Takamatsu Homers in Return as Royals Win Slugfest in the Pits
TORONTO - Have a return, Tak.
The Guelph Royals beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 15-12 on Wednesday evening in a near four-hour slugfest to improve to 8-4 on the season.
With the loss, the Maple Leafs fall to 6-10.
Guelph starter Brandon Deans took a no-decision after allowing four earned runs on four hits and three walks in just one-and-a-third innings pitched, striking out one Toronto batter.
Royals reliever Yomar Concepcion picked up the win, allowing two earned runs on five hits and two walks in four innings pitched.
The Dominican struck out four Toronto batters.
Royals first baseman Josh Garton, meanwhile, had himself a night at the plate, going four-for-six with two no-doubt home runs.
Toronto reliever Junior Valdez took the loss, allowing five earned runs on nine hits and one walk in three-and-a-third innings pitched.
GUELPH - 15-22-2
TORONTO - 12-13-0
BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: Down 5-2 in the top of the third inning, Garton hit his second home run of the game to pull the Royals even with a three-run blast.
NICEST PLAY OF THE GAME: It did not work, but Garton's bunt attempt against the shift in the top of the fifth inning was the most... interesting decision of the game after hitting two home runs in his first two at-bats.
BY THE NUMBERS...
1. All it took was one at-bat for Garrett Takamatsu to go yard in his return to Christie Pits on Wednesday. The former Maple Leaf has three home runs on the season.
5. Five Royals had at least three hits on Wednesday, with shortstop Brando Leroux (4), Garton (4), left fielder Marc Nellis (3), and second baseman Ryosuke Ohashi (3) all having big nights at the plate.
7. Seven home runs between the two teams on Wednesday, with Garton (twice) and Takamatsu going yard for Guelph, and Jordan Castaldo (twice), Marcus Knecht, and Jon Solazzo going deep for Toronto.
INSIDE THE LOCKEROOM...
Takamatsu on his return: "It brought some pretty good memories back, having played here for five years. It was great to see everyone. Parking still sucks, though,"
Takamatsu on his home run: "You get rewarded for putting the ball in the air here. It can impact your swing, as you can end up swinging too much, but I was just looking to hit it up the middle."
Takamatsu on Concepcion's outing out of the bullpen: "He was phenomenal. He came in, shut it down, and did his job. He kept us in the game and allowed us to get some runs for him."
LOOKING AHEAD...
The Royals are back at home on Saturday to face the London Majors at 7:30 pm for country night.