Five-Run Fifth Powers Cardinals Past Baycats

Barrie, ON – The Barrie Baycats couldn't overcome an early deficit Saturday afternoon, falling 8-1 to the Hamilton Cardinals at Athletic Kulture Stadium.

Hamilton struck first in the third inning when Evan Magill launched a two-run home run to centre field, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 advantage.

The visitors added to their lead an inning later as Jaden Brown connected on a solo home run to left, extending the margin to 3-0.

The game broke open in the fifth. Darlin German drove in the first run of the inning with an RBI double before Reyny Reyes followed with an RBI single. Yolki Pena then lined a two-run single to centre, and Brown capped the five-run frame with his second home run of the night, pushing Hamilton's lead to 8-0.

Barrie broke through in the bottom of the sixth. Brandon Hernandez came around to score on a Noel McGarry Doyle groundout, preventing the shutout and making it 8-1.

Hamilton's offense was led by Magill, who went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs. Pena also collected three hits while driving in two runs, and Brown finished 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs and two RBIs.

Owen Boon earned the win for Hamilton, while Juan Benitez was tagged with the loss for Barrie.