Garcés Dominant Once Again as Baycats score seven in Game Two Victory

Hamilton, ON — The Barrie Baycats are just one win away from returning to the IBL Finals. Powered by a balanced offensive attack and another strong start from Frank Garcés, the Baycats defeated the Hamilton Cardinals 7–1 on Sunday afternoon at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series.

Barrie struck early, putting pressure on Cardinals starter Owen Boon right out of the gate. After a leadoff single from Noel McGarry Doyle and an error from Hamilton second baseman Tommy Reyes Cruz, Nolan Machibroda ripped a two RBI double giving Barrie an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Baycats added another run in the third, and fourth. By the end of the fourth inning, they had built a 4-0 lead, capitalizing on both timely hitting and Hamilton’s defensive miscues.

Machibroda led the charge offensively, going 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI, and two runs scored. Hayden Jaco drove in two more with a sacrifice fly and a single, while McGarry Doyle stayed red-hot at the top of the lineup with three hits, a bunt single, and a stolen base to keep constant pressure on the Cardinals. Tristan Clarke and Noah Hull also chipped in three hits apiece as the Baycats’ depth was on full display.

Garcés, meanwhile, was masterful on the mound. The veteran left-hander worked seven scoreless innings, scattering seven hits but never letting Hamilton build momentum. He struck out six, did not walk a batter, and worked efficiently with 77 of his 99 pitches going for strikes.

Hamilton’s best opportunity came in the eighth when Niko Kekatos, who went 4-for-4 on the day, singled home the Cardinals’ lone run. But reliever Braedan Pakkala limited the damage and finished off the final two innings to secure the win.

The Cardinals’ defense struggled throughout the game, committing five errors that extended innings and led to additional Barrie runs. Barrie out-hit Hamilton 15–11 but also showed better execution, stranding fewer runners and cashing in on their chances.

The Baycats now return to Athletic Kulture Stadium with a chance to complete the sweep. Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2 at 7:35 p.m. A win would punch Barrie’s ticket back to the IBL Finals.