Fisher Cats Strand Tying Run at Third in Narrow 6-5 Defeat

New Hampshire rallies with three hits in the ninth, but Portland hangs on to take 2-1 series lead

By Bob Lipman

July 14, 2018

Portland, Maine - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) rallied with two runs in the top of the ninth inning, but left the tying run at third in a 6-5 loss to the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) on Saturday at Hadlock Field.New Hampshire (50-40) went to

Portland, Maine - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) rallied with two runs in the top of the ninth inning, but left the tying run at third in a 6-5 loss to the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) on Saturday at Hadlock Field.
New Hampshire (50-40) went to the ninth down 6-3, but started the frame with three consecutive singles against Portland closer Jordan Weems (S, 4). A first run scored on a wild pitch, and Harold Ramirez grounded out to bring home another. Weems then struck out Cavan Biggio before Jon Berti grounded out to end the game.
The Fisher Cats started the scoring for the third consecutive game in the top of the first inning. With two outs, Harold Ramirez doubled and Cavan Biggio walked. Jon Berti singled in the first run, and after Connor Panas drew a walk, Guillotte doubled two more home for a 3-0 lead. Panas was thrown out at the plate to end the frame.
The Sea Dogs (36-54) cut the lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the second inning. With the bases loaded after a single by Tate Matheny and a couple of walks, Danny Mars drove in a pair with a single to left field.
Portland moved ahead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Deiner Lopez doubled, advanced to third on a single by Jeremy Rivera, and scored on a sacrifice fly into the left field corner by Mars. After a pair of walks, Jordan Betts delivered another run with a sacrifice fly to make it 4-3 Sea Dogs.
The Sea Dogs added two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, one run scoring on a base hit by Matheny and another when Deiner Lopez reached on an error.
Matthew Gorst (W, 1-0), who worked three innings of scoreless relief, picked up his first win. For Weems, it was his fourth save.
T. J. Zeuch allowed two runs in his five inning start for the Fisher Cats but did not figure in the decision. Justin Dillon (L, 1-4) took the loss.
The series concludes on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. LHP Kyle Hart (6-5, 3.74 ERA) starts for the Sea Dogs against New Hampshire RHP Jon Harris (6-3, 4.74 ERA).

The Fisher Cats return to Northeast Delta Dental Stadium on Monday to open a series with the Trenton Thunder (New York Yankees). Join us as we recognize participants in the 2018 Summer Reading All-Stars, presented by Grappone Automotive Group. For tickets, visit nhfishercats.com.