Cardinals season ends as Jackfish complete Dominico Cup sweep

WELLAND – The Cardinals' season came to an end Wednesday night at The Pond, as the Welland Jackfish claimed the 2026 Dominico Cup with a 4-2 win in Game 4, sweeping the best-of-seven championship series. Trevor Nicoll gave Hamilton an early jolt with a two-run double in the third inning, driving in Evan Magill and Reyny Reyes to put the Cardinals up 2-0. But the lead was short-lived. Welland answered with a run in the bottom half, then took the lead for good in the fourth when Gianfranco Morello doubled home two. Hector Yan battled through seven innings, striking out seven with just one walk, but took the loss. The Jackfish added an insurance run in the eighth when Ethan Mann launched a solo home run to left field. Erik Johnson slammed the door with 2.2 hitless innings of relief, striking out four to earn the save and secure the championship for Welland. The Cardinals finish the season as CBL pennant winners and league finalists — the program's first trip to the championship series since 2002. Hamilton captured the inaugural CBL pennant with a dramatic late-season surge, winning their final six games to edge out London on tiebreakers. Thank you to all the fans who packed Bernie Arbour Stadium all season long. The Birds will be back in 2027. Attention now turns to the offseason. The Cardinals will take part in the league's annual general meeting in October, followed by the opening of free agency in mid-November. Secure your 2027 Season Membership today with early bird pricing