Reading’s Seventh Inning Spoils Estrada’s Strong Start 

MANCHESTER, NH — One big inning downed the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (6-18, 36-56) in their battle against the Reading Fightin Phils (11-14, 42-52) at Delta Dental Stadium Saturday, 7-0. Fisher Cats right-hander Lazaro Estrada (L, 0-3) tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings before the Fightin Phils plated seven runs in the top of the seventh.

Estrada allowed one hit in the first, then proceeded to retire 19 straight Reading batters. The righty struck out three in that span. Reading starter Robinson Pina (W, 11-4) was just as good, as he tossed seven shutout innings and struck out nine. Pina allowed two hits, one to Josh Kasevich and one to Gabby Martinez.

After two quick outs in the top of the seventh, Fightin Phils first baseman Carson Taylor walked. Estrada put the next batter, Otto Kemp, in an 0-2 hole, but Kemp stroked a fastball over the right field fence to move Reading in front, 2-0. Estrada then walked Leandro Pineda; the walk ended the outing for the Fisher Cats starter. The Fightin Phils scored four more runs, three of which were earned, against Hunter Gregory. Back-to-back singles, a hit batter and a double with an error attached made it 7-0, Reading.

Andrew Bechtold and Juan Nuñez tossed scoreless frames to keep the Fightin Phils off the board in the eighth and ninth.

The series wraps up between Reading and New Hampshire on Sunday, July 28. First pitch is set for 1:35 PM EDT. Fisher Cats right-hander C.J. Van Eyk (2-7, 6.69 ERA) faces Fightin Phils RHP Eiberson Castellano (1-0, 3.00 ERA).

After Sunday’s contest, New Hampshire hits the road for six games against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. The Cats return home on August 6 to face the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, for six contests. Promotional nights during the Erie homestand include Love Your Heart night presented by Dartmouth Health, 90s Night with a Fanny Pack giveaway, presented by Fidium Fiber, and postgame Atlas fireworks. The series concludes on Sunday, August 11 with a 1:35 PM EDT first pitch on First Responders Day.

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].