BARRIE – Barrie starting pitcher Juan Benitez struck out five over eight dominant innings, and the Baycats moved one win from an IBL title following a 6-1 home victory over Guelph in Game 3 on Thursday night.
Benitez (3-0) scattered seven hits and walked two. His shutout was spoiled in the eighth when Guelph’s Garrett Takamatsu singled home Ashton Patterson with two outs for his third hit of the night.
Barrie’s Brandon Hernandez went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs. Teammate Canice Ejoh had three hits and scored twice, and Malik Williams, Nolan Machibroda and Royce Ando all drove in a run.
Guelph starting pitcher Evan Grills (3-1) allowed six runs on 10 hits over seven innings. He walked one and struck out 13.
Barrie can wrap up the series and clinch the title Saturday in Guelph.
