GAME PREVIEW - BAYCATS VS PANTHERS
BARRIE – It is time for a re-match in another battle of the Cats. The Barrie Baycats and Kitchener Panthers face off this afternoon after Kitchener beat Barrie last Sunday. The Panthers, since playing the Baycats, have one win and two losses, losing to the Red Sox and Royals who were both struggling heading into those matchups. They got a nice momentum boost last night though as they scored nine runs in a 9-2 victory at Labatt Park against the Majors.
The home team has not had their best week either. After dropping Sunday’s game at Jack Couch Park, the now first-place Welland Jackfish came into town and scored five runs in the ninth to win 9-4. Barrie is tied with London in the standings ahead of Brantford and Guelph.
Lineup And Starting Pitcher
There are a few position switch-ups for the Barrie Baycats today. Hayden Jaco will make his first start of the season but he will be at first base instead of behind the plate. Josh Cote will stay at the backstop position today and Marcel Lacasse will move back in at third base. Carson Burns (shortstop) and Adam Odd (second base) will stay up the middle as double-play partners for this game.
The top of the lineup looks the same as Thursday. The only change is Ryan Rijo is out and Jaco is in. Seven, eight, and nine will be Lacasse, Cote, and Burns with Aiden Rossel on the bump. Rossel has pitched five innings out of the bullpen so far this season with a 3.60 ERA and a pair of strikeouts. This will be Aiden’s first career start in the IBL.
Here is a look at the full starting lineup.
1. LF #95 - Noel McGarry-Doyle
2. CF #9 - Canice Ejoh
3. RF #4 - Starlin Rodriguez
4. DH #55 - Hayden Jaco
5. 2B #26 - Adam Odd
6. C #5 - Josh Cote
7. 3B #13 - Marcel Lacasse
8. 1B #20 - Victor Plaz
9. SS #3 - Carson Burns
- SP #62 - Aiden Rossel
Players To Look Out For
Hayden Jaco: New to the Baycats but not a stranger to the IBL. 2021 Rookie of the Year Hayden Jaco is back from knee surgery making his first start. In that 2021 campaign, he hit .374 with five home runs and 23 RBIs. He also scored 31 runs and walked 14 times. These numbers are combined over the regular season and postseason.
Marcel Lacasse: After breaking through with a big home run in Kitchener, Marcel Lacasse could see a big turnaround and an increase in production. Hitting right behind Adam Odd today, Lacasse should get some at-bats with runners on. Another big swing could impact the outcome of today’s game.
Josh Cote: So far so good for Josh Cote behind the plate and in the batter's box. A .414 average with three doubles, a home run, and seven runs batted in for Cote in nine games. He, along with Lacasse and Burns make up a pretty sneaky bottom of the order. We will see what they can do today as Barrie looks to get back in the win column.
Game And Broadcast Information
The usual 4:05 pm start time on a Saturday from Vintage Throne Stadium. You can get tickets here. Today’s game along with every home game will be available to watch on Baycats TV. Enjoy the game!