BAYCATS GET MUCH NEEDED WIN IN BLOWOUT OVER GUELPH

BARRIE – The losing streak is over as the Barrie Baycats win big tonight against the Guelph Royals by a final score of 10-2. A much-needed win for Barrie as they get back to 500 with 2 more games to play this weekend. 

It was all about the offense in this game. 10 runs on 12 hits to help Baycats starter Juan Benítez pick up his first win of the season. Benítez pitched 5 innings giving up a run on 3 hits and striking out 3. Yomar Concepcion was charged with the loss pitching 4 innings and giving up 8 runs. Chris Cox and Brandon Hillier both picked up scoreless innings in relief while Aidan Rossel threw 2 innings following Juan’s start.  

Time to talk about the hitting because there was a lot that happened. It started with a solo home run by Tristan Pompey giving the Royals the early advantage in the top of the first. Not to worry though as Ryan Rijo tied it hitting an RBI single scoring Canice Ejoh in the bottom half. Then, in the bottom of the second, Josh Cote hit a 1-out base hit and later came around on a Carson Burns double giving the Baycats their first lead of the night. 

They would then go on to score 3 in the third thanks to a 2-run double from Adam Odd that was followed by another hit from Cote which brought in Odd making it 5-1. A few innings later the bats were at it again. It started with another RBI from Odd, 2 outs later Burns drove in 2 more and Noel McGarry-Doyle capped the 4-run inning with his first base hit of the season driving in Josh Tibbits 

Tonight’s Baycats player of the game was Adam Odd. Along with his 2 RBI double and run-scoring single, Odd absolutely crushed a home run over the right field wall. That blast was Adam’s first of the season and the third home run hit by Barrie so far in 2023. 

Well, unfortunately, it is not a Barrie Baycats 2023 regular season game without an injury. This time it came at the expense of the hot-hitting Starlin Rodriguez. After being struck by a pitch on the hand in the third inning, Rodriguez left the game with what looked to be a wrist injury. But here is some good news. Baycats pitcher Christian Mullen, who was taken out of a game earlier this season with a shoulder problem, was seen throwing in the bullpen by Baycats TV Broadcaster Julius Hern. This is a good sign as Mullen may be ready to return this weekend. 

After the game, Julius Hern and Dylan Quinn caught up with a few Baycats players to chat about the win. 

“Yeah we needed that win for sure,” said Adam Odd. “It’s nice to get the bats going again,” he added. Adam also talked about the good start from Juan Benítez. “He was pitching with a little bit of swag.”  They also spoke with the new Baycat Canice Ejoh and he had some kind words for his new team. “I felt really welcome here,” he said. “I’m excited – to help the team.”

Baycats President and Manager Josh Matlow also spoke on the win and his thoughts. “Having Noel back in the lineup – It just changes the whole dynamic,” said Matlow. Josh also talked about the great athleticism of Canice Ejoh. But, most importantly he gave an update on Starlin Rodriguez. Starlin has some swelling but the team is confident in his recovery. 

Now back at an even record, Barrie will head on the road this weekend for 2 games. Saturday’s game is against these Guelph Royals as the Baycats will travel to Guelph. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 pm at Hastings Stadium. Tune into Baycats Radio: Exclusively on Baycats TV as Patrick Melbourne and Julius Hern will once again have the call. If you are looking to make a road trip to Guelph you can buy tickets here. 

CHECK OUT FOR FULL BROADCAST OF THIS GAME ON BAYCATS TV FEATURING PATRICK MELBOURNE AND JULIUS HERN. THE BROADCAST WAS PRODUCED BY BRIAN BACKLAND WITH THE HELP OF JOSEPH NARDELLA.