Majors 1 Panthers 8

            In London , the visiting Panthers forced a seventh and deciding game in their opening round series with a convincing 8-1 win over the London Majors.

            The best-of-seven series is now tied 3-3, with the seventh and deciding game in Kitchener on Sunday afternoon.

             Taylor Bratten pitched a solid 6 2/3 innings to pick up the win for the Panthers, allowing one run on seven hits with four strikeouts and one walk. Relievers Mike McGillivray and Kevin Childs combined to toss 2 1/3 hitless innings to finish up the game.

            Brent Mitchell homered, had three hits, drove in three runs and scored twice for the winners, while Mat Taube had two hits and two RBI. Mike Andrulis had two hits and scored twice and Luke Baker also had two hits for the Panthers, who scored four runs to break open the game in the eighth inning.

            Steve Froese had two hits and Ryan Lapensee drove in the lone run for the Majors. Loser Josh Palmer went seven innings, allowing four runs – three earned – on seven hits with eight strikeouts and five walks.