BAYCATS WEEK IN REVIEW - ANOTHER 2-2 STRETCH
Another four games are in the books for the Barrie Baycats. Now eight games into the 2023 season, and they are 4-4 after going 2-2 for a second straight week. This week featured only one home game for Barrie, so some fans may not have seen too much action. Not to worry though - In this recap, we will fill you in on this last week of Barrie Baycats baseball.
Game Recaps
11-5 Loss in Hamilton: Barrie’s road schedule kicked off in Hamilton on the last Sunday in May. Infielder Owen Jansen led the way in the early going, driving in two runs on a double. He then scored a run on an error by Cardinals shortstop Charlie Towers. Evan Soules pitched well on the mound, punching out six in as many frames. It was Hamilton, though, that would get the best of Barrie. Even a late home run from Starlin Rodriguez didn’t stop the Redbirds.
10-2 Win vs Guelph: Barrie got a much-needed win in blowout fashion against the Guelph Royals last Thursday. They were led by Adam Odd who went 3-for-5 with four RBIs, including his first home run of the season. Starting pitcher Juan Benítez picked up his first win of the 2023 campaign, going five innings allowing one run and picking up three strikeouts. Carson Burns also went 2-for-2 with three runs batted in and two walks in the win.
8-7 Win in Guelph: The struggling Royals became victim to Barrie for the second game in a row on Saturday as the Baycats came from behind. Noel McGarry-Doyle hit a huge two-run home run to ruin a 7-6 Guelph lead in the 9th inning. Adam Odd had another great game at the plate driving in three more runs to lead the Baycats' offense. Brad Grieveson picked up the win and Brandon Hillier was lights out in another scoreless 9th inning.
10-8 Loss in Kitchener: Out of the four games the Baycats played this week, this contest is not one to go back and watch. Barrie blew an 8-5 lead in the ninth inning to get walked off. The highlights of the game were a pair of three-run home runs from Marcel Lacasse and Josh Cote. Emilis Guerrero – who started the game – pitched six decent innings, giving up for four runs against a talented Panthers lineup.
Injury Updates
Outfielder Starlin Rodriguez: In Thursday's blowout win versus Guelph, outfielder Starlin Rodriguez was hit on the hand by a pitch. Rodriguez had to leave the game due to the pain he felt. It was later known that Starlin had some swelling but the team is hopeful for a fast recovery. The 33-year-old was with the team in Kitchener this past Sunday so he could be on track to return this week.
Notes: Hayden Jaco is partially back from his injury. Jaco was cleared to start hitting and worked a walk in his only appearance vs Guelph on Thursday...Brad McQuinn was placed on the inactive list after a quad injury he suffered on May 25th against Hamilton.
This Week's Action
Thursday, June 8 vs Welland: The Baycats have two games at home this week. The first one is against the Welland Jackfish. Welland is currently tied with Toronto and Kitchener for first place in the IBL standings. The Jackfish have won six in a row after starting 2023 with an 0-2 record. Thursday’s first pitch from Vintage Throne Stadium is at 7:35 PM. Get your tickets here.
Saturday, June 10 vs Kitchener: Barrie and Kitchener will play each other three times in eight days. Saturday marks the second of three matchups. Along with their games against the Baycats, the Panthers will play three other teams this week for a total of 6 games in 8 days. You can catch the first pitch just after 4 PM at Vintage Throne Stadium. Get your tickets here.
Sunday, June 11 at Kitchener: It's another Sunday afternoon at Jack Couch Park for the Barrie Baycats. After losing their first game in Kitchener, Barrie will look for revenge. The Baycats definitely found their power with a pair of three-run home runs in the first Battle Of The Cats. It's the same 2 PM start time for this game and you can get your tickets here.