GAME PREVIEW - BAYCATS AT ROYALS (June 3, 2023)

GUELPH – After winning on Thursday night against the Guelph Royals, the Barrie Baycats are in Guelph today for an afternoon matchup. Heading into this game, the Royals are 1-6 and have lost 6 in a row. Barrie, after their blowout win, is back at 500 and has a chance to move over with a win today.

Update On Outfielder Starlin Rodriguez

"Just a bruise for Baycats outfielder Starlin Rodriguez; team is hopeful he'll be back in the lineup sooner rather than later. Not in lineup today as he recovers from hit-by-pitch Thursday," said Patrick Melbourne in a tweet. 

Lineup And Starting Pitcher

There are 2 more Baycats who are making their first start of the season. Infielder Victor Plaz and Catcher Dylan Shepherd both got at-bats on Thursday but are in the starting lineup today. Plaz, who got some reps at first base last game, will start at third today. Adam Odd will slide over to shortstop to make room for Royce Ando who is back in at second.

Owen Jansen is also back in the lineup at the DH spot as Ryan Rijo gets the day off. Dom Morea makes his first start since last Saturday and James Anderson gets another start in the outfield with Starlin Rodriguez recovering from an injury. Today’s top 3 features the speedy Noel McGarry-Doyle and Canice Ejoh followed by Adam Odd who was the Player of the Game on Thursday. 

They will be playing behind Jeifry Nunez as the right-hander will make his second start of the season. Last start, Nunez pitched 6 innings allowing 4 earned runs and punching out 6 against the Hamilton Cardinals. He is also returning to Guelph after playing there last year. Here is a look at the full starting lineup.

Players To Look Out For

Adam Odd: After an amazing game two days ago, Adam Odd will look to continue his recent success and lead his team to a second straight victory. In his last 3 games, Odd is 4/11 with 2 doubles, a home run, and 6 RBIs. 

Noel McGarry-Doyle: Watching Noel McGarry-Doyle’s speed last game was entertaining. But when you add on his great hitting ability, he becomes a must-watch. Hitting in the leadoff spot once again, he will be an important table setter for this lineup.

Owen Jansen: In the Baycats' only road game so far this season in Hamilton, Owen Jansen provided a good chunk of Barrie’s offense driving in 2 runs on a double and scoring a run. Jansen also had 8 multi-hit games on the road last season.

Game and broadcast information

Today's game is scheduled for 1 pm at Hastings Stadium. Tune into Baycats Radio: Exclusively on Baycats TV as Patrick Melbourne and Julius Hern will have the call. If you have made the trip to Guelph today, you can buy tickets here.