The Bolton Brewers opened their 2026 season with a 4-0 win over the Midland Mariners on Monday night, giving the senior team a winning debut at the new Taylor Fields on Emil Kolb Parkway.
Player-coach Mike Wallace drove in two runs, while starter Jack Perry and reliever Victor Moguel kept Midland off the scoreboard, the Caledon Citizen reported. Bolton’s next home appearance is Saturday, May 23, when the Brewers host the Clarksburg Blues for a doubleheader.
Wallace delivered a two-run double in the bottom of the first inning. It was the decisive hit in an eight-hit outing for Bolton, whose players faced cold, windy conditions in the season opener.
“The old guy got it done. It was great for the team to get out of the gate so well. It was a good start all around,” Wallace told the Caledon Citizen.
Catcher Carter Burnside and shortstop Brett Chater each drove in a run from the top of the lineup. Chater, Burnside, Reid Deibert and Chris Fafalios accounted for Bolton’s four runs.
Wallace praised the hitters’ approach despite the weather, saying the team made consistent contact throughout the lineup.
“The wind was howling, but we had good at-bats and everyone was making good contact,” he told the Caledon Citizen.
Perry earns win ahead of Michigan move
Perry earned the pitching win after holding the Mariners hitless over four innings and striking out eight. Moguel followed with three innings to earn the save, allowing three hits and striking out six.
Wallace said Perry needed some time to warm up in the cold before showing an effective fastball. Moguel then offered Midland a different pitching style, with his change-up working well.
The strong opening start came as the Brewers learned that Perry is set to leave June 1 to join the NCAA Division I Michigan Wolverines, according to Wallace.
The player-coach said the team was pleased about Perry’s opportunity in Michigan but would miss him. Wallace hopes the starter can make two more appearances for Bolton before departing.
“We’re excited about his prospects in Michigan, but it will be tough to see him go. Hopefully, we’ll get two more starts from Jack before he goes to pitch for the Wolverines,” Wallace told the Caledon Citizen.
Along with playing their first game at the new ballpark, the Brewers wore new navy blue jerseys for the opener. Their next scheduled home date will bring Clarksburg to Taylor Fields for two games on May 23.
