The Barrie Baycats are halfway to their eighth Intercounty Baseball league (IBL) crown in franchise history.
Following a 5-3 victory on Sunday night over the Welland Jackfish at Vintage Throne Stadium in Midhurst, the local IBL team now leads the best-of-seven Dominico Cup final series, 2-0.
Barrie slugger Ryan Rijo drove in two runs and pitcher Juan Benitez threw eight innings en route to the win. Benitez allowed three runs on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
Canice Ejoh went 2-for-4 at the plate and scored three times atop the Baycats’ lineup, while Royce Ando singled twice and scored and Kyle Maves added an RBI.
For Welland, Steven Moretto singled and added a solo home run. James Smibert went 2-for-4 with a run, while Caleb Feuerstake and Matteo Porcellato each had an RBI.
Ben Abram took the loss on the mound, giving up five runs (four earned) on nine hits over six innings. He fanned four without issuing a walk.
PLAYOFFS
WELLAND (1) VS. BARRIE (3)
Barrie leads best-of-seven series 2-0
Game 1: Barrie 4, Welland 3
Game 2: Barrie 5, Welland 3
Game 3: Tuesday, Sept. 12 at Welland, 7:25 p.m.
Game 4: Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Barrie, 7:35 p.m.
*Game 5: Thursday, Sept. 14 at Welland, 7:25 p.m.
*Game 6: Saturday, Sept. 16 at Barrie, 7:05 p.m.
*Game 7: Sunday, Sept. 17 at Welland, 4:05 p.m.
*If necessary
