WEEK AHEAD: Rivalry games get August started

KITCHENER - As the season enters its final couple weeks, the Kitchener Panthers have some key games upcoming in the fight for a playoff spot.

It begins with a home-and-home with the Guelph Royals Thursday and Saturday, followed by a Sunday tilt with Welland.

The Royals are four games up on Chatham-Kent for fourth in the IBL ahead of its Wednesday home date with Barrie.

Guelph's strength is no doubt its pitching, sitting with an IBL-best 3.35 ERA and 293 strikeouts.

But it has also been getting steady performances on offense, namely Franklin Torres who has hits in four of his first six outings since he was acquired.

The Jackfish remain tops in the IBL with a 24-7 record, and will cap off a five-day stretch of games in Kitchener Sunday.

Welland is coming off a 10-6 win in Kitchener this past Sunday.

Thursday is Carribean Night and Sunday is Beach Day at Jack Couch Park!

UPCOMING GAMES