Gameday in 5

A recap of the week that was (Sept. 20-26) — and a look to the week ahead — for London’s teams and athletes.

(Photo: Luke Durda).

London Majors

The Majors split the first two games of the best-of-five Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) championship series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. London won Friday’s series opener, 4-3, behind a masterful pitching performance from Pedro De Los Santos. The left-hander pitched a complete game for the win, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits while logging a career-high-tying 12 strikeouts. Byron Reichstein and Keith Kandel each had RBIs while Cleveland Brownlee had a pair, including the game-winner in the 6th inning.

In Christie Pits on Sunday, the Maple Leafs took a close Game 2 contest, 6-4. After holding Toronto to two runs over five innings, Majors ace Owen Boon allowed three in the 6th, including a go-ahead three-run homer by Justin Marra that was the difference in the game. The Majors’ offense was powered by home runs from Austin Wilkie, Hayden Jaco and Byron Reichstein.

Up next:

The Majors will look to bounce back on Tuesday as they look to win their first IBL championship since 1975.

Game 3: Tue. Sept. 28 (7:35pm at Labatt Park)
Game 4: Thurs. Sept. 30 (7:30pm on the road)
Game 5: Fri. Oct. 1 (7:35pm at Labatt Park) (if necessary)

FC London

Men

Coming off their second loss of the season last week, FC London bounced back in a big way Friday night, beating previously undefeated Guelph United, 3-1. After going down 1-0, a goal from Connor Wilson and a pair of scores from Ethan Gopaul cemented the win. The team is now 6-2-0 and in third place in League1 Ontario’s West Division behind the Oakville Blue Devils and Guelph United.

Up next:

The team will play Windsor TFC for the second time this season on Saturday. London won the previous matchup, 2-0.

Sat. Oct. 2 (4:00pm on the road)

Women

The women remained undefeated after a 3-1 win at home Saturday night over Hamilton United. Jade Kovacevic opened the scoring in the first, and the team added two quick goals to open the second half to put the game out of reach. The FC women are now 7-0-1 and continue to hold the top spot in league standings.

Up next:

The women are off this week before they return to the pitch for a home game against the Oakville Blue Devils.

Sat. Oct. 9 (8:00pm at Hellenic Community Centre)

London Nationals

The Nationals won their season opener on Friday night, beating the St. Thomas Stars 4-3. With the game tied 3-3 late in the third, Ryan Nichols scored the game winner on a power play (assisted by Jeff Burridge). Lucas Chard, Daniel Torrealba and Michael Elliston also scored for the Nats, while Owen McGowen had a pair of assists.

Up next:

The Nationals will play their home opener on Wednesday when they host the Komoka Kings at the Western Fair District.

Wed. Sept 29 (7:00pm at home)

London Knights

The Knights lost 5-3 to the Barrie Colts on Friday night, dropping their preseason record to 1-2. After falling behind 1-0 in the first, London bounced back in the second with a trio of goals. Sean McGurn scored the equalizer just over a minute in, while Michael Levin and Denver Barkey also found the back of the net to put the Knights up 3-1. But London lost all momentum in the third, and the Colts scored four unanswered goals for the come-from-behind win.

Up next:

The Knights will look to improve their preseason record to 2-2 when they take on the Hamilton Bulldogs on Tuesday night.

Tue. Sept. 28 (7:00pm @ Hamilton Bulldogs)
Thur. Sept. 30 (7:30pm @ Barrie Colts)
Fri. Oct. 1 (7:30pm vs Hamilton Bulldogs)

Western Mustangs

The Western Mustangs’ football team lost a close one, 23-21, to the Guelph Gryphons on the road. The Mustangs struggled to move the ball and relied mostly on an air attack. Quarterback Jackson White finished the game 19-of-36 with a touchdown pass (Savaughn Magnaye-Jones) and an interception. Kicker Brian Garrity made four of his five field goal attempts. His only miss came with three minutes left in the game. Trailing by two, the 48-yard attempt hit the left upright.

Up next:

The Mustangs will look to get back to their winning ways this when they host the Laurier Golden Hawks this weekend.

Sat. Oct. 2 (1:00pm at home)