EL1 New Hampshire Fisher Cats

Fisher Cats Walk off against Curve, 7-6

Published on June 19, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Hampshire Fisher Cats News Release


MANCHESTER, N.H. - A potentially bleak ending turned euphoric for the Fisher Cats on Thursday as they rallied for three in the ninth and then walked off with a 7-6 win over the Altoona Curve (26-43). Andy Burns' run-scoring single in the 11th plated Kevin Nolan to complete the Fisher Cats' comeback and give the team another series victory, two games to one.

The Fisher Cats rally seemed unlikely as Altoona, leading 4-3 at the time, scored runs in the seventh and ninth innings to pad a three-run advantage going to the bottom of the ninth. But, the Curve's Achilles heel has been the bullpen, particularly late in games, and it flared up again on Thursday night.

Quinton Milller, who actually converted a save in the Curve's win on Tuesday, ran into trouble with one out. Nashua's Kevin Nolan doubled to start the rally. Kenny Wilson followed with a single, and then Jon Berti walked to load the bases. Burns stepped up with a sacrifice fly to plate one run, cutting the deficit to 6-4. Mike McDade then delivered a two-run single to center to level the game at 6-6.

That's where it stayed into the tenth, thanks in part to Jonathan Jones throwing out the would-be go-ahead run in the top of the inning. It stayed tied into the 11th, with John Anderson (W; 1-0) stranding another runner at third.

In the bottom of the 11th, the Fisher Cats winning rally was once again started by Nolan with one out. He drew a walk, advancing to second on an error. After Berti's single loaded the bases, Burns bounced a high chopper over the third baseman to score Nolan and give New Hampshire its second walk-off victory of the season.

Burns finished the night 1-4 with three runs batted in. His game-winning hit extended his hit streak to a season-best ten games. Wilson matched a career high with four hits while Berti and Michael Crouse each had a pair of base hits.

Anderson earned his first win of the season, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings. Miller (L; 1-2) pitched a season high 2.1 innings, but allowed four runs to take the loss.

Both starters did not factor into the decision. Richard Bleier allowed four early runs, including a three-run homer by Jarek Cunningham, in a five-inning outings. Pat Ludwig went five for Altoona, but allowed just one run. The Curve bullpen surrendered six runs over the final six innings.

The Fisher Cats have won five of six series and completed their first stint against the Western Division with a 12-6 record.

The Fisher Cats are back on the road to begin a six-game trip against Eastern Division foes Trenton and Portland on Friday night. Game one against the Thunder begins at 7:05 p.m. as Scott Copeland goes for his team-leading sixth win of the year. Radio coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. with Tom Gauthier on WGIR 610 AM and www.nhfishercats.com.

The Fisher Cats return to Northeast Delta Dental Stadium on Thursday night to start a five-game series with the New Britain Rock Cats. The homestand includes two fireworks shows, a Friday night doubleheader, and a Sunday hat giveaway. To purchase tickets, visit the stadium box office, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

Check out the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from June 19, 2014


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