Panthers lose in extras to Guelph

KITCHENER - Heartbreak at home.

The Kitchener Panthers had taken a 5-1 lead after the first inning, and seemingly were in control at home on a Thursday night.

But then those pesky Royals came crawling back and claimed a 7-6 decision in 10 innings at Jack Couch Park.

With a single lined to right field by Raul Gonzalez, Jett Jarvis got on his jets and tried for home but was gunned down via a massive throw from his former teammate Andy Leader.

Moments later, Nick Parsons struck out to end the game, completing an oh-for-five game for the infielder and snapping an 18-game hitting streak in the process.

Yankiel Mauris was shaky through the first couple batters, but settled in for a five-inning no decision in his IBL debut.

At one point, the Kitchener starter retired eight in a row. He struck out five and gave up three runs on six Guelph hits.

Yadian Martinez was tagged with the loss, going the final 4.1 innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out two. Martinez takes back top spot in the IBL when it comes to strikeouts with 77.

After giving up five in the first, Hector Yan also settled in and struck out six in five innings.

Brandon Deans came in and shut the door on the home side, going five innings in relief, striking out eight and only giving up two hits the rest of the way.

Simon Grinberg, Gonzalez and AJ Karosas all had two hit games.

Gonzalez is on a seven-game heater, going 14-for-33 (.424) since July 14. He has 13 RBI in that stretch and has struck out just four times.

But individual accolades can only get a team so far. For Kitchener, they have now lost seven straight and are tied with Brantford in the basement of the IBL with a 10-22 record.

Guelph improves to 19-12 and takes sole possession of third place.

The Highway 7 rivals will battle again Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at Hastings Stadium in Guelph.

Kitchener's next home game is against Welland on Sunday at 2 p.m.

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