Newman, Hobson Lead Fisher Cats To Win
MANCHESTER, NH--- Matt Newman and K.C. Hobson had big nights as the Fisher Cats toppled Akron 8-5 before 7,028 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium on Saturday night.
Newman drove in a career-high four runs and Hobson had three hits including a two-run double for the Fisher Cats, who snapped Akron's five-game win streak.
The RubberDucks (70-57) scored a run in the top of the first inning. Ollie Linton walked, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout, scoring on a single by Bryan LaHair.
The Fisher Cats (60-66) took the lead for good in the second inning. Sean Ochinko and K. C. Hobson singled and Matt Newman drilled a three-run homer, his sixth of the season.
Anthony Gallas homered on the first pitch of the top of the fourth inning to cut the lead to 3-2.
New Hampshire scored three more runs in the fourth. Kevin Nolan doubled and Hobson singled. Nolan scored when Jack Murphy reached on an error and Hobson scored on a Newman groundout.
The Fisher Cats extended the lead to 8-2 in the fifth inning. Melky Mesa doubled, Ochinko walked and both scored on a double by Hobson off Akron starter and losing pitcher Duke von Schamann (7-7).
The RubberDucks scored the game's final three runs. Jordan Smith singled, Bryson Myles walked, Alex Lavinsky delivered an RBI single and Ronny Rodriguez doubled to make it 8-4 in the eighth. Lavisnky also had an RBI single in the top of the ninth.
Blake McFarland came off the disabled list and worked the first inning for New Hampshire. Richard Bleier (W: 5-5) then followed with five innings of one-hit ball, allowing only the Gallas home run. He had five strikeouts. Justin Jackson and Randy Boone finished up with Boone working the final 2.1 innings for his 10th save.
The homestand ends with a Sunday matinee. The Fisher Cats and RubberDucks are scheduled for a 1:35 p.m. contest. The first 1,000 kids (12 & under) will receive a FREE Fisher Cats Mini-Bat, courtesy of Buyers Beware! We're also supporting the fight Pediatric Brain Cancer as Team Emma's Ride will end on the field at the ballpark. Lastly, it's a Hood Kids Club game! After the game, it's Kids Run the Bases presented by Buyers Beware! Tickets are available by visiting www.nhfishercats.com, stopping by the Fisher Cats ticket office, or by calling (603) 641-2005.
RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (5-2, 2.10) is expected to start for New Hampshire against Akron RHP Joe Colon (8-6, 3.33). Coverage with Tom Gauthier and Bob Lipman begins at 1:15 p.m. on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network.