Leafs advance to Dominico Cup final

Photo by CJH Sports Photography

TORONTO – Toronto advanced to the Dominico Cup final after a 9-5 win Thursday night over Welland at Christie Pits.

The Maple Leafs won the best-of-five semifinal 3-1 and will face London or Hamilton in the final.

Marcus Knecht went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI for the fourth-seed Leafs. Dan Marra drove in two on a pair of hits, Connor Lewis went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run, Jose Vinicio drove in a run and scored twice and Jordan Castaldo and Greg Carrington each added an RBI.

Angel Castro (2-0) struck out 12 over seven innings to earn the win. He allowed five runs on eight hits and four walks.

Welland starter Jake Harford was touched for seven runs over two innings. He gave up seven hits and walked three while striking out one.

Offensively, James Smibert hit a solo blast for the third-place Jackfish. Gianfranco Morello and Zarley Cina each had a pair of RBI, while Matteo Porcellato and Hogan Brown both scored twice.