Finest Comeback Of 2019 Leads To 'Cats Win

READING, PA - A two-run top of the ninth helped the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays) beat the Reading Fightin Phils (Phillies) 7-5 for a come-from-behind victory that ranks as their finest road performance of 2019.

Tied at five to start the final frame, Nash Knight began the rally with a sharp single to centerfield against Reading closer Addison Russ (L, 1-5). A one-out RBI triple from Josh Palacios scored the go-ahead run and Christian Williams added on with a run-scoring double in the next at-bat to give the 'Cats a 7-5 edge.
Reading started the scoring in the bottom of the second. Back-to-back singles to begin the frame set up an RBI groundout and a run-producing single off the bat of Jose Gomez to make it 2-0 R-Phils after two.
The 'Cats got one back in the third. Chad Spanberger led off the inning with his seventh home run of the year, an opposite field shot that made it 2-1.
A three-run third for Reading added to their lead. A lead-off triple from top Phillies prospect Alec Bohm set up an RBI single for Darick Hall before Luke Williams homered with two outs to put the Fightin Phils up 5-1.
New Hampshire scored two in the fifth to make it a two-run game. Consecutive walks to Riley Adams and Spanberger started the stanza then Vinny Capra singled to load the bases. A one-out error delivered a score before a sacrifice fly from Knight brought the Fisher Cats within two.
Two runs in the New Hampshire seventh tied the game at five. With a runner at first and two outs, Logan Warmoth singled before Palacios brought home a run from second base with a knock to centerfield. A walk to Christian Williams loaded the bases, and after an extended battle with reliever Grant Dyer, Riley Adams was walked to force in the tying run.
Bryan Baker (S, 8) twirled a scoreless ninth to secure the win.
NOTABLE

• Righthander Jon Harris got the start but had to exit in the fourth inning with an apparent shoulder injury.
• Willy Ortiz (W, 34) tossed 4.2 shutout innings of relief. He allowed two this, walked two and struck out four.
• Josh Palacios led the way with two hits and two RBI. Christian Williams logged a twoknock night as well.

The series continued with a scheduled doubleheader Tuesday evening at FirstEnergy Stadium. RHP Yennsy Diaz (6-5, 3.47 ERA) and RHP Patrick Murphy (4-7, 4.71 ERA) will go for New Hampshire while Reading has tabbed a game one starter in RHP Adonis Medina (5-3, 4.02 ERA) but has yet to announce who will take the ball in the second tilt. Coverage begins at 4:45 p.m. with the Fisher Cats Pregame Show and continues with first pitch of game one at 5:00 p.m. on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network.