Fisher Cats Finish Off Sweep of Fightins

Manchester, N.H. - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats swept the Reading Fightin Phils for the second time this season, winning the suspended game from Tuesday, 7-1, before taking the series finale, 7-4, in seven innings on Wednesday night in front of 4,811 at rain-soaked Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

After being suspended in the middle of the third inning the night before, Wednesday's action began almost an hour later than scheduled due to heavy rain earlier in the afternoon.

Reading came out flat following the delay as three errors led to a five-run third for New Hampshire in the completion of the suspended game. The Fightins (32-45) committed a season-high four errors overall in the game.

Juan Sosa (1-2) took the loss for Reading in his first outing since rejoining the team on Monday from Advanced-A Clearwater. He allowed six runs - only one earned - and six hits in three innings, striking out two and walking one.

Maikel Franco drove in the only run of the game for the Fightin Phils with a leadoff home run in the top of the seventh inning. It was his third home run in six Double-A games and his 19th home run overall this season.

Franco's home run was the only run and hit allowed by New Hampshire lefty Matt Wright (2-3), who tossed four innings to get the win. He struck out one batter and walked none.

The Fisher Cats (38-40) broke through a 2-2 tie in the series finale with a four-run fifth off of Fightins starter David Buchanan. A two-out walk to Andy Burns extended the inning and New Hampshire took advantage. Burns stole second to get into scoring position and A.J. Jimenez drove him in with a single to right putting the Fisher Cats in front 3-2. Brad Glenn reached on an infield base hit to continue the rally. Clint Robinson worked the count full and homered on the eighth pitch of the at-bat, hitting a three-run shot over the right-center field wall making it a 6-2 game.

Buchanan (4-8) allowed six runs, four earned, and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out three batters, walked four and also threw two wild pitches. It was his second loss in four starts against the Fisher Cats this season.

Franco went 2-for-4 in the finale with a first-inning RBI single. John Suomi and Tommy Mendonca each had two-out, RBI base hits in the loss.

Right-hander Marcus Stroman (4-1) got the win for New Hampshire. He allowed two unearned runs and three hits in five innings. The 2012 first-round pick struck out four batters and walked two.

Reading was swept for the fourth time this season while New Hampshire extended its winning streak to five games. The Fightin Phils finished the season 2-8 in 10 games at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium and dropped to 3-10 overall against the Fisher Cats.

The Fightins continue their seven-game road trip on Thursday night in New Britain, Conn. Left-hander Austin Wright (2-4) is scheduled to get the start for Reading while right-hander Virgil Vasquez (0-0) will get the start for the Rock Cats. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM at New Britain Stadium. Pre-game coverage begins at 6:05 PM on Oldies 1340 WRAW.