It's over the midway point of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) season and team officials with the Barrie Baycats like what they have seen but expect more.
They sit second in the standings at 17-9 heading into the all-star game today.
Josh Matlow, President, GM, & Manager says he thought the mix of young and veteran players would have come together a little earlier in the season.
"We dropped a few games that we should have had, and we could have been at the top of the standings at this point," Matlow told Barrie 360. "But we're just grateful that everything's starting to click and the boys are starting to mesh.
What does the team need to work on?
"I think getting the lead early," said Matlow. "We have some seriously good pitching right now. They've been putting us on their backs all season. The problem is we've either been in close ball games or haven't scored yet or it's been 1-1. You go up four or five runs, it's going to be very tough to beat us."
The Baycats are shy of the Welland Jackfish (21-6) for first place, with Matlow saying they are always keeping an on the club - Welland beat Barrie in the IBL championship series last year, and host this year's all-star game.
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Eight Baycats will take to the field today as part of the north all-stars:
- Pitcher: Juan Benítez
- Pitcher: Cesar Rosado
- Pitcher: Frank Garces
- Catcher: Hayden Jaco
- Infielder: Malik Williams
- Infielder: Nolan Machibroda
- Outfielder: Canice Ejoh
- DH/Outfielder: Noel McGarry-Doyle
"It obviously speaks volumes on how hard our guys play and how much they love coming out to the yard," said Matlow, who was chosen to coach the north all-stars.
"I'm happy they got the recognition. I'm happy that they get to represent Barrie on the big stage."
This is the first time the league will have all-star festivities since 2016 when the IBL All-Stars beat the Canadian junior national team 6-1 at Coates Stadium in Midhurst.
"It's good exposure for sure," Matlow said about the return of the festivities.
"A lot of work put in behind it, so kudos to our commissioner and Welland for hosting it. I think it's great for the league."
The home run derby kicks things off at 2:00 p.m. and will feature eight players in a three-round single elimination format.
Then the first pitch of the main game is at 6:05 p.m.
- With files from Julius Hern
