Baycats Win Third Straight Behind Benítez’s Strong Start and Sixth-Inning Surge

Barrie, ON – Don’t let the Cats get hot. The Barrie Baycats have now won three in a row after an 8-6 victory over the Brantford Red Sox Thursday night at Athletic Kulture Stadium. Barrie tallied 11 hits behind an eight-strikeout performance from Juan Benítez—his highest total since July 29, 2022, when he struck out 12, also against the Red Sox.

Benítez’s six-inning outing earned him his first win of the season, allowing just two earned runs. The six-foot-six right-hander stranded seven Brantford runners on base, even picking off a runner at first base. Christian Lazar and Braedan Pakkala each worked an inning, giving up four runs combined—three of them earned.

Nicholai Arbach was charged with the loss, surrendering six runs over five innings of work. Arbach matched Benítez with eight strikeouts but couldn’t hold off the Baycats’ offence during a five-run sixth inning.

Francisco Hernandez (single) and Nolan Machibroda (double) each drove in a run in the early innings to get the offence going for the home side. The Baycats led 3-2 heading into the bottom of the sixth then put up a five-spot in that frame.

Two wild pitches from Arbach allowed Machibroda and Adam Odd to score, then Brandon Hernandez and Willy Garcia followed with RBI singles—Garcia’s bringing in two. Tyler Plumpton collected a pair of hits in his first start since May 31.

Carlos Sano recorded the save—his first of 2025.

Final Score: Baycats 8, Red Sox 6.

NEXT UP: It’s a Paul Sadlon Motors Junior Baycats Day this Saturday as the Baycats take on the Welland Jackfish. First pitch is at 4:05 p.m. at Athletic Kulture Stadium.