Guelph Royals down defending champs to advance to IBL Finals

September 5, 2024

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

WELLAND, ONT. – The road warrior Royals are headed to the IBL final.

Guelph took down the defending champion Jackfish by winning all three semifinal games at Welland Stadium, including Thursday’s 12-3 victory in the decisive Game 5.

Guelph will hit the road again to start the final Sunday night in Barrie.

Tied 3-3 in the sixth, Andy Leader put the Royals ahead for good with a three-run home run with two out. Leader finished with four RBIs. Frankin Torres went 4-for-6 with three RBIs, Josh Garton drilled a solo home run, while Garrett Takamatsu, Carson Burns and Ashton Patterson all drove in a run.

Guelph scored the last 11 runs and finished with 15 hits.

Evan Grills picked up the win on the mound after giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits over five innings. He struck out two. Jacob Kush fanned eight in four scoreless innings of relief to earn the save.

Gianfranco Morello, Matteo Porcellato and Ethan Hunt all drove in a run for Welland, which dropped four games at home in the playoffs.

Teodoro Ortega was charged with the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out four.