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 New Hampshire Fisher Cats

Sweep 'Em up Fisher Cats Take 2 from Reading

August 1, 2014 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Hampshire Fisher Cats News Release


MANCHESTER, N.H. - Scott Copeland went the distance in the opener and the bats pounded out nine runs on a dozen hits in the night cap, giving the Fisher Cats a sweep in Friday's doubleheader with the Reading Fightin Phils. They took the opener 5-2 before putting together a 9-2 pasting in the nightcap at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

Copeland featured in the opener with his first complete game of the season by going the full seven innings against the Fightins (46-66). He allowed just a pair of runs while striking out a career high nine in the victory.

K.C. Hobson put him Copeland and the Fisher Cats ahead with a long home run to right field in the bottom of the second. His fifth homer put New Hampshire on top 1-0.

In the fourth, they tacked on four more runs against starter Chris Bootcheck (L; 2-3). Andy Burns singled, stole second, and went to third on an error. He scored when Cory Aldridge singled to right. After an error, Michael Crouse plated a run with a single to right. Two batters later, Jon Berti was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to make it 4-0. A sac fly from Derrick Chung capped the inning for a 5-0 lead.

Copeland's only tough inning was the sixth when a two-out walk led to a pair of hits, an error, and two Reading runs.

The nightcap started in similar fashion with the Fisher Cats (54-59) putting up two runs in the second on a two-out double from Jorge Flores. An error made both runs unearned, but the lead still stood at 2-0.

A three-run third pushed the lead to 5-0 against starter Mike Nesseth (L; 1-5). With one out, Jack Murphy singled home Andy Burns. Two batters later, Andy Fermin doubled home a pair for two more two-out runs.

Reading tacked on two runs in the fourth to pull within 5-2, but that was all they got against Austin Bibens-Dirkx (W; 4-2). The righty went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits with five K's and a pair of walks.

Leading comfortably in the sixth, the Fisher Cats put the game away with a four-run inning, again with two outs. Burns plated the first two with a single to right field. Mike McDade followed with an infield single, which allowed Berti and Burns to score, the latter scoring from second base thanks to an offline throw and a lot of hustle.

Burns finished the nightcap with three hits, and tallied four in the doubleheader. He now has seven base hits in the first three games of the series. Murphy had two hits to bring his total to five in the series. Flores added a pair of hits in the nightcap.

The series continues on Saturday night with the biggest, most awesome Atlas Fireworks display in Fisher Cats history, proudly presented by Operation Lifesaver. Fans can also play USA Subs Baseball Bingo and win free prizes throughout the game. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available by visiting www.nhfishercats.com, stopping by the Fisher Cats ticket office, or by calling (603) 641-2005.

Saturday's pitching match-up will feature the Double-A debut of Fisher Cats righty Taylor Cole. He'll face Reading righty Severino Gonzalez (6-12, 5.12). Radio coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. with Tom Gauthier and Dick Lutsk on WGIR 610 AM and www.nhfishercats.com.


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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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