Palacios Homers Again, but NH Edged by Erie, 3-2

Manchester, NH - Josh Palacios  homered and top Blue Jays pitching prospect Nate Pearson  struck out eight batters over six strong innings, but the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) dropped a 3-2 decision to the Erie SeaWolves (Detroit Tigers) on Saturday night at Delta Dental Stadium.
Pearson finished after six innings, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks. After a pair of strikeouts on 101-plus mile per hour fastballs to start the sixth inning, Pearson surrendered a game-tying homer to Kody Eaves. 
Chace Numata went deep for Erie in the seventh off reliever Corey Copping  (L, 1-2) to give the SeaWolves a decisive 3-2 edge.
Palacios drilled the second pitch of the bottom of the first inning over the right field fence to give the Fisher Cats an early 1-0 lead.
Erie came right back to tie the game in the second inning. Daniel Pinero doubled down the left field line and scored on a single to center by Sergio Alcántara.
New Hampshire moved back in front in the bottom of the fifth inning when Kevin Smith doubled and Forrest Wall singled him home for a 2-1 advantage. 
Joey Wentz allowed two runs in his five innings as Erie's starter. He scattered four hits and had nine strikeouts. Zac Houston (W, 5-1) retired all nine batters he faced with four strikeouts in three innings for the SeaWolves. Nolan Blackwood earned his third save, recording a 1-2-3 ninth for Erie.
Dany Jimenez  continued his strong relief pitching for New Hampshire, retiring all three batters he faced in the top of the ninth inning.
The homestand concludes on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. when the Fisher Cats and SeaWolves play at Delta Dental Stadium. RHP Hector Perez  (7-4, 4.70 ERA) starts for New Hampshire against the No. 2 ranked prospect in baseball, RHP Casey Mize (6-2, 2.65 ERA). 

The first 1,000 fans will receive a Championship Banner, thanks to Delta Dental. For tickets and information, visit nhfishercats.com.