Panthers split doubleheader, wrap up season against Brantford

As the 2026 season comes to an end, the Kitchener Panthers found themselves facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a doubleheader. Now, there is just one game left before the offseason arrives for Kitchener.

In their first game of the doubleheader, Panthers pitcher Evan Elliott matched up against Toronto’s Graham Sim.

Kitchener found themselves scoring early, after a sac fly in the first and an RBI single in the second would give them a 2-0 lead.

However, the Leafs would respond in the third after a double by Yasiel Puig tied the game, followed by a sac fly that put Toronto up 3-2.

A Trent Lawson home run would tie the game in the top of the fifth. With the score not changing through the seventh inning, which brought the game into extra innings. Though it would only take one, as Kitchener would rally for four runs in the eighth inning. Rafael Gross hit a double that would score two, followed by a Jamie Cabral single that scored another two.

Evan Elliott recorded the win after tossing a complete game with five strikeouts, while allowing only three earned runs. Kitchener took game one over Toronto outscoring them 7-3, while outhitting the Leafs 15 to 7.

Game Two:

Hoping to carry their offence into game two, Ernesto Punales took the mound for the Panthers against Toronto’s Wilgenis Alvarado.

This time, Toronto would start the scoring early in game two after a Yasiel Puig home run scored two. Continuing their rally, a fielder’s choice and a single would increase the Leafs lead to four after the first inning.

The scoring didn’t stop for Toronto as Puig would hit his second home run of the game, adding to his league leading 24 home runs.

Malik Williams responded with a home run of his own in the third inning. Though, after another Toronto rally, the Panthers would find themselves down 9-1.

Hoping to put together a comeback, Zane Skansi would leave the yard will another solo shot in the fourth inning, followed by a double from Rafael Gross that scored Jamie Cabral.

Kitchener’s offence was held scoreless through the fifth and sixth innings while Toronto added another four runs to win the final game of the doubleheader 13-3.

After sharing a win and a loss, the Panthers now find themselves with a 16-31 record, placing them third in the standings.

Now preparing for their final game of the 2026 season, the Kitchener Panthers will head to Brantford. To find tickets or more information about the team, click here.

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