pair of runs for Welland.
The Jackfish led for the rest of the game.
BY THE NUMBERS...
2. A pair of solid innings from Royals reliever Sandy Baez, who allowed zero earned runs in his relief outing.
2. A pair of season debuts for the Royals, who saw first basemen Noah Roberts and infielder Corey Morro make their debuts.
3. Three unearned runs for the Jackfish on Thursday, who took advantage of a sloppy Royals defence.
6. Six runs for the Royals in the ninth inning, who nearly managed a shocking comeback off of Jackfish closer Chris Boatto.
LOOKING AHEAD...
The Royals make their long-awaited return home on Saturday afternoon for their home opener against the Jackfish. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 pm.