Justin Marra’s Eighth-Inning Blast Lifts Leafs Over Baycats

Barrie, ON — The Barrie Baycats came up just short in a tense Game 3 on Sunday afternoon, falling 3-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Athletic Kulture Stadium. With the victory, Toronto now leads the best-of-five opening-round playoff series 2-1.

The Leafs set the tone early when Ryan Dos Santos hit a solo home run in the top of the first inning off Baycats starter Cesar Rosado. Toronto added to its lead in the fourth as Marcus Knecht connected on a solo shot of his own, making it 2-0.

Barrie answered back in the sixth inning, finally breaking through against Toronto starter Josh Berenbaum. After Noel McGarry-Doyle was hit by a pitch, Brandon Hernandez singled and on his steal attempt of second base, the ball went into centre field letting McGarry Doyle score. Francisco Hernandez drove in the second run to tie the game, bringing the crowd of Baycats fans to life.

But the Leafs had one more swing left in them. In the eighth inning, veteran catcher Justin Marra launched a solo home run off Carlos Sano, restoring Toronto’s lead. Reliever Luis Florentino took it from there, striking out five over 2.2 shutout innings to secure the win.

Rosado worked four innings for Barrie, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out two. Ramon Henriquez followed with 2.2 scoreless frames to keep the game within reach. Offensively, Tristan Clarke paced the Baycats with two hits, including a double, while Brandon and Francisco Hernandez combined for three hits.

Berenbaum earned a no-decision after striking out eight over 6.1 innings, while Florentino picked up the win. Sano was charged with the loss for Barrie.

Game 4 goes Tuesday night at Christie Pits in Toronto. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. If necessary, Game 5 will be played back in Barrie on Wednesday.