Fisher Cats walk off against Altoona

MANCHESTER, N.H. – Spencer Horwitz and John Aiello homered, and Orelvis Martinez delivered the game-winner with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, edged the Altoona Curve 5-4 Wednesday night at Delta Dental Stadium.

With the teams tied at 4-4 in the ninth, New Hampshire turned a double play to get out of a jam in the top of the frame. The Fisher Cats then loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth on a single by Rafael Lantigua, a walk by Aiello, and a single by Horowitz. Martinez picked up his team-leading 39th RBI with a deep fly to left center.

The Fisher Cats (29-36) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of third on Aiello's home run. The lead expanded to 4-2 in the top of the seventh inning when Horwitz homered.

Altoona (31-34) rallied to tie with a pair of runs in the top of the eighth inning, scoring on a groundout and an error.

Nick Fraze recorded a quality start with six strong innings, matching a career-best. He allowed four hits and two runs, walking one and striking out three.

Sean Rackoski (3-0) earned the win in relief. JC Flowers (4-5) took the loss for Altoona.

The Fisher Cats and Curve meet again Thursday at 7:05 p.m. at Delta Dental Stadium. It will be Youth Sports Night and an Atlas Fireworks Show presented by Primary Bank will follow the game. Tickets for all remaining home games are available at NHFisherCats.com, via email at [email protected], over the phone at (603) 641-2005, or in-person at the Fisher Cats box office at 1 Line Drive in Manchester.