Baseball / Garces pitches six innings of one-run ball as Baycats hang on to beat Herd

Garces pitches six innings of one-run ball as Baycats hang on to beat Herd

Date:  Source: IBL: Barrie Baycats

 

Brian Backland 

 

By Ryan Eakin

 

BURLINGTON, ON - Hanging on.

 

The Barrie Baycats defeated the Burlington Herd 8-6 on Thursday evening to improve to 17-8 on the regular season.

 

With the loss, the Herd fall to 7-17.

 

Baycats starter Frank Garces recorded the victory, tossing six innings while giving up one earned run on four hits and one base on balls, while striking out five batters along the way.

 

Baycats first basemen Jeff Cowan led the way at the plate, going three-for-four with one base on balls.

 

Baycats reliever Chris Nagorski recorded the save.

 

Herd starter Trent Lungsford took the loss, tossing two and two-thirds of an inning while giving up seven earned runs on eight hits and three base on balls, while striking out two batters along the way.

 

BARRIE - 8-12-0

 

BURLINGTON - 6-12-1

 

BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: With the tying run at the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning, Nagorski struck out Herd hitter Reese OFarrell for the final out of the ball game, ending the Herd's comeback attempt.

 

NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE GAME: Baycats designated hitter Ryan Rijo announced yesterday that he has signed with the University of New Mexico for his junior year.

 

Last month, Rijo was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies, but ultimately decided not to sign.

 

Meanwhile, with tonight's save, Nagorski tied former Baycats closer Kyle Payne for the most saves in franchise history.

 

BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THE GAME: The depth of the Baycats lineup is legit.

 

Without catcher Kyle DeGrace, Rijo and second basemen Branfy Infante, the Baycats lineup still managed to score eight runs, despite two of their best hitters -- first basemen Jordan Castaldo and second basemen Kevin Atkinson -- going a combined 0-8.

 

Their depth is the best in the Intercounty. 

 

UP NEXT: The Baycats return to action Saturday evening against the Hamilton Cardinals from Coates Stadium in Midhurst.

 

Start time is set for 7:00 pm.