Baycats Fall in Toronto, Series Even at 1-1

Toronto, ON — The Barrie Baycats came up short Friday night, dropping an 11-3 decision to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series at Christie Pits. The best-of-five matchup is now tied 1-1.

Barrie struck first in the opening frame when Brandon Hernandez doubled and came around to score on his brother Francisco Hernandez’s RBI single up the middle, giving the Baycats an early 1-0 edge. Noel McGarry Doyle and Nolan Machibroda chipped in a pair of run-scoring groundouts in the middle innings. That was all for the Baycats offence.

Toronto’s bats were hot Friday night. Jhon Javier led the way with a four-hit, three-RBI performance, while Justin Marra, Dan Marra, and Luca Boscarino each homered. A six-run outburst in the sixth inning blew the game open and put Toronto ahead for good.

On the mound, Juan Benitez battled through five innings for Barrie, scattering eight hits and striking out two. Adam Khan impressed in relief, tossing two shutout innings with three strikeouts to finish his night on a high note.

Franklin Hernandez earned the win for Toronto, striking out four over six innings before turning things over to the bullpen.

The Baycats now look to bounce back at home in Game 3 on Sunday afternoon at Athletic Kulture Stadium, with first pitch set for 4:05 p.m.