The Maple Leafs stunned the London Majors last night in game seven of their semi-finals match. Having been down 5-1 by the fifth inning and 5-4 to start the ninth, the Maple Leafs scored six in the top of the final inning to take the eventual 10-6 victory and book their first finals visit since 2007 when they won it all.
The long-debated sports argument of whether it’s better to get some rest or keep playing uninterrupted during the playoffs will be answered soon.
Barrie has had quite the layoff as the Baycats swept the Kitchener Panthers on Aug. 20 and will play their first game in 10 days as the finals begin Tuesday August 30.
The Maple Leafs will have one day off and then have to compete against the back to back and defending Dominico Trophy Champion Baycats. Barrie manager Angus Roy is not worried about the layoff for his team and knows they can deal with it.
“If we were a young team I would be more mindful of the ten day wait,” said Roy. “This is a veteran locker room and we’ve even been through it before. Two years ago we had the bye and faced Brantford in their second round. We got it done then because of the work ethic this team shows every time they step on the field.”
The season series isn’t helpful in determining who has the edge as the Baycats do hold a four games to two lead during the regular season, but a very close one as they only out-scored the Leafs 48-44.
Barrie is known for having a very smooth and complete game while Toronto are looking like the can’t-die squad, coming back twice from the brink of defeat to get to the finals.
Toronto was down three games to two in the first round against the Brantford Red Sox and managed to win a game seven there too. The adrenaline will be running high through the Leafs and the Baycats will be ready for it.
“Toronto is definitely pumped right now, but we’ll be weary of their incredible offense before we think about their energy,” said Roy. “That team is very gifted with the bats and we will have to counter with our pitching. I feel we have the strongest three starters we could ask for in Guerrero, St. Kitts and Rowe and I’m just as confident in our bullpen. This is going to be a good series.”
In what will be no secret to anyone, Emilis Guerrero will take the mound for the Baycats when the championship series starts at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday night in Barrie. The stats for the Barrie pitchers are staggering as they are as good as it gets, if you’re a Baycats fan.
Emilis Guerrero: 3 wins, 31 strikeouts, 1.36 ERA
Matthew St. Kitts: 3 wins, 30 strikeouts, 2.14 ERA
Adam Rowe: 2 wins, 13 strikeouts, 0.00 ERA
It will make for a tough mound to beat for any team, but cautious manager Roy knows that the Baycats are heading to arguably the most famous diamond in the province.
The Maple Leafs play out of Christie Pits Park and Dominico Field, name after long-time owners Jack and Lynne Dominico who’s name also adorns the league’s trophy.
The Pits have been around as such since the early 1900’s and besides being the scene of the 1933 Christie Pits riot, the field of play is known throughout the IBL teams.
“Expect the unexpected at Christie Pits,” laughed Roy. “It’s weird, it’s awesome, it’s brutal, it’s great, its every adjective you can think of.”
The emotions will be high as the two teams compete hard against each other every time they play; and not just because there are points on the line. There is a lot of history between the players on each team and this could be a personal thing too, despite the motto of the Baycats 2016 season being a Business Trip.
Last year’s Glenn Jackson was the media darling with his honest and dramatic approach to the game he loves and a ring that had eluded him. Now back to the big game with his first title behind him, the energetic outfielder is excited to play what he considers to be home games all series.
“I grew up in the Pits,” said Jackson. “Me and DeGrace have known each other since we were kids and it’s the field we learned to play on and dreamed of playing big games like the ones coming up. Every night will be a home cooked meal whether we’re in Barrie or at one of the guy’s houses in Toronto. This is going to be a very fun few games of baseball.”
As the closest team to Barrie in the IBL, Toronto is a natural rival for the Baycats and their fan base. To the players, it can be a little deeper.
One of about seven Baycats players who at one time played for the Maple Leafs organization and maybe left feeling a little empty, Jackson is excited to play against fellow ball players he respects despite his feelings for the team he once played for.
“I think some guys may leave there not having the best exit and it creates a great story for sure, but as far as the guys on the field, it’s all respect,” said Jackson. “We totally respect the hitting and power on that team and know the damage they can. I’m confident in our pitching and know our boys can get it done, but Toronto has battled through 14 games to get where they are; they won’t roll over.”
The series schedule:
Tuesday, Aug. 30 in Barrie 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 31 in Toronto 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 1 Barrie 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 2 Toronto 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 Barrie 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 7 Toronto 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 8 Barrie 7:30 p.m.
