After a slow start to the season, the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers are heating up.
The Barnstormers got off to a 2-5 start to the season, but they have rattled off four wins in a row since then and are currently riding the longest win streak in the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL). That win streak helped push the Barnstormers up the power rankings to number two in the power rankings for Week Four behind only the 8-1 Welland Jackfish.
Barnstormers owner Dom Dinelle says it will be nice to get a bit of a break now after a busy stretch.
"It was a tough week... we had six games over 10 days, so it was tough on the players, on the pitchers, on everybody, and we managed to do it," said Dinelle. "We've got a little break this week... and playing at home on Saturday will be awesome for sure."
During their win streak, the Barnstormers were bolstered by their bullpen with closer Garret Day being named a co-winner of the IBL's "Pitcher of the Week" award for June 2-8 with Barrie Baycats starter Frank Garces.
Rookie Evan Morrison also helped out at the plate for the Barnstormers, going 8-for-15 with one home run and five RBIs in the past week.
"On the mound, we're doing really, really good," said Dinelle. "Garrett Day with three saves, offensively and defensively we have maybe... let's not jinx it... maybe the IBL rookie of the year in the lineup with Evan Morrison."
The Barnstormers have a busy weekend coming up after a six-day break.
The action starts with a Father's Day theme on Saturday where fans will have a chance to go on the field about 15 minutes before the game to play catch.
The team is also looking forward to another addition to the park, which has been on hold for a while now. Dinelle said the new grandstands should be in by the end of June.
"First it was May 1st, then June 1st, and this is where we are at," said Dinelle. "People manage anyway, they bring lawn chairs or whatever... we're going to have 544 more [seats]."
The Barnstormers will face the Hamilton Cardinals at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday at Fergie Jenkins Field before heading to Toronto on Sunday to face the Toronto Maple Leafs at 2 p.m. at Dominico Field at Christie Pits.