Barnes, Antolin, McFarland One-Hit Thunder

TRENTON, NJ - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats split a doubleheader with the Trenton Thunder on Saturday, losing 2-1 in Game 1 only to take Game 2 1-0 at Arm and Hammer Park in Trenton.

The Fisher Cats (67-71) were buoyed by three outstanding pitching performances from Danny Barnes, Dustin Antolin and Blake McFarland in Game 2, as the trio combined to allow just one hit over the seven-inning game. The Thunder (71-69) broke up the no-hit bid by New Hampshire in the bottom of the sixth inning with a double from Billy Fleming.

Trenton took the lead first in game 1 against Fisher Cats starter Luis Perez (L, 2-2), who served up a leadoff triple to Billy Fleming to begin the bottom of the second. With one out, Dan Fiorito hit a bouncer to Christian Lopes at second base, scoring Fleming and putting Trenton in front 1-0. The Thunder added another in the bottom of the third, as Tony Renda brought home KJ Alexander on a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 2-0.

The Fisher Cats got on the board in the top of the fourth against Trenton lefty Caleb Smith (W, 10-7), who had set down the first nine batters he faced. Back-to-back singles by Roemon Fields and Jorge Flores put runners on the corners with no outs, and Dwight Smith, Jr. bounced into a 4-6 fielder's choice that scored Fields from third, trimming the Trenton edge to 2-1. That was as close as the Fisher Cats would come, as they didn't advance past first base after the fourth inning.

Perez took the loss, surrendering two runs on five hits and two walks in five innings while fanning three. Wil Browning pitched one perfect inning of relief with a strikeout for the Fisher Cats.

In the nightcap, both offenses were held utterly in check until the top of the fifth inning. Martin Medina drew a leadoff walk from Trenton starter Matt Tracy (L, 1-3) to put a runner aboard. With one out, Christian Lopes hit a bouncer that shortstop Tyler Wade booted, allowing Medina to reach second and Lopes to safely make it to first. After Fields struck out swinging, Flores cracked a ground-ball single to left, and Medina slid home safely for the lone run of the game.

Barnes fired four no-hit innings, allowing only one walk and fanning five for the Fisher Cats in the spot start. Dustin Antolin (W, 4-3) allowed just one hit over two innings, whiffing four and getting the victory. Blake McFarland earned his 16th save of the season with a perfect inning featuring one strikeout.

The Fisher Cats will look for another win Sunday evening, with righty Austin Bibens-Dirkx starting for New Hampshire against Trenton righty Cale Coshow. First pitch is at 7:00 p.m., with Ben Gellman's pregame show starting at 6:45 p.m. on the Fisher Cats Radio Network and online at www.nhfishercats.com.

On September 25, Northeast Delta Dental Stadium will welcome country music superstar Craig Morgan, with special guest Aaron Parker. Tickets start at just $39 for this fantastic event, and you can get yours online at www.nhfishercats.com or by calling the Fisher Cats box office at 603-641-2005.