Fisher Cats Win With Late Rally

MANCHESTER, NH - The Fisher Cats scored three times in the bottom of the eighth inning to rally for a 6-4 win over Portland before 4,569 on Thursday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

New Hampshire (33-38) trailed 4-3 heading to the bottom of the eighth. Shane Opitz reached on an error, moved to second on a sacrifice, scoring on a double by Ian Parmley to tie the game. Jon Berti was hit by a pitch ahead of an RBI single by Dwight Smith Jr. Kevin Nolan followed with an RBI single to make it 6-4.

Chad Girodo (1-0), who worked two scoreless innings in relief of starter John Anderson, earned the win. Dustin Antolin picked up his first save of the season, working the ninth inning.

The Fisher Cats opened the game in style, with Dalton Pompey leading off with a home run for a 1-0 lead. 

Portland (27-46) tied the game in the top of the third inning. Cole Sturgeon reached on an infield single, advanced to second on a single by Marco Hernandez and to third on a bunt by Reed Gragnani. Sturgeon scored on a ground out by Carlos Asuaje.

New Hampshire came right back in the bottom of the third inning. Berti was hit by a pitch, Smith Jr. singled and Nolan plated Berti with a single. Jack Murphy then singled as Smith scored for a 3-1 Fisher Cats lead.

The Sea Dogs came right back with three runs in the top of the fourth inning. Manuel Margot doubled home Sam Travis, who had doubled. After Keury De La Cruz walked, Hernandez drove both home with a single to give Portland its first lead of the game at 4-3. 

Madison Younginer (2-3) took the loss for the Sea Dogs, charged with the three unearned runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Anderson, New Hampshire's starter, worked six innings, allowing four runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out two. 

The series and homestand concludes on Friday at 7:05 p.m. An Atlas Fireworks Show presented by Hyundai follows the game, which is also Girl Scouts Night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. It's also Hunger Games Night. For tickets and information, visit www.nhfishercats.com or call (603) 641-2005.

RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (1-3, 9.50) will start for the Fisher Cats. Portland counters with RHP Kyle Kraus (0-0, 5.26). Coverage with Tom Gauthier & Bob Lipman begins at 6:45 p.m. on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network and at www.nhfishercats.com.