MANCHESTER, N.H. – It all came down to Forrest Wall’s heroics as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats took the first game of their three-game set against the Portland Sea Dogs, 2-0.
New Hampshire’s Justin Dillon limited Portland to just four baserunners over the contest’s seven innings, striking out seven Sea Dogs in the process.
However, Portland starting pitcher Daniel McGrath was almost as dominant, allowing just four hits and two walks during his seven-inning appearance.
Only after McGrath’s departure could New Hampshire break through, with Wall taking a 1-1 pitch down the middle of the plate over the right field fence, bringing Vinny Capra with him.
New Hampshire stranded two runners after Wall’s blast, but Dany Jimenez shut the door ninth to seal the win.
Jimenez (2-1) also had a perfect eighth to leave as Monday’s winner, with Durbin Feltman (2-3) getting the loss for his failed relief of McGrath.
Both teams combined for just ten hits, with New Hampshire’s Nash Knight obtaining three of them. Riley Adams also reached base twice on walks.
On Tuesday, New Hampshire sends out Hector Perez (5-3, 5.34 ERA) against Portland’s Matthew Kent (4-2, 2.65 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:50 p.m.
