Baycats Fall in Game 4, Trail Semi-Final Series 3-1

Barrie, ON - The Barrie Baycats fell 7-2 to the Hamilton Cardinals in Game 4 of their CBL Semi-Final, giving Hamilton a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Hamilton struck immediately in the top of the first inning when Brandon Nicoll hit a solo home run to left field, putting the Cardinals ahead 1-0.

The game remained 1-0 through the next three innings before Hamilton broke through for four runs in the fifth. Angel Guerrero came around to score on an RBI single from Darlin German before the Cardinals added three more later in the inning, extending their advantage to 5-0.

Barrie was held off the scoreboard through the first six innings before beginning to chip away in the seventh. Noel McGarry Doyle reached base and came around to score when Francisco Hernandez singled to left field, cutting the deficit to 5-1. Brandon Hernandez advanced to third on the play, but the Baycats were unable to bring another run across.

Hamilton responded in the top of the eighth. With Dario Borrero aboard, Reyny Reyes connected for a two-run home run to left field, stretching the Cardinals' lead to 7-1.

The Baycats continued to battle and added another run in the bottom of the ninth when Canice Ejoh launched a solo home run to centre field. The homer cut the deficit to five, but Hamilton closed out the inning to secure the 7-2 victory.

Juan Benitez took the loss for Barrie, allowing five runs, four earned, on six hits over five innings while striking out four. Oscar Moreta delivered two scoreless and hitless innings out of the bullpen with four strikeouts, while Braedan Pakkala worked the final two innings.

Hector Yan earned the win for Hamilton after shutting out the Baycats across five innings. Yan allowed three hits and struck out eight.

Brandon Hernandez finished 2-for-4 for Barrie, while McGarry Doyle went 2-for-2. Ejoh provided the Baycats' lone home run of the night.

With the loss, Barrie now trails the best-of-seven Semi-Final 3-1, putting the Baycats in a must-win situation tomorrow night in game five.