Panthers open final with extra-inning win

BARRIE – Keegan Marsden's one-out single in the top of the 11th scored Brian Burton for the game's only run as the Kitchener Panthers opened the 100th Intercounty Baseball League final with a 1-0 win over the Barrie Baycats Tuesday night at Coates Stadium.

Game 2 is Thursday night in Kitchener.

The Panthers improved to 8-0 in the playoffs after Burton tripled to centre-field on a full count and scored three pitches later.

Burton finished 3-for-5, while Marsden and Tanner Nivins had two hits apiece.

Three Panthers pitchers combined to one-hit the reigning four-time champs. Starter Noelvis Entenza didn't allow a hit over seven innings, walking four and striking out eight.

Mike Schnurr (2-0) picked up the win after striking out two and walking two. The only Baycats' hit came in the bottom of the 10th when Branfy Infante singled with one out.

Miguel Lahera earned his first save with a perfect 11th inning.

Chris Nagorski took the loss, giving up a run on three hits in two innings. He walked one and struck out one.

Barrie starter Frank Garces went nine innings, scattering seven hits with two walks and eight strikeouts.

Offensively, Jordan Castaldo and Kyle DeGrace each had a stolen base.