Panthers Use Big Sixth Inning to Defeat Baycats; Force a Game Five Tomorrow Night in Midhurst

by Ryan Eakin

KITCHENER - Champagne on ice.

The Kitchener Panthers defeated the Barrie Baycats 5-1 on Wednesday evening to cut the Baycats' best-of-seven series championship series lead to 3-1.

Panthers starter Jasvir Rakkar recorded the victory, tossing six and one-third of an inning while giving up one earned run on six hits and one base on balls while striking out four batters along the way.

Panthers catcher Mike Gordner led the way at the plate, going one-for-three with one base on balls. 

He hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to give the Panthers a 4-1 lead.

Baycats starter Emilis Guerrero took the loss, tossing six innings while giving up five earned runs on five hits and three bases on balls while striking out five batters.

BARRIE - 1-6-0

KITCHENER - 5-6-0

BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: Tied at one in the bottom of the sixth inning, Gordner's go-ahead three-run home run was all the Panthers needed to prevail this evening.

BY THE NUMBERS: 1. Tonight's game four loss was the Baycats' first loss of the postseason.

3. For the first time since joining the Baycats in 2016, Guerrero walked three batters tonight.

It is the most batters he has ever walked in a game since joining the league and team.

NEXT UP: Game five of this series takes place tomorrow evening from Coates Stadium in Midhurst.

First pitch is set for 7:30 PM.

For more information, follow the Baycats on Facebook and Twitter at @iblbaycats and on Instagram at @barriebaycats.

And remember that you can buy tickets for all of our home games online HERE.

Photo: Brian Backland/Brian Backland Photography