Carlos Martinez clutch hit evens series

Photo by Brandon Taylor

BARRIE - On the ropes and down to the last strike in Game four of the Dominico Cup final, the Welland Jackfish scored twice in the top of the ninth to shock Barrie and win 3-2 to even the best-of-seven series at two games apiece on a Carlos Martinez moonshot to left.

After getting a flyout and groundout to open the ninth, Baycats’ closer Brad Grieveson hit Matteo Porcellato with the first pitch of the next at-bat. Grieveson had Jackfish batter Carlos Martinez in a 1-2 hole before Martinez belted a curveball over the left-field fence at Vintage Throne Stadium to give Welland its first lead of the game. 

Welland’s Deivy Mendez struck out Canice Ejoh to finish the comeback. 

Brandon Underhill earned the win in one inning of relief. He took over from Welland starter Jake Harford, who allowed two runs on eight hits over seven innings with a pair of walks and eight strikeouts. 

Royce Ando went 4-for-4 with an RBI for Barrie, which scored in the second and seventh innings and looked headed for a third win. Carson Burns had two hits and drove in a run, and Adam Odd went 2-for-4 and scored once. 

Baycats' starter Frank Garces struck out 10 over eight innings. He gave up a run on four hits with two walks.

The Jackfish take on the Baycats in Game Five on Thursday, September 14th at Welland Stadium. First pitch is set for 7:25 p.m. For tickets and group rates, visit wellandjackfish.com/tix or call 905-735-9834.