Garcés Fans 13 as Baycats Force Game 5
TORONTO – The Barrie Baycats are still alive. Behind a dominant outing from starter Frank Garcés, Barrie defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 on Tuesday night at Dominico Field to even their first-round playoff series at two games apiece.
Garcés was outstanding, striking out 13 batters over eight innings while allowing just four hits and three runs. The veteran left-hander kept Toronto’s bats quiet outside of two home runs and handed the ball to closer Carlos Sano, who worked a scoreless ninth for the save.
At the plate, Barrie spread the offence around. Francisco Hernandez led the way with three hits, including an RBI double, while Nolan Machibroda drove in two runs. Noel McGarry Doyle and Tristan Clarke added RBIs of their own as Barrie scored five runs across the fifth and sixth innings to take control.
Toronto’s only damage came via the long ball. Justin Marra hit a solo shot in the fourth inning, and Marcus Knecht added a two-run homer in the seventh. But outside of those swings, the Leafs were held to just two other hits. That was Marra’s third home run of the series.
Toronto starter Wilgenis Alvarado took the loss, giving up five runs on seven hits and four walks over 5.2 innings.
The Baycats added an insurance run in the ninth and never looked back, forcing a decisive Game 5 on Wednesday night in Barrie. First pitch is set for 7:35 p.m. at Athletic Kulture Stadium, with the winner advancing to the IBL semifinals.