GAME PREVIEW - BAYCATS VS PANTHERS (JULY 2, 2023)

BARRIE – It is the second Sunday home game of the year for the Barrie Baycats as they will face the Kitchener Panthers this afternoon. Winning last night in Welland has moved Barrie into a tie with the Jackfish for first place. Since the Fish do not play today, the Baycats, with a win, can move into first place in front of the home crowd.

Lineup And Starting Pitcher

Same top four as yesterday with Kyle Maves and Hayden Jaco taking the spots of Noel McGarry-Doyle and Ryan Rijo. This time Maves will be behind the plate in the absence of Josh Cote who was hit by a pitch in last nights game. Brad McQuinn is back in the lineup today coming back from the inactive list. McQuinn suffered a quad injury earlier in the season.

Juan Benítez is a perfect 3-0 this season and he will get the start today against the Panthers. Benítez pitched against Kitchener back on June 10th. He came in for a rare relief appearance. Juan threw six innings allowing just one earned run and picking up the win. Here is the full starting lineup.

1: C - Kyle Maves

2: CF - Canice Ejoh

3: RF - Starlin Rodriguez

4: 1B - Hayden Jaco

5: 2B - Royce Ando

6: LF - Brad McQuinn

7: 3B - Victor Plaz

8: SS - Carson Burns

9: DH - Owen Jansen

SP - Juan Benítez

PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Hayden Jaco: Getting on base in all but one game this season, Hayden Jaco is performing well this year. But we haven’t seen the best from Jaco. Winning IBL Rookie of the Year in 2021 with the Majors, Hayden’s best is yet to come and it could be soon.

Canice Ejoh: Smacking seven hits in his last four games with a home run and five RBI, Canice Ejoh has solidified himself into this very dangerous top of the order. Add that with nine stolen bases which leads the team and you could make a case for him having all five tools (contact, power, speed, fielding, arm strength). 

Brad McQuinn: It is good to see Brad McQuinn in the lineup today. McQuinn has been on the inactive list for almost the whole seasons so far. Scoring a run in both games played before getting hurt, McQuinn could be great at the bottom of the lineup getting on base for the top.

Game Information

This afternoons game starts just after 3:00 pm from Vintage Throne Stadium. Get you tickets here. Baycats TV has you covered if you can’t make it to the park. Enjoy the game!