WHALEN'S LATE HOME RUN PUSHES PANTHERS PAST BAYCATS

July 27, 2021

BARRIE -- Stephen Whalen's solo home run with two out in the top of the eighth was the difference in the Kitchener Panthers' 3-2 win in Barrie Tuesday night. 

Whalen sent Aidan Rossel's first pitch over the Coates Stadium fence for his third hit of the night as the first-place Panthers improved to 5-1. Jason Kauffeldt had Kitchener's other RBI, while Andy Leader picked up a pair of hits and a steal atop the lineup. 

Jacob Douglas (1-0) struck out eight and didn't issue a walk in 4.1 no-hit innings of relief. Ryan Douglas started and went 4.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits with five walks and a strikeout.

For Barrie (3-5), David LeBlanc and Jeff Cowan each singled and drove in a run. The Baycats only had three hits in the game. 

Rossel (0-1) only allowed the home run in two innings. He struck out two. Starter Juan Benitez struck out seven over seven innings. He gave up two runs on nine hits with three walks.