The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers' debut game was rained out, allowing for their first-ever game to be played at home.
The Barnstormers were victorious in their inaugural game, beating the Kitchener Panthers 5-3.
CK's starting pitcher Aden Ryan got the win, throwing five strikeouts in five innings. The Panthers managed four hits against Ryan, though none of them resulted in a run scored.
The Barnstormers opened the scoring in the fourth inning with the team's first home run, courtesy of designated hitter Seth Strong.
Braxton Haggith followed the homer up with a double. Haggith scored on a single from first baseman Trent Sillett.
The Barnstormers' third run came from Greg Kemble. Kemble advanced to first after getting beaned on a nine-pitch at-bat. He got to second on a wild pitch and was eventually batted in by centerfielder Miles Norman.
Strong and Sillett combined for the CK's fourth run. With his second hit of the night, Strong hit a triple. He scored on Sillett's single two batters later.
The Panthers got two runs in the top of the seventh against Chatham's own Brock Whitson.
The Barnstormers countered with a homerun from right fielder Spencer Marcus in the bottom of the inning.
Right-hander Catalin Morin got through the eighth inning with two walks and two strikeouts.
CK's Robert Mackie closed out the game. He gave up one run but came away with the save.
Chatham-Kent face the Toronto Maple Leafs next, on Sunday afternoon.
