Cardinals Edge Baycats Again in Another One-Run Game

Barrie, ON – The Hamilton Cardinals, in another one-run game, have taken both games this weekend against the Barrie Baycats after a 2-1 victory Saturday at Athletic Kulture Stadium. Like Friday, the pitching on both sides was stellar.

Hamilton starter Freisis Adames – in his IBL debut – was very effective through four innings. The right-hander struck out seven. Corben Peters and Steven Hospital followed suit, keeping the Baycats off the scoresheet. Hamilton pitchers stranded seven Barrie runners en route to giving up just one run – a Noel McGarry-Doyle double that scored Francisco Hernandez in the third inning.

Juan Benítez, in his second start of the season, was terrific despite the loss (1). Pitching has truly been a bright spot for the Baycats to start the 2025 season, and this weekend has been no different. Benítez went seven innings, surrendering just two earned runs and not walking a batter.

Another bright spot today was the IBL debut of Austin Boylan – a name fans will hear a lot. Boylan smacked a double for his first hit in the fourth inning. The North Dakota State University commit is expected to make an impact with the IBL Baycats in 2025 while spending most of his time this season with the 22U Baycats, who open play next Saturday.

The save went to former World Series MVP Fernando Rodney – not something you are used to hearing in the IBL. Rodney closed the door with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, including two strikeouts, and shot up his signature arrow as he earned his first save in the league.

Final Score: Cardinals 2, Baycats 1.

NEXT UP: The Baycats head to Kitchener Sunday afternoon to play the Panthers at 2:00 p.m.