Baycats Beat Jackfish In Game 2, Advance to IBL Semifinals

MIDHURST - Series over!

On Saturday afternoon at Coates Stadium, the Barrie Baycats defeated the Welland Jackfish 6-2 in game two of their playoff series. The win wraps up the quarterfinal matchup; the Baycats won the series 2-0.

“I can’t even put it into words, man,” said Avery Tuck moments after the game ended. “That was awesome, it was an amazing series and I am very happy we came out with the win...going to the next one, it will be amazing.”

Josh Matlow was also thrilled with the outcome. “I can’t explain how amazing it feels to have everything come full circle, and have that first series under our belt as a coaching staff.”

Marcel Lacasse delivered the biggest blow. In the bottom of the third inning, he stepped to the plate with the bases loaded. He lined a double into the right-center field gap to drive in three runs and extend the Baycats lead to 4-0. Barrie would add one more run before the inning came to an close; shortstop Carson Burns lined a single to score Lacasse. That made the game 5-2 at the time.  

“Marcel is a huge part of our squad,” Matlow added. “That was his best at-bat of the year. He was 0-2 and worked all the way back, then delivered a massive blow. The entire team was thrilled for him.”

Juan Benitez was given the ball today for the Baycats. The starter was terrific as he would go 6 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. He struck out seven. At the end of his outing, he'd hear a ton of support from the fans in the form of a standing ovation from the big crowd at Coates Stadium.

“Juan has been great for us all season," said Matlow following the ace's performance. “He didn’t want to give up the ball when he came out. You can see the passion in his eyes. We are excited to see him pitching well...wanting to be a part of it all.”

Brandon Hillier, who would come into the game in relief, was able to get out of the bases loaded jam without allowing a run. He would come out and pitch a scoreless eighth inning, setting up a great situation for Barrie closer Brad Grieveson.

Grieveson would pitch a terrific ninth inning to seal the series for the Baycats, as he got Eric Merriott to ground out to shortstop. Carson Burns threw the ball to first, and the Baycats sealed their win. “It’s special seeing Brad close both games [to secure the] the win. After all these years and playing with him, we get to see him do it again.” said Matlow.

“It was nice to come in and close it out in quick fashion,” said Grieveson postgame. “It’s especially nice to close it out in front of a really nice crowd here today.” 

For more information on the 2021 Intercounty Baseball League Postseason, stay tuned to BarrieBaycats.com, as well as our social media channels. You can follow the Baycats on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for details. 

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Photo: Bob Hurley/Bob Hurley Photography