Early Reading Offense Overwhelms on Friday
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (30-36) dropped a 6-2 result to the Reading Fightin Phils (29-37) at Delta Dental Stadium Friday. The Fisher Cats managed four hits on the night, while the Fightin Phils scored five of their first six runs in the first four innings. After
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (30-36) dropped a 6-2 result to the Reading Fightin Phils (29-37) at Delta Dental Stadium Friday. The Fisher Cats managed four hits on the night, while the Fightin Phils scored five of their first six runs in the first four innings.
After a 30-minute rain delay, Reading launched an early attack against Fisher Cats starter C.J. Van Eyk (L, 2-5). Doubles from Fightin Phils’ first baseman Carson Taylor and second baseman Trevor Schwecke scored two runs in the top of the first. Center fielder Marcus Lee Sang hit a two-run home run in the top of the second. After 1 ½ innings, the visitors led, 4-0.
Van Eyk’s outing lasted 3 1/3 innings; the right-hander gave up five runs on eight hits. Van Eyk struck out three, including a swinging K in a one-two-three third. After Van Eyk left the game, New Hampshire’s bullpen held Reading to one run in 5 2/3 innings.
New Hampshire fought back with two runs in the bottom of the third. First baseman Glenn Santiago was hit by a pitch with one out, then outfielder Devonte Brown doubled to left field. Santiago raced to third, then took home on a throwing error. Brown advanced to third on the wild throw home. The next batter, shortstop Josh Kasevich, lifted a sacrifice fly to right field and Brown tagged and scored.
Hunter Gregory was New Hampshire's first call to the bullpen to escape a bases-loaded snafu in the top of the fourth. He struck out four in his 1 2/3 innings. Right-hander Anders Tolhurst made his Fisher Cats debut and needed five pitches to retire three batters in the sixth. Adrian Hernandez struck out the side in the seventh; Justin Kelly and Juan Nuñez posted zeros in the eighth and ninth innings.
Reading’s Taylor posted four of the Fightin Phils 12 hits.
Cats manager Cesar Martin celebrated his birthday Friday at the ballpark. Martin, 45, is one win away from tying Bobby Meacham for the most wins in Fisher Cats franchise history (204).
Saturday night is Country Night, presented by Belletetes, at Delta Dental Stadium. First pitch between the Fisher Cats and Fightin Phils is set for 6:35 PM EDT. New Hampshire starts LHP Trenton Wallace (3-2, 3.95 ERA) on Saturday night. Reading calls on former Fisher Cat Max Castillo (0-0, 0.00 ERA).
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].