Saez Homers But Fisher Cats Fall 5-3

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Dwight Smith, Jr. had two hits for the third consecutive game.
Dwight Smith, Jr. had two hits for the third consecutive game.

MANCHESTER, NH – Jorge Saez homered and Dwight Smith Jr. had two hits, but the Fisher Cats dropped a 5-3 decision to Hartford on Saturday at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

The Yard Goats (26-15) scored three times in the top of the third inning to take the lead for good. On consecutive pitches, David Dahl hit a two-run homer and Ryan McMahon followed with a solo shot off losing pitcher Luis Santos (4-1).

Hartford broke on top 1-0 in the top of the first inning. Raimel Tapia singled, advanced to second on a bunt and scored on a double into the left field corner by McMahon (3-for-4).

The Fisher Cats (19-21) plated two runs in the second inning. Matt Dean doubled and Smith Jr. followed with an RBI single to tie the game. Smith stole second, went to third on a wild pitch, scoring on a sacrifice fly by Christian Lopes.

The Yard Goats wasted little time to reclaim the lead. Tapia singled to start the third. Dahl’s home run was his 11th of the season and McMahon’s blast was his first.

Hartford tacked on an unearned run against reliever Danny Barnes in the seventh. Pat Valaika reached on an error, moved to second on a single by McMahon and scored on a single by Rosell Herrera to make it 5-2.

Tyler Anderson (1-1) earned the win for the Yard Goats. He allowed two runs on four hits in five innings, striking out four. Matt Carasiti earned his 13th save, but did allow a solo home run to Jorge Saez with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Santos suffered his first loss of the season, allowing four runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out three. Barnes and Murphy Smith also worked in relief for New Hampshire.

Jorge Flores went 2-for-4 for the Fisher Cats with two doubles but was stranded at third base in both the fifth and eighth innings.

The series concludes on Sunday with a 1:35 p.m. contest at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. On Sunday, we’ll celebrate our mascot Fungo’s birthday. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Fungo Hat courtesy of Coca-Cola of Northern New England. Kids can run the bases after the game.

RHP Jeremy Gabryszwski (2-1, 3.11) will start for the Fisher Cats against Hartford LHP Kyle Freeland (4-3, 2.29). Coverage with Tyler Murray and Bob Lipman begins at 1:15 p.m. on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network and at www.nhfishercats.com.


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About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!