EL1 New Hampshire Fisher Cats

Jenkins Return Marred by Bullpen in 11-6 Loss

Published on May 6, 2013 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Hampshire Fisher Cats News Release


MANCHESTER, N.H. - Chad Jenkins tossed five strong innings in his return to the Fisher Cats' rotation on Monday night, but a collapse by the bullpen led to an 11-6 series-opening defeat to the New Britain Rock Cats (16-15) on Monday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. The loss snaps the Fisher Cats (15-17) season-best three-game winning streak, leaving the team with a 3-1 record with two games to go on their six-game homestand.

Jenkins began the season on the disabled list before his start on Monday. The righty allowed just three hits and a walk, giving up a pair of runs in the third. Held to a strict pitch count, Jenkins left the game after five innings with a 3-2 lead.

That lead was built with a three-run second inning against New Britain starter Logan Darnell. Kevin Nolan led off with a double, scoring two batters later on a single by Sean Ochinko. John Tolisano followed with a double to make it 2-0 before a sac fly from Brian Van Kirk eventually pushed the lead to 3-0.

New Britain rallied for two against Jenkins in the third before netting two more against the first reliever of the night, Tyson Brummett in the sixth. The Rock Cats' lead at that moment would be short lived as a pair of bases-loaded walk pushed New Hampshire back in front 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth inning.

From there, it was all Rock Cats. They scored three in the eighth against Evan Crawford (L; 1-1) before adding four more in the ninth against Tommy Hottovy. All told, the Fisher Cats bullpen allowed nine earned runs on 10 hits - including two home runs. The 'pen had compiled an ERA of 2.00 in the month before Monday night's struggles.

Ochinko led the offense with his first three-hit game of the year, picking up his 13th run batting in. Ryan Schimpf had a pair of hits to extend his on-base streak to 21 consecutive games. Nashua's Kevin Nolan added two hits, including an RBI single to cap the scoring in the bottom of the ninth.

The teams meet up for the middle game of the series on Tuesday night at 5:05 p.m. Tuesday's game is the final Regional Chamber of Commerce Mixer presented by Small Dog Electronics. It's also Salute to Bread Night presented by Freihofer's Bakery. Tickets are available by visiting the stadium box office, calling (603) 641-2005, or by purchasing and printing your tickets online at www.nhfishercats.com.

Tuesday's pitching match-up is yet to be determined. RHP B.J. Hermsen (0-2, 4.91) will start for New Britain against a yet-to-be-named Fisher Cats pitcher. Radio coverage begins at 4:45 p.m. with Tom Gauthier and Dick Lutsk on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network and www.nhfishercats.com.

Chad Jenkins looked strong in his return to the Fisher Cats rotation on Monday night, but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead in an 11-6 loss to the New Britain Rock Cats.

Check out the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from May 6, 2013


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.

OurSports Central