Panthers win 7-1 over Baycats

Kitchener, ON – The Kitchener Panthers displayed plenty of power against the Barrie Baycats today, securing a 7-1 victory. The Panthers' offence did its job, combined with solid pitching, leading Kitchener to victory.

From the start, Kitchener found success with the long ball. The Panthers took an early lead with a solo homer by Blake Jacklin in the bottom of the first inning. They extended their advantage in the second inning with a home run from Ryan Burnside and a sac fly from Jett Jarvis.

Despite getting runners on base, the Baycats' offence failed to convert opportunities into runs. The only run for Barrie came in the top of the fourth inning when Malik Williams drove in Ryan Rijo with a single, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

Kitchener responded in the bottom of the fifth inning, plating two more runs thanks to a Raul Gonzalez two-run double. Burnside went deep again in the sixth, adding to the lead.

Kitchener starter Pedro De Los Santos (W, 4-4) delivered eight innings of one-run ball, striking out nine and allowing six hits. Relief pitcher Danny Garcia closed out the game with a scoreless ninth inning, adding three strikeouts to his credit.

Baycats starter Juan Benitez (L, 6-1) suffered his first loss of the season. He surrendered five earned runs on six hits over five innings, including two home runs. Relief efforts from Braedan Pakkala and Ryan Lacasse quieted the Panthers for the rest of the game, but it was not enough.

Panthers win 7-1.