Late Heroics Power Titans to Game One Win

OFFICIAL FRONTIER LEAGUE BOX SCORE

Ottawa, ON - Down multiple runs halfway through the contest, the Ottawa Titans scored four unanswered late to take down the New Jersey Jackals by a 4-2 final on Thursday night, taking Game One of the best-of-three Atlantic Conference Wild Card Series.

Facing rookie left-hander Jorhan LaBoy (ND, 0-0), the Titans picked up leadoff singles in the first and second, followed by one-out walks in each frame, threatening to push across the opening run. LaBoy managed to keep the Titans' offence off the board, firing four scoreless innings to start the night.

Evan Grills (ND, 0-0) battled in his first career Frontier League Playoff start, allowing two runs over four and two-thirds.

The Jackals got on the board in the third inning on a Martin Figueroa solo homer and added one on a Noah Furcht sac fly in the fourth to go ahead 2-0.

Grills allowed two runs on four hits, walking four and striking out four, leaving in line for the defeat.

As LaBoy retired ten in a row from the second through the fifth - Jackie Urbaez ripped a two-out double down the right-field line, setting up an RBI single from AJ Wright to cut the deficit in half.

In the seventh, the Titans put runners on the corners with one out, as the Jackals turned to the bullpen. AJ Wright legged out a fielder's choice, scoring a Myles Smith leadoff walk to tie the score at two.

Over six innings, LaBoy was charged with two runs on five hits, walking three, and striking out eight in his first career postseason start.

Tied at two heading to the bottom of the eighth, Chase Hungate (loss, 0-1) had things unravel, as Taylor Wright kicked off the frame with a double to right. As Jake Steels reached on a bunt single, Hunter Stokely's infield single scored the eventual winning run to put the Titans ahead. Later in the inning, Smith beat out a double-play ball, making it 4-2 on a fielder's choice.

The Titans' bullpen shined in Game One - Christian Scafidi allowed a hit but managed to get the home side out of the fifth inning. Alfredo Villa tossed two scoreless innings, while Ted Stuka and Brett Garcia (win, 1-0) combined for an inning and a third of scoreless relief.

From innings six through nine, the bullpen did not allow a hit.

Taking Game One, the Titans are the first team in these Frontier League Playoffs to win a home game.

Jackie Urbaez went 3-for-4 with a double, while Hunter Stokely also had a three-hit night, adding an RBI. Myles Smith walked twice and brought home a run, while AJ Wright drove in a pair.

The Ottawa Titans continue the 2026 Playoffs, playing Game Two of the Atlantic Conference best-of-three Wild Card against the New Jersey Jackals on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey. If necessary, Game Three is set for Sunday at 2:05 p.m. All the action can be heard on the Ottawa Titans Radio Network and 94.5 Unique FM, and live-streamed on Frontier League TV powered by HomeTeam Network.

For information on Ottawa Titans’ 2026 Playoff Single-Game Tickets, the All-In Playoff Package, 2027 Ticket Packages, and Group Outings, visit the Titans’ official website at www.ottawatitans.com.