Majors Pitching Staff Strikes out 12 in Victory

Written by Dan Haugh / Photo by Mason Dawdy

The London Majors used a strong pitching performance by Victor Payano, combined with a well-balanced 13-hit attack, to claim their fifth win of the season over the Toronto Maple Leafs by a score of 6-2 at Labatt Memorial Park on Friday night.

Payano was the player of the game with his awesome seven-inning performance, allowing one earned run on three hits while recording eight strikeouts. Among those eight strikeouts were two strikeouts of former MLB player Yasiel Puig. Payano was relieved by Zachary Laird and Skylar Janisse with a scoreless inning each. Janisse recorded his league-leading fourth save of the 2026 CBL season. 

The Majors scored twice in the bottom of the first inning as Tucker Zdunich blasted a home run well over the left centre field fence, scoring Trent Lenihan, who had reached base on a walk. London scored single runs in the second, fourth, fifth, and eighth innings. 

The Majors' offensive barrage was led by lead-off hitter Maikol Escotto with four hits, two RBI and a stolen base. Tucker Zdunich added a double, a home run and two RBI. Eduardo De Oleo and Xavier Whittle had two hits each. Jaden Babiuk, Trent Lenihan, Starling Joseph, and Ryder Hancock had one hit each. 

The London Majors will go on the road to Welland on Saturday to take on the Jackfish before returning home to Labatt Park on Sunday afternoon to take on the visiting Guelph Royals.