Somerset Series Begins with Cats Loss

MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-42, 51-80) couldn’t match the bats of the Somerset Patriots (39-24, 70-61) in the opener of the final series of 2024, losing 8-2. After plating two runs in the third, New Hampshire was blanked for the final seven innings.

Somerset right fielder Elijah Dunham clubbed two three-run home runs to lead the Patriots’ offense.

Cats starter Lazaro Estrada (L, 3-5) gave up five runs over 3 2/3 innings. The right-hander struck out eight batters, two in each inning; eight of the 11 outs Estrada recorded were strikeouts. Righty Kevin Miranda followed out of the bullpen and allowed three runs in 3 1/3 innings while striking out four. Johnathan Lavallee sat down three in order in the eighth, one via strikeout. All of Somerset’s runs were earned — both teams played errorless baseball.

Patriots starter Trystan Vrieling (W, 12-7) tossed a quality start: six innings pitched, and two runs allowed. Righties Luis Velazquez and Clayton Beeter posted zeroes in the final three innings.

The Patriots struck first in the bottom of the second. The first five batters reached base; runs scored on second baseman Anthony Siegler’s RBI double and Dunham’s first of two homers.

The Fisher Cats responded in the top of the third. Catcher Robert Brooks singled to lead off the frame, then center fielder Dasan Brown doubled into the left field corner. Eddinson Paulino, in his Fisher Cats debut, grounded to first to plate Brooks, then Charles McAdoo hit a sacrifice fly to left to bring Brown home and cut Somerset’s lead to 4-2.

The Patriots struck back in the fourth, as Spencer Jones singled in Alexander Vargas, then Dunham’s second blast in the fifth broke the game open.

New Hampshire plays game No. 132 Wednesday night at 6:35 PM EDT against Somerset. The Fisher Cats send Blue Jays No. 9 Prospect Adam Macko (5-4, 4.42 ERA) to the hill for his first Double-A start since July 2. RHP Bailey Dees (6-7, 4.28 ERA) takes the mound for Somerset.

Every Fisher Cats home game is streamed live on MiLB.tv and through the Bally Live App; fans can listen to every Fisher Cats game on the Fisher Cats Radio Network.

Fans can purchase multi-game memberships and single-game tickets at NHFishercats.com, via email at [email protected], by phone at (603) 641-2005, and in-person at the Fisher Cats box office on 1 Line Drive in Manchester.

About the New Hampshire Fisher Cats

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays and play their games at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. Over 155 former Fisher Cats have reached the Major League level. The Fisher Cats have raised millions of dollars for various charities through the Fisher Cats Foundation and continuously strive to improve the quality of life for Granite State residents. The organization has been recognized as New Hampshire Business Review’s “Best Sporting Event to Take Clients to”, Parenting New Hampshire Magazine’s “New Hampshire’s Favorite Sporting Event for Families”, and New Hampshire Magazine’s “Best New Hampshire Sports Team”. For more information on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, please visit NHFisherCats.com, call (603) 641-2005, or contact Chris Jared via email at [email protected].