The Markham Pioneers watched victory elude their grasp Saturday when they suffered a 9-7 road loss to the Whitby Canadians in Eastern Ontario Baseball Association senior action.

Nursing a 6-3 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Pioneers allowed the Canadians to score two runs to cut their lead.

The Canadians erupted for four runs in the eighth to take a 9-6 lead.

The Pioneers replied with a run in the ninth inning, but with two base runners in scoring position, the Pioneers failed to cash in on the opportunity.

Jesse Dynes ignited the Pioneers offence with a pair of hits and an RBI. Jeff Fox, Matt Wagner, Steve Anderson and Shelby Nelson each had a hit.

Mark Cheeseman took the loss in relief of starter Ben Kelly, who pitched the first six innings.

Now 10-2 on the season, the Pioneers face the Thornhill Reds tonight at Bishop’s Cross Park at 7:30 p.m.