Majors Fall to the Barnstormers

Written by Dan Haugh / Photo by Matt Hiscox

A budding rivalry between the London Majors and the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers—now in their second season in the Intercounty Baseball League—intensified Tuesday night as the Barnstormers earned their first-ever victory over the Majors, winning 8–3 at Fergie Jenkins Field.

Chatham-Kent out-hit London 11 to 10 and steadily pulled ahead with runs in five different innings, including a three-run rally in the sixth.

London struck first with a three-run home run from Tucker Zdunich in the third inning, temporarily giving the Majors a 3–1 lead. However, that would be all the scoring for London on the night.

As has been the trend this season, the top of the Majors’ order carried the offensive load. Nine of the team’s ten hits came from the top six spots in the lineup. Leadoff hitter Toby Simmons, designated hitter Eduardo De Oleo, and Byron Reichstein each recorded two hits. Josh Niles, Francisco Fajardo, and Brad Verhoeven added one hit apiece.

Jose Arias got the start for London, pitching five innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on just four hits while striking out six. Colby Ring took the loss, giving up three runs in three innings of relief. Nate Bennett and Johnathan Henry closed out the game, each surrendering one run. Brock Whitson earned the win for Chatham-Kent.

Despite the loss, the London Majors remain in second place in the IBL standings with a 10–5 record, sitting 1.5 games ahead of the third-place Barnstormers. London returns home to kick off a three-game homestand starting Friday night at Labatt Park.