GAME PREVIEW - BAYCATS VS MAPLE LEAFS (JUNE 22, 2023)
BARRIE – Five wins in a row and a matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight for the Barrie Baycats. Barrie, with a win tonight, would overtake Toronto and move into second place in the IBL standings. Like the Baycats, the Maple Leafs are also on a winning streak of their own. Although their three straight wins coming into this contest are against Brantford, London, and Guelph, they are still a top team and should not be taken lightly.
With a five-run comeback to secure a dramatic walk-off win on opening day, the Cats are 1-0 against the Leafs so far this season with last Wednesday's game at Christie Pits being cancelled.
Lineup And Starting Pitcher
There are some switch-ups near the bottom of today’s lineup. Catcher Josh Cote and Infielder Adam Odd are back in the order with Odd playing third base and Cote at his usual spot behind the plate. Josh went 3/4 on Sunday in London and continues to swing a hot bat. Royce Ando (fifth) and Hayden Jaco (sixth) will once again make up the middle of the order.
On Tuesday, it was the bottom of the lineup doing most of the work. Carson Burns, who is back in the nine spot tonight, went 2/4. Jaco and Ando also picked up hits in the win against the Royals. It is worth noting that utility player Kyle Maves who was signed earlier this year will be available off the bench for the first time this season.
Making his fourth start and looking for back-to-back wins is Baycats Starter, Jeifry Nunez. Nunez threw five innings in Hamilton last Friday striking out six in a 5-3 Barrie victory. The team has won 3/4 of Jeifry’s starts so far this season and will look for a fourth today. Here is the full starting lineup.
1. LF - Noel McGarry-Doyle
2. CF - Canice Ejoh
3. RF - Starlin Rodriguez
4. DH - Ryan Rijo
5. 2B - Royce Ando
6. 1B - Hayden Jaco
7. 3B - Adam Odd
8. C - Josh Cote
9. SS - Carson Burns
- SP - Jeifry Nunez
Players To Look Out For
Josh Cote: Now leading the Baycats in batting average through 13 games played, Josh Cote has become a hit machine. Getting a night off on Tuesday, Cote will look to continue his success at the plate. Josh has a hit and an RBI against the Maple Leafs so far this season in three at-bats.
Royce Ando: Back in the Lineup again is Baycats' second baseman, Royce Ando. In limited opportunities this season, Ando has nine hits and five RBIs. Royce and his team will look for this success to continue tonight.
Carson Burns: Picking up two hits last game out of the nine spot, Carson Burns has the potential to be a huge table setter for this lineup. Burns has had a lot of solid contact lately and it is only a matter of time before he breaks through.
Game Information
Tonight’s game is scheduled to start at 7:35 pm. Tickets can be bought here. Like all home games this season, Baycats TV has you covered if you can’t make it out. Enjoy the game!
the baycats are holding their annual golf raffle fundraiser!
Raffle tickets are being sold at the program booth at the front entrance of the stadium starting tonight. $20 gives you a chance to win 1 of 5 golf packages for 3 x foursomes to Simcoe County's finest golf courses! The draw will be live at our Thursday, July 6th home game!
