Late Eighth-Inning Rally Lifts Baycats Past Jackfish 3-1

Barrie, ON – The Barrie Baycats scored all three of their runs in the bottom of the eighth inning Thursday night, erasing a one-run deficit to defeat the Welland Jackfish 3-1.

The game was a pitchers' duel through the first seven innings as Barrie starter Frank Garcés and Welland's Abdiel Saldana traded zeros.

Welland finally broke through in the top of the seventh. Brendan Luther came around to score on a fielder's choice by Gianfranco Morello, giving the Jackfish a 1-0 lead despite Garcés allowing just three hits through seven innings. The veteran left-hander did not surrender an earned run while striking out five and walking two.

Barrie's offense came alive in the eighth after Nolan Machibroda reached base to spark the rally. Adam Odd stepped to the plate and launched a two-run home run over the scoreboard in right field, giving the Baycats their first lead of the night at 2-1.

The Baycats weren't finished. Brandon Hernandez later crossed the plate when Canice Ejoh dropped a soft popup into right field for an RBI single, extending Barrie's advantage to 3-1.

Carlos Sano took over in relief and shut the door, tossing two hitless innings while striking out one to earn the victory.

Odd finished 1-for-3 with the go-ahead two-run homer, while Ejoh added an RBI single. Ethan Mann also recorded a hit as Barrie collected five hits in the win.

The victory spoiled an outstanding start from Saldana, who held the Baycats to just one hit over seven scoreless innings before Welland turned the game over to its bullpen. The Baycats are now 4-0 against the defending champion Jackfish.