Thomas Hits First Homer of 2014; Cats Lose to New Hampshire 7-5

Published on April 23, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - The New Britain Rock Cats fell to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats by the score of 7-5 on Wednesday evening at New Britain Stadium.

The Rock Cats' offense made an impact early on - going up 2-0 on a RF Daniel Ortiz double to deep right field. The outfielder sent home SS Aderlin Mejia and DH Nate Hanson with two outs against New Hampshire starter RHP Aaron Sanchez, Toronto's top prospect.

New Hampshire cut the Rock Cats lead in half in the top of the second on the play that had New Britain skipper Jeff Smith arguing with the home plate umpire during the half-inning break. With two outs and men on first and third, the runner on first, RF Michael Crouse, attempted to steal second, getting thrown out in the process after over sliding the bag. During this time, the runner from third, SS Andy Burns, broke for home and was able to score before the out was made at third, making it a 2-1 ballgame.

The home club put up two more runs in the bottom half of the second, getting runs on an RBI double by 2B Tony Thomas and a productive out on a grounder to short by Mejia that scored C Kyle Knudson, who walked earlier in the inning.

In the top of the third with the score 4-1 in the Rock Cats favor, New Hampshire C A.J. Jimenez sent RHP D.J. Baxendale's pitch out to center for a base hit that brought home 3B Andy Fermin. The son of former Major Leaguer Felix Fermin reached base on a fielding error committed by Mejia.

The Fisher Cats continue to close the gap in the top of the fourth. The shortstop Burns, who doubled to left with one out and proceeded to steal third, crossed the plate on a grounder to third by Crouse to make it a 4-3 ballgame.

Visiting New Hampshire took the lead in the top of the fifth. With runners on second and third, Jimenez bounced a grounder deep in hold at short to bring in CF Jonathan Jones, who led off the inning with a single. An RBI double by LF Ryan Schimpf and a fielding error by Thomas in the following at-bat allowed Schimpf to score and put the Fisher Cats ahead 6-4.

Thomas's second hit of the night was his first big fly of the season, bringing the Cats within one run, but it would not be enough on this night.

The Fisher Cats picked up an insurance run in the top of the eighth inning on an RBI double from Crouse. Fisher Cats relief pitching would sit down New Britain in 1-2-3 fashion the next two innings to slam the door shut.

The Rock Cats did not help their own cause, committing four errors on the night and forcing five unearned runs. Baxendale falls to 0-3, going 4 2/3 innings, allowing six runs, two earned, on five hits while walking one and striking out four.

New Hampshire's relief corps would record the win and save. LHP Richard Bleier pitched four innings to earn the win, allowing one run on one hit - the home run to Thomas. RHP Gregory Infante earned his fourth save of the year.

Thursday's game will be the first installment of the 2014 Baseball In Education program. The 10:35 a.m. contest will feature a matchup between New Britain starter LHP Taylor Rogers and Fisher Cats starter RHP Deck McGuire.

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Eastern League Stories from April 23, 2014


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