Fisher Cats Bats Silent in 4-0 Loss to Reading; heading home for the holiday

READING, PA – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats couldn’t get the offense going Wednesday morning, dropping a 4-0 shutout loss to the Reading Fightin’ Phils at FirstEnergy Stadium.New Hampshire (20-20) collected just five hits, all singles, in the loss, but still took a 2-1 series victory and a 4-3 record on the road trip. The Fightin’ Phils (20-18) salvaged one win from the series, benefiting from seven shutout innings from starter Aaron Nola (W, 6-2)

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the third. Roman Quinn led off with a double against Fisher Cats starter Joel Piñeiro (L, 0-1), advancing to third when KC Serna flew out to right. Aaron Altherr grounded out to second, allowing Quinn to score from third. Brock Stassi then pounded a solo homer to right to make it a 2-0 Reading lead.

The hosts extended their lead in the bottom of the seventh. Cam Perkins singled to lead off the frame and moved to third on a double by Brian Pointer. Gabriel Lino blooped a single to right, plating both runners and putting Reading ahead 4-0.

Piñeiro took the loss, allowing four runs on six hits and fanning four in seven innings. Dustin Antolin pitched a scoreless eighth inning, striking out one.

The Fisher Cats will try to get back in the win column at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium at 7:05 p.m.Friday against the Altoona Curve, with southpaw John Anderson on the hill for New Hampshire against Curve righty Chad Kuhl. Radio coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. with Tom Gauthier on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network and at www.nhfishercats.com.

The Fisher Cats return home for a Memorial Day Weekend celebration starting Friday, May 22. The stand includes Atlas Fireworks shows and a Memorial Day matinee. Tickets are available by visitingwww.nhfishercats.com, visiting the stadium box office, or by calling (603) 641-2005.