Majors Pitching Dominant over Leafs

Written by Dan Haugh / Photo by Isaiah Bergsma 

The pitching story for the London Majors in Friday night's 4-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Labatt Memorial Park is one that is becoming quite familiar. Just call it the Keys, Arias and Janisse show.

Three pitching performances that were efficient and concise holding the Maple Leafs to a single run over nine innings. Starting pitcher Travis Keys delivered another methodical effort on his way to his fourth win of the 2025 season, He allowed just one run on six hits over six very solid innings with 11 strikeouts. In his new role out of the bullpen Jose Arias hurled two nearly perfect innings. He struck out four batters and gave up just one hit.

To finish the game off on the mound for London was … who else?, but Skylar Janisse appearing in his 20th game of the season to earn his 11th save of 2025. Field Manager Roop Chanderdat offered this praise of the pitching performances he received in the win, “Our three pitchers turned in very impressive efforts with 17 strikeouts and only one walk given up over the nine innings.”

London scored their four runs on seven hits. Speedster Toby Simmons had two hits including an RBI triple in the eighth inning. Josh Niles also chipped in with two hits including a clutch two out two-RBI double in the sixth inning that broke a 1-1 tie. Kyle Maves, Eduardo De Oleo and Champ Garner had one hit each.

It was an extra special win for Manager Chanderdat as he was celebrating a birthday and he commented on the big night. “It was a good win at home in front of a great crowd. Their support means the world to me. I thank them for all their birthday wishes.” 

The London Majors and the Toronto Maple Leafs will battle each other again Saturday evening at Dominico Field at Christie Pits in Toronto for a 7:30 start. After an off day Sunday the Majors will welcome the first place Welland Jackfish to Labatt Memorial Park on Monday evening at 6:05 PM to close out the Civic Holiday weekend