GAME PREVIEW - BAYCATS VS CARDINALS (JULY 8TH, 2023)

BARRIE – The 13-6 Barrie Baycats host the 13-8 Hamilton Cardinals this afternoon for another Junior Baycats Day! Winners of nine out of their last ten games, Barrie is looking to start a new winning streak. The Cardinals, coming off an 8-3 win last night, are coming in with a new face at the top of their lineup. 

Brandon Nicholson, formerly a Welland Jackfish, was traded to Hamilton for future considerations and is an impact player the Baycats need to keep an eye on. For the home team, it is the return of Noel McGarry-Doyle and Ryan Rijo, two players that were largely missed last weekend.

Lineup and starting pitcher 

Rijo and McGarry-Doyle along with Adam Odd are back in the lineup. This is their first time in the order since June 28th as a result of Thursday’s game being postponed due to a rainout. Avery Tuck will make his first start since returning to the Baycats.

Perhaps the best news about this lineup is Josh Cote being back. Cote was hit by a pitch last Saturday in Welland and missed Sunday’s game because of it. He will be behind the plate for Frank Garcés. Frank won IBL Player of the Month for June and has been the ace of this Barrie Pitching staff. Here is the full starting lineup

1: LF - Noel McGarry-Doyle

2: CF - Canice Ejoh

3: SS - Starlin Rodriguez 

4: DH - Ryan Rijo

5: 1B - Hayden Jaco

6: 3B - Victor Plaz

7: 2B - Adam Odd

8: C - Josh Cote

9: RF - Avery Tuck

SP - Frank Garcés

Players To look out for

Noel McGarry-Doyle: Back in the lead off spot today will be McGarry-Doyle. Noel has done a great job setting the tone for this lineup and getting on for his teammates to drive him in. 

Avery Tuck: Spending time in 2021 with the Baycats, Tuck rejoined the team recently and will be a huge addition to the outfield and batting order, providing elite speed to this already fast roster. 

Frank Garcés: Known now as IBL Player of the Month Frank Garcés, Frank continues to show up when his team needs it most. Facing some of the best lineups in the league, Garcés will look for another quality outing today.

Game information

This afternoon's game starts at 4:05 pm from Vintage Throne Stadium. Get your tickets here. Baycats TV will have it for you if you can’t make it out. Enjoy the game!