The Barrie Baycats fell agonizingly short as they were knocked out by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the best-of-three semi-finals of the IBL Dominico Cup.

The Baycats, who were looking to retain their title from two years ago, lost two straight games to the Maple Leafs, including a tense 13-11 loss at Coates Stadium.

Barrie made the playoffs following a fifth-place finish in the division, which included 14 wins in the 30-game regular season. The Baycats then swept the Welland Jackfish in the first round of the playoffs but were eventually undone by a strong Maple Leafs team in the next round.

Barrie Baycats GM Josh Matlow said after the game on the Baycats website: “Obviously you want to win, but when it comes down to it, the boys gave it their all, and that’s all I can ask for as a coaching staff. It’s great to see that guys want to be a part of this, and I think moving forward, in the next couple of years, we’re going to be a really, really good team. I’m really excited about the core of guys.

“Nobody wants to lose, and I apologize to the fanbase and the organization for not bringing home another championship, but when push comes to shove, we gave it our all, and that’s all we can ask for.”

Matlow continued: “I honestly can’t wait to get started again; I don’t want this to end. It was almost like a dream.”
Infielder Ryan Rijo starred with the bat for Barrie this season. He posted a .412 average and 40 hits in 23 games while new signing Juan Benitez and lights-out reliever Brad Grieveson led the way pitching department, recording a 3.04 and a 3.32 ERA, respectively.

For more information on the Barrie Baycats, visit their website www.barriebaycats.com

Photo Credit – Bob Hurley Photography