IBL playoffs: Jackfish even series with Leafs, Baycats take 2-0 lead over Panthers

The Welland Jackfish beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 10-3 on Sunday to even their Intercounty Baseball League semi-final series 1-1. Photo: Welland Jackfish/Twitter

September 3, 2023

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

TORONTO, Ont. – Welland’s offence came alive in the late innings of a 10-3 win over Toronto Sunday afternoon in Game 2 of the IBL semifinal.

The best-of-five series is tied 1-1.

James Smibert went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs for the Jackfish, who scored eight runs in the last two innings. Steven Moretto added a solo home run. Gianfranco Morello and Carlos Martinez each drove in two runs on a pair of hits, Caleb Feuerstake went 3-for-5 with an RBI, Ethan Hunt picked up two hits and Ethan Pasco singled twice, scored twice and drove in a run.

James Bradwell struck out nine over eight innings for the win. He allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits with a walk.

Dan Marra and Justin Marra each drove in a run for the Leafs. Johnathan Solazzo and Connor Lewis had two hits apiece, and Jose Vinicio scored twice.

Chris Nagorski was charged with three runs on three hits in one-third of an inning to take the loss. Leafs starter Daniel Procopio went seven innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits, with two walks and seven strikeouts.

Five-run eighth leads Baycats past Panthers

BARRIE, Ont. – A five-run eighth inning keyed Barrie’s 7-4 win over Kitchener on Sunday afternoon.

The Baycats lead the best-of-five series 2-0.

Starlin Rodriguez and Branfy Infante each drove in two for Barrie. Hayden Jaco, Avery Tuck and Ryan Rijo all had an RBI, while Kyle Maves went 3-for-4 with two runs.

Brad Grieveson earned the win in relief, picking up the last four outs. Juan Benitez went the first 7 2/3 innings and allowed four runs on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

For Kitchener, Elliott Curtis, Raul Gonzalez and Marcel Lacasse all drove in a run. Jett Jarvis had two hits and a run atop the lineup, and Andy Leader scored twice.

Jose Vasquez was charged with five runs on three hits over 1 1/3 innings to take the loss. He walked one and struck out one. Yamichel Perez yielded two runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings. He walked one and fanned eight.