GAME PREVIEW - BAYCATS AT CARDINALS (May 23, 2023)

Hamilton – Your Barrie Baycats are in Hamilton today for their first road game of the 2023 IBL season. Barrie, after going 2-2 in their first homestand of the year, will look to get back in the win column. Here is what to expect today against the Cardinals.

Lineup and Starting Pitcher

Today’s Baycats lineup sees Carson Burns leading off followed by Royce Ando and Starlin Rodriguez with Ryan Rijo in the cleanup spot. Ando, the number 2 hitter, has been red hot to start the season. Getting an off day against London yesterday, he is back in the lineup today. 

Tyler Plumpton will make his first start behind the plate since coming back from an injury he suffered on opening day. No Josh Tibbits or Dom Morea today instead it will be Owen Jansen playing first base. Adam Odd will slide over to third base today after playing shortstop and second base in his first 2 starts.

Evan Soules will technically make his first start on the mound this season after making 2 appearances so far and being named IBL Pitcher of the Week. Here is a look at the full lineup for today’s game.

Players To Look Out For

Starting Pitcher #46, Evan Soules: It was mentioned above that Evan Soules won Pitcher of the Week in the IBL and here is why. Soules pitched 8 1/3 innings giving up 2 hits and 2 runs while striking out 9 Brantford Red Sox hitters. With that performance, Evan has an ERA of 1.92 so far this season and is looking to make it back-to-back quality outings today.

Infielder #7, Royce Ando: Royce Ando is off to an amazing start this season. Ando has 6 hits and 5 runs driven in through 2 games this season with an average of .545. Batting in the 2 spot today, he could be a huge table setter for Starlin Rodriguez and Ryan Rijo who bat behind him. Royce and his team will be looking for this to continue in hopes of winning today. 

Outfielder #4, Starlin Rodriguez: The Baycats have hit 1 home run this season so far that came off the bat of Starlin Rodriguez. Ever since coming back to Barrie this year, Rodriguez has been a big part of this lineup. With 5 hits and 5 walks so far, Starlin has been an on-base machine. Another home run today would be exciting to see as it would help Barrie past the Cardinals.

Game Details

This afternoon’s game is scheduled for 2:05 pm at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium. If you're in the area you can buy road tickets Here. If you can’t watch the game at the stadium, tune into Baycats Radio: Exclusively On Baycats TV. The broadcast will feature Patrick Melbourne (Play-by-Play), Julius Hern (Analyst), and Kendra Doyle (Reporter).