Cats Take Opener, 'Wolves Remain in First Place

The SeaWolves dropped the opening game of a weekend series against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 7-5, on Friday night at UPMC Park.
The SeaWolves jumped ahead in the bottom of the first inning against Fisher Cats starter Joey Murray. Derek Hill led off and on the first pitch of the at-bat, clocked his 13^th home run of the season for a 1-0 lead. Isaac Paredes followed with a double and moved to third on a passed ball. He scored on a two-out Cam Gibson double off the wall for a 2-0 lead.
The 'Wolves added to the lead in the second. With two outs, Joey Morgan was hit by a pitch and he moved into scoring position on a Hill base knock. Paredes singled home Morgan for a 3-0 lead.
Erie starter Alex Faedo retired the first eight hitters he faced before walking Vinny Capra with two outs in the third. He struck out Forest wall to end the frame, racking up his sixth punchout of the game.
The Cats would get to Faedo, however, in the fourth. Santiago Espinal led off with a walk and stole second. He scored on a Josh Palacios double to make it 3-1. Riley Adams followed with a double, putting a pair in scoring position. Brock Lundquist doubled home both baserunners, tying the game. Chad Spanburger tripled home Lundquist with one out, putting New Hampshire ahead 4-3. Faedo would exit and Wladimir Pinto recorded the final two outs of the inning.
New Hampshire added to the lead in the fifth against Pinto. Wall led off with a walk and scored on a two-out Lundquist base hit making it 5-3.
Erie battled back in the home half of the eighth against reliever Corey Copping. Daniel Pinero singled with one out bringing the tying run to the plate. With two outs, Kody Eaves blasted his 13^th home run of the season to make it a 5-5 game.
Ethan DeCaster, who came into the game in the sixth and set down the first nine batters he faced, came back out to work the ninth. Spanberger led off with a double and moved to third on a Christian Williams base hit. Capra bunted home Spanberger for a 6-5 Cats lead. New Hampshire added one more on an Espinal base hit to go up 7-5.
Cats reliever Dany Jimenez worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his second save.
Copping (1-1) earned the win for New Hampshire allowing two runs on five hits with no walks and a strikeout in three innings.
DeCaster (3-2) took the loss for Erie allowing two runs on four hits with two strikeouts in a career-high four innings.
The SeaWolves and Fisher Cats meet in the middle game of the series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Matt Manning (8-4, 2.63 ERA) takes the mound for Erie.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 - Gates open at 6 p.m. | First pitch at 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks: After the game, fans will enjoy spectacular Zambelli fireworks set to the theme of 'Songs Across America' thanks to Bonnell's Auto Group. Fans can purchase a light-up product from the SeaWolves Team Store to watch the fireworks on the field in front of the SeaWolves dugout.
Faith & Family Night: Bring your church group out to the game and celebrate your faith at the ballpark. Enjoy fellowship and fun. Contact the SeaWolves group ticket department and ask about our group and hospitality options for the event. Faith & Family night is presented by Bonnell's Auto Group.
Miracle League Game: Guests from the Miracle League of Erie County will play ball with the SeaWolves on the field from approximately 5:15-6 PM.
Beer Tasting Night: Fans 21 & up can register to sample brews in the Bud Light Beer Garden. For $25, fans can purchase a special game ticket which includes light snacks and ten (10) 4-ounce beer samples. Presented by Erie Beer.
Pre-Game Autograph Session: Before the game, fans can meet C. Wolf in the Team Store to get an autograph thanks to Plyler Entry Systems.