Burns Steal Of Home Highlights 7-5 Win

NEW BRITAIN, CT- Andy Burns went 2-for-3 with three runs scored, including a steal of home, as the Fisher Cats topped New Britain 7-5 on Wednesday night.

Burns tripled and stole home in the second inning, doubled and scored in the fourth and walked and scored in the eighth.

Richard Bleier (1-1) earned the win with four solid innings in relief, allowing only one hit and one run. Gregory Infante pitched a perfect ninth for his fourth save.

The Rock Cats started quickly against New Hampshire starter Aaron Sanchez. Daniel Ortiz ripped a two-run double in the bottom of the first inning.

New Hampshire scored in the top of the second inning. Burns tripled and Michael Crouse walked. With two outs, Crouse took off for second and Burns broke for the plate.   It was ruled that Burns scored before Crouse was put out at second to make it 2-1.

New Britain came back with two more in the bottom of the second inning to take a 4-1 lead.

The Fisher Cats (7-10) scored in the third on an RBI single by A. J. Jimenez. They then cut the lead to one in the fourth when Burns doubled, stole third, and scored on a groundout by Crouse. New Hampshire moved in front for good with three runs in the fifth which included an RBI single by Ryan Schimpf.

Sanchez left after four innings. He allowed five hits and four runs (two earned). He walked three and struck out three.

The only run the Rock Cats (5-12) scored after the second inning came on a solo homer by Tony Thomas leading off the seventh off Bleier. That made it 6-5 Fisher Cats.

In the top of the eighth inning, Burns walked. He scored on a single to left by Crouse that scooted by the left fielder to put New Hampshire in front 7-5.   New Britain made four errors in the game that led to five unearned runs. 

The series concludes on Thursday morning in New Britain at 10:35a.m. The Fisher Cats are scheduled to start RHP Deck McGuire (2-1, 3.43) against New Britain Rock Cats LHP Taylor Rogers (0-3, 11.68). Radio coverage begins at 10:15 a.m. with Bob Lipman on the internet at www.nhfishercats.com. 

The Fisher Cats return home for their next homestand on Friday night at 6:35 p.m. against the Reading Fightin Phils. The first game of the homestand will feature Atlas Fireworks presented by HYUNDAI. Tickets and a full list of coming attractions are available at the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, by calling 603-641-2005, or by visiting www.nhfishercats.com.