Royals defeat Majors in first of back to back

Written by Dan Haugh/Photo by Matt Hiscox 

With the Guelph Royals defeating the London Majors 8-2 at David E. Hasting Stadium on Tuesday night the 2024 IBL playoff picture became clearer, but not quite crystal clear.

The Majors and Royals will square off one more time on Wednesday night in London. After tonight's game London sits in third place one game ahead of Guelph with no chance of catching second place Barrie Baycats.

The Baycats went into extra innings in Brantford on Tuesday night before defeating the Red Sox 6-2 and solidifying their hold on second place and a first round playoff matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The other matchup that has been decided will have first place Welland Jackfish facing eighth place Kitchener Panthers,

The Majors never led in Tuesday's game. Guelph starter Kyle Thomas picked up the win on five innings of work where he gave up one earned run and only three hits. Jacob Kush earned the save.

For London, starter Jose Arias took the loss pitching six complete innings, allowing four earned runs while striking out eight Guelph batters.

Braeden Ferrington came on to pitch the final two innings in relief of Arias.

The Royals took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning when a J.D. Williams double scored Andy Leader and Ashton Patterson.

London came right back with a single run in the top of the fourth inning when Starling Joseph singled home Eduardo De Oleo to make the score 2-1 Guelph. That was as close as the Majors were able to get through the final five innings.

The Majors added their final run of the game in the top of the seventh inning when an Eduardo De Oleo bases loaded walk forced home Brad Verhoeven.

London ́s eight hit attack consisted of two hits each from Gibson Krzeminski, Eduardo De Oleo and Starling Joseph. Brad Verhoeven and Cleveland Brownlee had one hit each. Those eight hits were all singles.

There will be one last game for the Majors and Royals on Wednesday night that will determine the final two undecided playoff matchups.

Game time at Labatt Park on Wednesday night will be at 7:05 P.M.