Seven-run sixth sparks Barnstormers

CHATHAM –  With its offence scuffling through five innings, Chatham-Kent broke out with a bat-round sixth inning to pull away from Barrie in a 12-4 win Saturday afternoon at Fergie Jenkins Field.

The Barnstormers, after scoring two runs on three hits to that point, sent 12 batters to the plate in the sixth inning and scored seven times. Jalen Butcher had the biggest of six Chatham hits in the inning, driving in two with a double. Anthony Polowick and Braxton Haggith each drove in two and scored twice, with Haggith connecting on a solo home run. Daniel Battel went 2-for-4 with three RBI, and Seth Strong singled and went deep with the bases empty.

Chatham improved to 4-8.

Noah Richardson (2-0) earned the win in relief, allowing two runs in two innings with three strikeouts. He didn’t allow a hit but was hurt by six walks. Chatham starting pitcher Brock Whitson lasted five innings, giving up two runs on four hits with five walks and two punchouts.

Noel McGarry-Doyle went 3-for-5 with an RBI for Barrie (8-4). Noah Hull picked up two hits, while Zac Orchard and Brad McQuinn had an RBI. Barrie starting pitcher Carlos Sano (0-2) was charged with five runs on five hits over 5.1 innings. He walked three and fanned four.