Leafs Keep On Chasing

Game 28: Kitchener Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs, July 11, 2018

Panthers win 6-4

The streak is real.

Four losses in a row for the Toronto Maple Leafs as we enter the business end of the regular season. 

The Leafs have hit a rough patch at a critical time. Over the next three weeks, they have eleven games to play -- a test that will determine not only their place in the standings, but their postseason matchups and their readiness to chase the IBL championship come August.

The chase is real.

Last night, the Leafs chased the league-leading Kitchener Panthers all around Christie Pits, ultimately falling short.

Pedro De Los Santos started on the mound for the Mapes, but the Panthers got to him quickly. They hit four singles in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. They added another run in the third, and four runs in the fourth to take a commanding 6-0 lead. 

De Los Santos' night was over after that, and the Pits were roiling on a warm, windless night that was perfect for baseball. The Owner was in full voice, as were the fans. Exclamations hailed down from the owner's box, from some rowdy fans on the hillsides and from the Christie Crazies at field level as everyone urged the team on. I haven't heard this kind of cacophony all season. Cursing, heckling, rooting -- a storm of noise swirled around the place. No one wanted this to become a laugher. The Leafs had to show what they were made of.

And they did.

They pounced on Kitchener starter Jonder Martinez in the bottom of the fourth. Shortstop Aaron Hornostaj and rightfielder Marcus Knecht both drew walks to start the inning. Catcher Mike Reeves singled to load the bases. First baseman Garrett Takamatsu drew another walk to bring Hornostaj home. Martinez struck out third baseman Zac Orchard, but then gave up another run as DH Damon Topolie singled. A wild pitch allowed Reeves to score, and a single by centerfielder Connor Lewis drove in another run. The laugher was suddenly a 6-4 game.

Both sides would tighten up the rest of the way. Zach Sloan and Dustin Richardson combined to pitch five scoreless innings for Toronto, while the Kitchener bullpen held off the Leafs. The home side's best chance came in the seventh when they loaded the bases, but stranded all three baserunners.

Ultimately the Panthers' pen did its job and ran out the rest of the game for a 6-4 win. The Leafs were unable to forge another breakthrough. Even though they recorded four hits in the game, it felt like they were on the verge of coming back huge several times.

No win last night, but the Leafs keep on chasing.


Kitchener 6-13-1
Toronto 4-4-2

W - Martinez (4-1, 5.31)
L - De Los Santos (2-2, 4.53)
S - Lahera (5)


BOXSCORE


The Leafs are 13-12 and now five games behind the Panthers. They enjoy the rest of the week off before returning to Christie Pits this Sunday to face the Burlington Herd.