Cerny, Sanford lead Titans to win

Victor Cerny (Winnipeg, Man.) tied an Ottawa Titans’ franchise record with three doubles on Friday. Photo: Winnipeg Goldeyes (file photo)

June 20, 2025

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Pomona, N.Y. - The Ottawa Titans snapped their four-game slide with an impressive 11-8 victory over the New York Boulders on Friday night.

In his return to the Titans, Canadian Jake Sanford (Cole Harbour, N.S.) made his mark by blasting a leadoff homer off rookie right-hander Holden Phelps in the first inning. The homer marked the ninth time in franchise history that a player has opened a game with a long ball.

The Boulders pounced over their first two chances offensively against Alfredo Villa - bringing in the tying run in the first before adding four in the second. The Boulders batted around in the second frame, taking as much as a 5-1 lead.

In the third, the Titans returned the favour - hammering out a five-spot off Phelps to pull in front 6-5. Jackie Urbaez, Aaron Casillas, and Victor Cerny (Winnipeg, Man.) knocked in runs - while two balks helped plate a pair in the Titans' big inning. The five across tied the most runs scored in a single inning this season, matching the five at Down East in the ninth inning on Opening Day.

Three doubles to open the fourth inning helped the Titans add three more runs off right-hander Scott Harper - pulling ahead 9-5. Kaiden Cardoso (Abbotsford, B.C.), Sanford, and AJ Wright all reached with extra-base hits, while Aaron Casillas picked up another RBI knock in the big inning.

After the Boulders added two runs over the next four innings - Villa's night came to a close after five innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits, walking one, and striking out five for his second consecutive win.

In the eighth, Casillas picked up the biggest hit of the game, a two-run single up the middle to put the Titans ahead by four. Overall, Casillas went 3-for-5 with four RBIs in the victory.

Kaleb Hill allowed one run over two innings before Billy Duby surrendered a run in the ninth over his inning and a third. Veteran right-hander Erasmo Piñales inherited the bases loaded in the ninth, getting the final two outs to secure the win.

Sanford and AJ Wright each had two hits - while Casillas and Cerny registered three knocks.

The Titans picked up a season-high tying seven doubles - with Cerny tying a franchise record with three doubles in the win.

The Titans continue their six-game road trip with the second of a three-game series against the New York Boulders on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. at Clover Stadium in Pomona, New York.