BAYCATS FALL 6-4 TO GUELPH IN CLOSE GAME

BARRIE – Whether it was the relief appearance from Royals right-hander Kyle Thomas or Malik Williams being thrown out at the plate, the Baycats didn’t seem to have any momentum tonight failing to the Guelph Royals 6-4. Barrie had plenty of offensive opportunities but could not come through.

Scoring three runs in the first and two in the second, the Royals took advantage of a slow start from Juan Benítez. Three out of his four walks allowed came in the first two innings as even with the large strike zone, Benítez had trouble locating. This led to a couple of big hits from Justin Interisano and Malik Collymore giving Guelph five early runs.

Juan would settle down nicely pitching six innings with his final three frames scoreless thanks to a pair of double plays. The right-hander finished with three punchouts and handed things over to the bullpen. Chris Cox, Brandon Hillier, and Brad Grieveson all did their job each pitching a shutdown inning.

The offense for the Baycats just couldn’t respond fully to the early runs. Stranding 11 runners and six in scoring position, Barrie lacked the big hit all night long and unfortunately couldn’t get it. It didn’t help that home plate umpire Ryan Jackson had one of the more pitcher-friendly strike zones you will see.

This actually led to Royals right fielder Tristan Pompey being ejected. Pompey had been upset with the zone all night but his hook actually came after taking a walk and getting made at the Baycats dugout when they didn’t like a call. A pretty strange way to be tossed but Jackson had heard enough.

There were a couple of good things for Barrie that happened in this game. Shortstop Carson Burns and Adam Odd, who played second and third base in this game, continue to hit the Guelph Royals well. They both picked up an extra-base hit tonight. Another plus was that Benítez, while giving up six runs, only three of them were earned and he gave his team six innings.

Now in the thick of four games in a four-day stretch, the Baycats need their pitchers to eat up innings and that is what Benítez did tonight. 

NEXT UP: The Barrie Baycats are in Brantford tomorrow night for an 8:00 pm start at Arnold Anderson Stadium. Road tickets can be bought here. 

CHECK OUT THE FULL BROADCAST OF THIS GAME ON BAYCATS TV FEATURING BEN DAVY AND JULIUS HERN. THE BROADCAST WAS PRODUCED BY BRIAN BACKLAND ASSISTED BY JOSEPH NARDELLA.