The Barrie Baycats fell just short of a second consecutive IBL title, losing to the Welland Jackfish in the finals series.
The Jackfish bested Barrie 4-1 in their best-of-seven series, clinching the title 15-5 in a decisive Game 5 victory on Sunday in front of 3,248 fans at Welland Stadium.
Despite the defeat, the Baycats set a new franchise record in attendance, according to the team, which plays at Athletic Kulture Stadium. The stadium sits 1,500 fans.
The league itself set a new attendance record, welcoming 218,648 fans at games across nine cities. It was an increase of more than 34,000 compared to last year.
It was the third consecutive year the IBL ā Canada’s oldest baseball league ā set a new attendance record.