Cole Delivers Strong Start Sunday
June 26, 2016 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Hampshire Fisher Cats News Release
MANCHESTER - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats struggled to locate their offense Sunday afternoon, falling 3-1 in the series finale against the Harrisburg Senators at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.
The Fisher Cats (32-42) fell back to a season-worst 10 games below .500, only scoring in the ninth inning to break up the shutout. Tyler Mapes (W, 7-5) dealt a complete game for the Senators (41-33), who didn't give up a single earned run in the last 18 innings of the series. It was the first complete game thrown against New Hampshire since Akron hurler Will Roberts did it on June 11, 2015.
Harrisburg opened the scoring in the top of the second inning against Fisher Cats starting pitcher Taylor Cole (L, 0-1). Neftali Soto led off with a double to right, and Kevin Keyes and Stephen Perez each drew one-out walks to load the bases. Nick Rickles hit a slow bouncer to shortstop for an RBI groundout, scoring Soto to put Harrisburg up 1-0.
The Senators added another in the top of the third inning. With one out, Wilmer Difo singled and stole second, before Soto cracked another double to bring him home and extend Harrisburg's lead to 2-0. The Senators got an insurance run in the ninth inning, when Rafael Bautista doubled home Adrian Sanchez off reliever Tim Mayza for a 3-0 advantage. New Hampshire scored a run in the bottom of the ninth, as Jason Leblebijian reached on an error by Difo at shortstop, and came in on a one-out fielder's choice to make it 3-1. However, Wilkin Castillo bounced out to end the game.
Cole took the loss despite firing six strong innings, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks while fanning five. Chris Smith allowed a hit and a walk over 1.1 innings and recorded three strikeouts. Tim Mayza gave up a run on two hits and a walk over 1.1 innings, and Wil Browning retired the only batter he faced.
The Fisher Cats will open up a three-game series against the Hartford Yard Goats Monday night, with right-hander Jeremy Gabryszwski starting for New Hampshire against Hartford righty Zach Jemiola. First pitch from Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is at 7:05 p.m., and Ben Gellman has the call starting at 6:45 p.m. on the Fisher Cats Radio Network.
Monday night is NHIAA 2015-16 High School State Champions Night! We'll be honoring 2015-16 NHIAA High School State Championship teams and athletes prior to the game, presented by Coca-Cola of Northern New England. For more information and to get your tickets, call 603-641-2005 or visit www.nhfishercats.com.
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Eastern League Stories from June 26, 2016
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