Three-Run Ninth, Dominant Pitching Power Fisher Cats to Friday Win
ERIE, PA – A three-run ninth inning and stellar pitching from four New Hampshire arms propelled the Fisher Cats (20-29, 54-62) to a Friday night win at UPMC Park against the Erie SeaWolves (33-16, 69-48), 4-2. Toronto’s No. 3 prospect Johnny King set down the final 10 batters he faced,
ERIE, PA – A three-run ninth inning and stellar pitching from four New Hampshire arms propelled the Fisher Cats (20-29, 54-62) to a Friday night win at UPMC Park against the Erie SeaWolves (33-16, 69-48), 4-2. Toronto’s No. 3 prospect Johnny King set down the final 10 batters he faced, and the bullpen followed with four strong innings.
New Hampshire’s big moment came in the late stages of Friday’s game. With the game tied at one in the top of the ninth, left fielder Carter Cunningham’s sacrifice fly gave New Hampshire their first lead at 2-1, and third baseman Cutter Coffey’s two-run single with two outs gave the Fisher Cats a decisive 4-1 lead.
King allowed one run on two hits in five innings. The left-hander struck out three batters in his second Double-A start. Right-hander Gage Stanifer struck out two in two perfect innings. Relievers Aaron Munson (W, 4-3) and Kelena Sauer (SV, 2) secured the final six outs of the win.
Erie starter Max Alba fired a quality start against the Cats, holding New Hampshire to one run across six strong innings. Reliever Zane Barnhart struck out four batters in two scoreless innings. Fellow reliever Moises Rodriguez (L, 3-1) entered the ninth and was tagged for three runs in 2/3 innings.
Tonight's Top Takeaways:
- 3B Cutter Coffey delivers two-run single with two outs to extend lead in ninth.
- LHP Johnny King completed five frames for the first time in Double-A.
- King retired the final 10 hitters he faced.
- INF Eric Snow notched his fifth multi-hit game with the Cats.
- INF JR Freethy has back-to-back multi-hit games after previously going 1-for-21.
- OF Alexis Hernandez went 1-for-4 to extend his hit streak to seven.
The SeaWolves opened the scoring in the bottom of the first. Following a Peyton Graham two-out double, first baseman Thayron Liranzo ripped an RBI single to give Erie a 1-0 lead.
New Hampshire evened the score in the fourth. Shortstop Eric Snow opened the inning with a double. Two batters later, designated hitter Dub Gleed crushed an RBI double and tied the game, 1-1.
After New Hampshire’s three-run ninth, Erie’s Woody Hadeen (1) homered in the bottom of the inning, but the Cats closed down a Friday night win with a Sauer strikeout.
New Hampshire and Erie continue their six-game series on Saturday, August 22, with first pitch slated for 6:05 PM. Jackson Wentworth (6-7, 4.80 ERA) will start for the Cats and the SeaWolves will counter with righty Kenny Serwa (6-8, 4.50 ERA). Coverage begins at 5:45 PM on the Fisher Cats Radio Network.
Following the six-game series at Erie, the Cats return to Delta Dental Stadium for the penultimate home series of the 2026 season. Tuesday, August 25, is another Tenders Tuesday and Energy Efficiency Night presented by Eversource. August 26 is Waggin’ Wednesday presented by Woofie’s and Country Night is Thursday, August 27, presented by 96.5 FM Live Free Country/Manchester Radio Group.
Friday, August 28, is Latin Heritage Night presented by Latino Vibe 94.9 FM. It is the fourth Summer Reading Challenge game with postgame Atlas fireworks. The Manchester Coconut Tenders take the field on August 29. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a Coconut Tenders bobblehead giveaway presented by Delta Dental. Saturday is Dartmouth Health’s Love Your Heart Night with postgame Atlas fireworks. The series concludes on Sunday, August 30, with Princesses at the Park. It is Back to School Day presented by NH Healthy Families and kids can run the bases postgame.
The full 2027 home schedule can be viewed at nhfishercats.com. Season and single-game tickets are available at nhfishercats.com, via email at [email protected], by phone at (603) 641-2005, and in-person at the Delta Dental Stadium Box Office on 1 Line Drive in Manchester, New Hampshire.
About the New Hampshire Fisher Cats
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays and play their games at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. Over 180 former Fisher Cats have gone on to make their Major League debut. The Fisher Cats have raised millions of dollars for various charities through the Fisher Cats Foundation and continuously strive to improve the quality of life for Granite State residents. The organization has been recognized as New Hampshire Business Review’s “Best Sporting Event to Take Clients to”, Parenting New Hampshire Magazine’s “New Hampshire’s Favorite Sporting Event for Families”, and New Hampshire Magazine’s “Best New Hampshire Sports Team”. For more information on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, please visit nhfishercats.com, call (603) 641-2005, or contact Chris Jared via email at [email protected].