Guelph Royals strike first in IBL semifinal

Strong pitching and timely hitting has put the Guelph Royals ahead in its IBL semifinal with the Welland Jackfish.

Conner Morro went three-for-five, while former league MVP Garrett Takamatsu drove in two runs off two hits to help Guelph to a 4-2 win in Welland in the opener of the best-of-five series.

Evan Grills went seven innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits. He struck out five batters for the win.

The game didn't come without its share of theatrics.

Hector Yan, Andy Leader and field manager Dino Roumel were all ejected from the game at different stages.

Ben Abram took the loss for the Jackfish. He struck out seven in 5.1 innings of work.

Game 2 goes Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Hastings Stadium, before the series shifts to Welland Sunday for Game 3.