Leafs Upset Baycats with Extra-Innings Win in Barrie

By Noam Streiffer

The Toronto Maple Leafs upset the Barrie Baycats in their first matchup of the 2025 season with a 6–4 extra-innings victory on Thursday night. It was a statement win for the Leafs, who were looking to bounce back after a tough Opening Day loss at home.

The Leafs struck early in the top of the first inning. Ryan Dos Santos got things started with a solo home run to put Toronto on the board. Jhon Javier followed with a triple and would come around to score on a fielder’s choice. Jordan Castaldo then doubled and later crossed the plate as well, giving the Leafs an early 3–0 lead.

Josh Berenbaum took the mound for Toronto in the bottom of the first, but Barrie didn’t stay quiet for long. The Baycats answered quickly with an RBI single from Willy Garcia and a sacrifice fly by Tristan Clarke to cut the lead to 3–2.

Toronto continued to apply pressure in the second inning. Rando Moreno came through with an RBI single to extend the Leafs’ lead to 4–2. Baycats starter Juan Benitez struggled with command and consistency, allowing four earned runs across four innings of work before exiting.

The middle innings were highlighted by strong relief pitching on both sides. For the Leafs, Wilgenis Alvarado was dominant, tossing three scoreless innings. He allowed just one hit and struck out six, keeping a dangerous Baycats lineup in check and preserving Toronto’s slim lead.

The Baycats finally broke through again in the bottom of the eighth. Ryan Rijo doubled home a run to make it 4–3, and Adam Odd followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 4–4.

Dustin Richardson entered in the eighth and delivered in high-pressure moments, allowing just one unearned run over 2.1 innings while striking out six. His ability to shut the door on Barrie’s offense gave the Leafs the chance they needed.

In the top of the tenth, Dennis Dei Baning came through in the clutch. The powerful outfielder launched a two-run home run to put the Leafs up 6–4. It was his second home run in just two games this season, showing early signs of being a major power threat in the middle of Toronto’s lineup.

This is a big early-season win for the Leafs against a team widely projected to sit near the top of the IBL standings.

Next up, the Leafs return home to face the London Majors at Dominico Field. First pitch is scheduled for Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 PM.