Baycats Jump on Panthers Early, Ride Strong Pitching to 4-1 Win

Barrie, ON – The Barrie Baycats struck early and let their pitching do the rest, defeating the Kitchener Panthers 4-1 on Saturday afternoon at Athletic Kulture Stadium.

Barrie wasted no time, sending nine batters to the plate in the first inning. Brandon Hernandez led off with a walk, followed by singles from Nolan Machibroda and Tristan Clarke, who drove in the first run. Clayton Keyes followed with an RBI single, and two more runs scored later in the frame on a Panthers error and fielder’s choice.

That early cushion was more than enough for starter Juan Benitez (5-2), who delivered six scoreless innings, scattering seven hits and striking out four without allowing an earned run. Benitez escaped a couple of jams, including a bases-loaded threat in the third, with the help of some sharp infield defence.

The Panthers broke through in the seventh against reliever Chris Nagorski when Yunior Ibarra singled home Petey Kiefer. But Braeden Pakkala came in to record four big outs, and Carlos Sano sealed the victory with a 1-2-3 ninth for his seventh save.

Barrie’s offence totalled just five hits, with Clarke, Keyes, and Hernandez each contributing to the early rally. The Baycats’ defence turned a crisp double play in the sixth and played error-free baseball, while Kitchener was hurt by a pair of costly miscues.

FINAL SCORE: Baycats 4, Panthers 1.

NEXT UP: The Baycats have a week off before they welcome the Hamilton Cardinals to Athletic Kulture Stadium next Saturday at 4:05 pm.