Leafs use longball to take Game 1 against Baycats

Photo by Derek Craig

TORONTO -- Three different Toronto players went deep, and the Maple Leafs moved one game from the IBL final after a 10-5 win to open their semifinal against Barrie Wednesday night at Christie Pits. 

Marcus Knecht went 2-for-5 with a two-run blast to cap a five-run first inning and erase an early 3-0 deficit. Jordan Castaldo and Justin Marra each had two hits, including a home run, and two RBI. They combined to score five runs. Sean Reilly went 4-for-5, Garret Takamatsu drove in two, and Connor Lewis scored twice. 

Marek Deska (2-0) went five innings for the win, allowing five runs on eight hits with two walks and eight strikeouts. 

Avery Tuck led Barrie with a single and two home runs. He drove in three and scored three times. Ryan Rijo and Branfy Infante each had two hits and an RBI, and James Anderson singled and doubled. 

Andrew Grieder (1-1) took the loss, giving up nine runs on nine hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 2.2 innings.