Reichstein and Keys lead Majors to Victory

Written by Dan Haugh/Photo by Matt Hiscox

Starting pitcher Travis Keys went six solid innings and got all the run support he needed to pick up his third win of the 2025 season, thanks to a five-run rally in the bottom of the first inning. That early burst allowed the London Majors to cruise to an 8–1 win over the Kitchener Panthers at Labatt Memorial Park on Friday night.

The five-run first-inning rally began despite the first two hitters in the Majors’ batting order grounding out. After that, the next six batters reached base safely. Tucker Zdunich walked, followed by an Eduardo De Oleo single. Zdunich was brought home by a Byron Reichstein double, putting London ahead 1–0. Josh Niles then walked, and Brad Verhoeven followed with a double to center field, scoring both De Oleo and Reichstein. Champ Garner then drove in Niles and Verhoeven with a single to right field, making it 5–0 London. 

Kitchener added their lone run in the top of the second inning. The only other scoring in the game came with two outs in the sixth inning. Tucker Zdunich and Eduardo De Oleo hit back-to-back singles, and both came around to score on Byron Reichstein’s home run to deep right field. It was Reichstein’s third home run of the 2025 season.

Byron Reichstein went two-for-four with four RBIs and two runs scored. Tucker Zdunich and Eduardo De Oleo each had three hits. Brad Verhoeven contributed two hits and two RBIs. Josh Niles, Ty Mosher, Champ Garner, and Dre Amaral each had one hit, bringing the Majors' hit total to 14.

Travis Keys, earning his third win of the season, was relieved by Ryan Beitel, Jaryd Lund, and Jonathan Henry, who each pitched a scoreless inning.

The London Majors now sit alone in second place in the Intercounty Baseball League standings, 2.5 games behind the league-leading Welland Jackfish, with a record of 9–4. Next up, the Hamilton Cardinals will visit Labatt Memorial Park on Father’s Day for the annual Pack the Park event, with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m.