Royals hand Jackfish first loss at home

Photo By Dave Johnson - The Welland Tribune

WELLAND - The ending didn't go according to the script, but the outcome was still a victory for the Guelph Royals on Thursday night in Rose City.

The Royals (8-7) held on for a 6-5 victory over the previously unbeaten at-home Welland Jackfish (12-3)  after a brilliant seven-inning performance by their ace Claudio Custodio (4-0)  who held the Jackfish to a single run on three hits.  Custodio surrendered a walk and tallied another 12 strikeouts which upped his season total to 80.

Brandon Deans took the ball for the Royals in the 8th with a 5-1 lead and notched a scoreless frame before things got a little dicey in the 9th.    

Welland as they have done all season to this point staged yet another last-ditch rally before Deans struck out James Smibert with the bases loaded to end the game.

Either the Royals' postgame celebration or something that was said on-field caused the Jackfish's bench to empty out on the field.  Thankfully cooler heads prevailed.

Deans closed out the game allowing four runs on three hits, and four walks while striking out five.  

Jake Harford (5-1) took the loss, allowing four runs on seven hits over five innings. He walked three and struck out two.

Dalton Pompey went 2-for-4 with his first  IBL home run in the top of the ninth which turned out to be the game-winner. He also scored three times.

J.D. Williams drove in two, while Justin Interisano and Noah Roberts each had an RBI.

Zarley Cina led Welland with two hits, including a home run, and three RBI. Cole Cote drove in the other run.

The Royals travel to Brantford tonight to play the Red Sox (0-14) game time is scheduled for 8:00 pm at Arnold Anderson Stadium.   

The next home game for the Royals is this Saturday against the Hamilton Cardinals at 7:30 pm marking the first Saturday night home game of the season. Tickets are on sale online or are also available at the gate on game day.