BRIAN BACKLAND PHOTOGRAPHY 

By Ryan Eakin

MIDHURST, ON - Another comeback.

The Barrie Baycats defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 15-10 on Thursday evening to improve to 24-8 on the regular season.

With the loss, the Maple Leafs fall to 13-18.

Baycats reliever Adam Hawes recorded the victory, tossing one and two-thirds of an inning while giving up one earned run on two hits and zero base on balls, while striking out one batter along the way.

Baycats designated hitter Starlin Rodriguez led the way at the plate, going two-for-five with one base on balls.

He hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the third inning.

Maple Leafs reliever Jackson Jones took the loss, tossing one inning while giving up five earned runs on two hits and five base on balls, while striking out zero batters along the way.

TORONTO - 10-15-1

BARRIE - 15-11-1

BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: Down 7-6 in the bottom of the third inning, Rodriguez hit a three-run no doubter to left field to give the Baycats a 9-7 lead.

That would be the last time the Baycats trailed for the rest of the game.

NICEST PLAY OF THE GAME: The biggest play, and the nicest play, Rodriguez's home run electrified Coates Stadium. 

Staring his home run down followed by a bat flip, it was clear Rodriguez was pretty excited too.

POST-GAME QUOTES: "Down 7-1, I don't think anyone stressed," said Baycats centre fielder Glenn Jackson. "I'd rather be down 7-1 in the second than down 7-1 in the seventh or eighth."

"It was one of those depth days," added Jackson. Missing Jordan Castaldo, Kyle DeGrace, Stevie (Lewis), Brandon (Dhue and Kevin Atkinson, that is a lot of guys. But they are getting ready for a great time celebrating (the wedding) of Laura and Kyle DeGrace, 

"Just imagine when they are here though. Just how much tougher it is for other teams. You got a guy like Tim Smith (0-3 tonight with one base on balls), you shouldn't stress. That guy is using to facing (Aroldis) Chapman. You should hear some of his stories."

"I don't know if you noticed but we aren't striking out as much, which is good," said Jackson. I think having those four days off really helped us. We needed a break. Things are going to start flying by next Tuesday so it was nice to have that break."

"They're always dangerous," Jackson said of the slumping Leafs. "Like I keep saying, home field is key. You don't wanna be in the Pits for a game seven, you don't want to be in Kitchener for a game seven and you don't want to be in London for a game seven. You want to be here, in your home, with a good crowd and the comfort of your environment."

The Baycats don't return to action until next Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs from Christie Pits in Toronto.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 pm.