Red Sox Defeat Jackfish 6-2 for First Win Over Welland Since 2021

The Brantford Red Sox delivered one of their biggest victories in recent memory on Thursday night, defeating the Welland Jackfish 6-2 at Arnold Anderson Stadium.

The win marked Brantford's first victory over the Jackfish since August 26, 2021, snapping a drought that had stretched nearly five years and giving the Red Sox a statement win against one of the Canadian Baseball League's premier franchises.

Brantford got on the board first in the second inning. After Andrew Savage worked a walk and Walker Hultgren singled, Christian Kuzemka drove home the game's first run with an RBI double. Later in the inning, Lucas Bateman added another RBI double to extend the lead to 2-0.

While the offense provided early support, starter Leandro Mejia was in complete control on the mound. The right-hander kept the Jackfish lineup off balance through five scoreless innings, allowing the Red Sox to maintain momentum throughout the early stages of the game.

The breakthrough inning came in the fifth.

Brody Black drew a walk to start the rally before Tim Holyk followed with a single. After Christian Ortega was retired, Andrew Savage delivered a clutch RBI double to score Black and increase the lead to 3-0.

Just moments later, Walker Hultgren brought the home crowd to its feet.

With runners on base, Hultgren launched a three-run home run to right field, capping off a four-run inning and giving Brantford a commanding 6-0 advantage. The blast proved to be the game's biggest swing and provided all the offense the Red Sox would ultimately need.

Welland attempted to battle back in the sixth inning when Ethan Mann connected for a solo home run, and the Jackfish added another run later in the frame to cut the deficit to 6-2. However, Brantford's pitching staff refused to let the visitors get any closer.

Haldon Craig was outstanding in relief, shutting down the Jackfish over the final innings. The right-hander recorded several key strikeouts and stranded runners to preserve the lead, while Jorge De La Cruz closed the door in the ninth inning to secure the victory.

Offensively, Hultgren led the way with the decisive three-run homer, while Savage finished with a double and RBI. Bateman and Kuzemka each contributed RBI doubles, helping fuel a balanced attack that produced six runs on timely hitting throughout the evening.

Beyond the final score, the victory represented an important milestone for the Red Sox. Defeating the defending champions and ending a long winless stretch against Welland serves as another sign of the progress being made by the club during the 2026 season.

For the players, coaches, and fans in attendance at Arnold Anderson Stadium, Thursday night's result was more than just another win in the standings—it was a memorable night and a reminder that the Red Sox are capable of competing with anyone in the Canadian Baseball League.

The Red Sox will look to carry that momentum forward as they continue their push through the heart of the 2026 season.