Welland Jackfish handed the Brantford Red Sox their second consecutive loss at home to start the new season on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Red Sox SP Isaiah Ramos got the start for Brantford and after getting two quick outs, ran into some trouble early after an error by SS Gus Wilson, which was followed by a single to have runners on first and second but Ramos was able to get out of trouble by inducing a groundball for the final out in the top of the first.
The Red Sox had a good start as RF Matt Fabian led off the game with a single then C Kieran Bowles was hit by a pitch. Wilson followed that up with a walk and then 1B Nick Burdett drove in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly. Brantford still had runners in scoring position but after a ground out and fly out, the home team only led 1-0 through one inning.
The Jackfish responded in the top of the second, getting a single then capitalizing on a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly to tie things at one. Brantford’s bats went cold in the bottom half of the inning as the teams were still tied heading into the third inning.
Welland took control in the third inning, getting to Ramos for three earned runs, capitalizing on a hit batter, a walk and some timely hitting to take a 4-1 lead. The Red Sox couldn’t muster much offence through the middle innings while Welland added on two more runs in the top of the fourth to take a 6-1 lead.
Brantford got back on the board in the bottom of the fifth after an error by Jackfish 2B Dawson Tweet allowed Wilson to reach first base. Burdett came to the plate and crushed a two-run home run to right-centre field, getting the Sox back within striking distance, down 6-3.
Welland’s and Brantford’s bullpens kept the other team’s offence at bay through the late stages of the game as the teams combined for four hits over the final four innings as the Jackfish held on for the 6-3 victory.
Brantford’s next home game is Sunday, June 2, 2024 when the Hamilton Cardinals come to town for a 2:00 p.m. first pitch.
