August 8, 2024

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

Every week, a panel of IBL media experts will submit their power rankings. These submissions will be averaged to determine the official power rankings for that week. These rankings only consider game results through Sunday, August 4th

Barrie Baycats - The Barrie Baycats have surged into the top spot with impressive performances in the second half of the season. Barrie is hitting its stride, with recent victories over Welland elevating them to the number one position. Their success against the Jackfish throughout the regular season earns them a spot at the top of the rankings.

Welland Jackfish - Welland’s position is a bit more contentious, reflecting a mini-slump that has impacted their top standing. Despite this, they are still on track to achieve over 30 wins for the third consecutive season. Their recent losses to Barrie and Kitchener, combined with a packed schedule, have slightly diminished their top position, but they remain a formidable force.

Guelph Royals - The Royals continue to showcase their strength with stellar pitching and solid defence. Their recent winning streak and the addition of Drew Durst to the bullpen have fortified their standing. Guelph's consistent performance places them firmly in the top three. Additionally, Guelph’s offence has also shown recent signs of success.

London Majors - London remains in the mix for a top-four spot despite facing injury challenges. Recent wins have helped them stay competitive, but a significant loss to Welland was a low point. With crucial games ahead, including matchups against Barrie, the Majors will need to maintain their form as they wrap up their schedule heading into the playoffs.

Hamilton Cardinals - Hamilton’s recent success, with wins in four of their last six games, highlights their potential. However, errors in critical moments have been a concern. Improving late-game performance is essential for Hamilton as they aim to make a significant playoff run.

Chatham-Kent Barnstormers - Chatham-Kent’s balanced offence keeps them competitive, but inconsistency in starting pitching and extended relief appearances have been problematic. Recent losses to London, despite a win over Brantford, reflect their volatile performance. They sit just outside the top tier but remain a team to watch.

Toronto Maple Leafs - Toronto has had a mixed week with a notable win over Chatham-Kent, but struggles with pitching and errors persist. The Leafs have shown potential, especially with standout performances like Justin Marra’s impressive game against the Barnstormers, but need to address their inconsistencies to climb higher in the rankings.

Kitchener Panthers - Kitchener’s recent win over Welland ended an eight-game losing streak and improved their standing. Although they are still recovering from previous losses, this victory indicates a possible turnaround.

Brantford Red Sox - Brantford is in a critical phase, with recent losses putting them on the brink of missing the playoffs. Their recent string of defeats and inability to close out games have been major issues. With just a few games left, they must address these challenges quickly to secure a playoff spot.