Burns Leads Fisher Cats Past Mets 6-4

Infielder drives home three to clinch series victory

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire - Andy Burns drove in three runs on Tuesday night, leading the Fisher Cats (14-16) to a 6-4 win over the Binghamton Mets (14-14). Burns' best run-producing game of the season provided the Fisher Cats with their second straight victory and sets them up for a shot at a series sweep in the finale with Binghamton on Wednesday morning.

Binghamton was leading 3-0 when Burns struck for the first time in the third inning. The bottom of the order started the rally as Andy Fermin singled and Jonathan Jones drew a walk.

Homers Help Earn Doubleheader Split

Burns, Glenn, Crouse all homer to split DH with Trenton
Manchester, New Hampshire - The Fisher Cats hit three home runs on Thursday night, helping them earn a split of a doubleheader with the Trenton Thunder. New Hampshire won the opener, 4-3, before coming up a just short in the nightcap, 2-1. The defeat in the second game game allowed the Thunder to take the series, 3-1, but New Hampshire still finished the seven-game homestand with a winning 4-3 record.

In the opener, New Hampshire was down 2-0 after newcomer Matt Boyd allowed a pair of runs in the first inning of his Double-A debut. But Andy Burns cut the deficit in half in the third with his second home run of the season to right field.

An inning later, Brad Glenn started a three-run frame with his team-leading fifth home run, another opposite field shot to right-center field. New Hampshire ended up loading the bases, which set up A.J. Jimenez for a two-run single to center field to put the Fisher Cats on top, 4-3.

Boyd (ND) turned the ball over to the bullpen after giving up just the two runs through four innings. Scott

Kevin Nolan Homers, Knocks In Two

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire - Kevin Nolan went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI and Casey Lawrence worked 6.2 innings for his second win as the Fisher Cats topped Reading 4-2 to complete a series sweep before 6,118 on Sunday afternoon.

New Hampshire (11-10) won its fifth straight, and the win was the tenth consecutive for the Fisher Cats over the Fightin Phils at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium dating back to last April.

Reading (11-9) scored in the top of the first inning.  Brock Stassi doubled , advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a single by Cameron Perkins to put the Fightin Phils up 1-0.

The Fisher Cats moved in front in the bottom of the third inning.  Jonathan Jones walked and Jon Berti was hit-by-pitch to start the inning.  Nolan doubled Jones home to tie the game.  Berti scored on a sacrifice fly by Mike McDade and Michael Crouse delivered Nolan for a 3-1 lead.

In the top of the fifth inning, Aaron Altherr singled and scored on a double by Logan Moore to cut the Fisher Cats lead to 3-2.

Nolan's second home run of the season, a solo shot leading off the bottom of the eighth inning, gave the

McDade's Homer-ific Return Lifts Fisher Cats

First-inning blast helps lead to 5-0 victory
  
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire - Mike McDade's return to the Fisher Cats was a triumphant one on Saturday evening. The slugger, who signed with Toronto during spring training, belted a first-pitch, first-inning home run to spark the Fisher Cats (10-10) to a 5-0 victory over the Reading Fightin Phils (11-8). The win is the Fisher Cats fourth straight and improved the team to the .500-level for the first time since the opening week of the season.

McDade's home run was the highlight of a three-run first inning against Reading starter Holby Milner. Leading 1-0 after a single and an error, McDade ripped the first pitch he saw into the Dinner in the Den in left field to give New Hampshire a 3-0 lead. The home run was McDade's 32nd in a Fisher Cats uniform following the 16 he hit in 2011 and the 15 he whacked in 2012.

New Hampshire added runs in the fourth and sixth, both off the bat of the red hot Jonathan Jones. Jones plated the first with a squeeze bunt before a traditional single in the sixth gave the Fisher Cats a seemingly insurmountable lead. Jones, who has been the starting center fielder since the Blue Jays designated Kenny Wilson for assignment, has hit safely in five straight while picking up five RBI during that stretch.

Scott Copeland (W; 1-3) was the benefactor of the early run support as he turned in his best outing to date to earn his first Double-A victory. The righty went seven shutout innings, giving up just four hits while striking out five for the second straight outing. He turned it over to Randy Boone and Tony Davis, who each worked a scoreless inning to preserve New Hampshire's first shutout since opening day.

In addition to McDade and Jones, Michael Crouse had a big day with three hits, including a pair of doubles.

Berti Blasts Fisher Cats to Walk-Off Win

Infielder homers in 12th to take series-opener with Reading

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire - Jon Berti picked a good time to hit his first Double-A home run. In the bottom of the 12th inning, the Fisher Cats' second baseman snuck one inside the foul pole in left to send New Hampshire (9-10) home with an 11-10 victory over the Reading Fightin Phils (11-7). The win is the team's third in a row and moves them within one game of .500 entering the middle game with Reading tonight.

A back and forth affair began with the Phils striking for the first three runs of the game against starting pitcher Shawn Hill, who was making his season debut. An Aaron Altherr home run put the Phils on the board in the second, and then they added two more in the third for a 3-0 lead.

The Fisher Cats took advantage of some sloppy fielding to put up a five-spot in the fourth inning. Ryan Schimpf started the scoring with an RBI double. After a pair of errors produced two more runs, Gabe Jacobo laced a two-run single to cap the inning for a 5-3 New Hampshire advantage.

Reading pulled a run closer in the fifth before the Fisher Cats extended the lead further. Ahead 5-4, they put

FISHER CATS TOP ROCK CATS 7-5 IN WILD GAME

Andy Burns Steals Home In Second Inning 

NEW BRITAIN, CT - Andy Burns went 2-for-3 with three runs scored, including a steal of home, as the Fisher Cats topped New Britain 7-5 on Wednesday night.

Burns, who went 2-for-3, tripled and stole home in the second inning.  He doubled and scored in the fourth inning and walked and scored in the eighth.

Richard Bleier (1-1) earned the win with four solid innings in relief, allowing only one hit and one run.  Gregory Infante pitched a perfect ninth for his fourth save.

The Rock Cats started quickly against New Hampshire starter Aaron Sanchez.  Daniel Ortiz ripped a two-run double in the bottom of the first inning.

New Hampshire scored in the top of the second inning.  Burns tripled and Michael Crouse walked.  With two outs, Crouse took off for second and Burns broke for the plate.   It was ruled that Burns scored before Crouse was put out at second to make it 2-1.

New Britain came back with two more in the bottom of the second inning to take a 4-1 lead.
The Fisher Cats (7-10) scored in the third on an RBI single by A. J. Jimenez.  They then cut the lead to one in the fourth when Burns doubled, stole third, and scored on a groundout by Crouse. New Hampshire moved in front for good with three runs in the fifth which included an RBI single by Ryan Schimpf.

Sanchez left after four innings.  He allowed five hits and four runs (two earned).  He walked three and struck out three, but did not qualify for the win.

The only run the Rock Cats (5-12) scored after the second inning came on a solo homer by Tony Thomas leading off the seventh against Bleier.  That made it 6-5 Fisher Cats.

In the top of the eighth inning, Burns walked.  He scored on a single to left by Crouse that scooted by the left fielder to put New Hampshire in front 7-5.    New Britain made four errors in the game that led to five unearned runs.

The series concludes on Thursday morning in New Britain at 10:35a.m.  The Fisher Cats are scheduled to start RHP Deck McGuire (2-1, 3.43) against Rock Cats LHP Taylor Rogers (0-3, 11.68).  Radio coverage begins at 10:15 a.m. with Bob Lipman on the internet at  www.nhfishercats.com.
                                             
The Fisher Cats return home for their next homestand on Friday night at 6:35 p.m. against the Reading Fightin Phils.  The first game of the homestand will feature Atlas Fireworks presented by HYUNDAI.  Tickets and a full list of coming attractions are available at the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, by calling 603-641-2005, or by visiting www.nhfishercats.com.

Kaloyanov Wins Three Medals At MTM International Tournament

© Steve Lange

• Full Event Finals Results

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia -- Nicole Kaloyanov of Woodbridge, Va./Gymnastics World, won three medals, including the ribbon gold, at the recently held MTM Ljubljana (Slovenia) competition.

Kaloyanov, who competed in all four event finals, won the ribbon gold by outscoring Italy’s Alexandra Agiurgiuculese, 14.700 to 14.600. The bronze medal went to Slovenia’s Aleksandra Podgorsek with 14.100.

Her silver medal came when she tied with Slovenia’s Aja Jerman with 14.250 points for the ball. Agiurgiuculese won the title at 14.450.

In the hoop finals, Kaloyanov claimed the bronze medal when she posted a 14.450. Jerman was the gold medalist at 14.600, followed by Agiurgiulese at 14.550.

Kaloyanov also competed in the clubs final, where she finished tied for fifth with Slovenia’s Taja Karner at 13.750. Podgorsek was first at 14.100, with Agiurgiuculese second at 14.050 and France’s Camille Ay in third (13.950).

Monarchs Face Norfolk In Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Playoff tickets for first round of Calder Cup Playoffs now on sale

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire – The Manchester Monarchs, the primary affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, will host the Norfolk Admirals for a best-of-five series in the 2014 Calder Cup Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Monarchs President Darren Abbott announced April 19th.  The Monarchs enter the postseason for the 12th time in their 13-year history and own the number one seed in the conference for only the second time since joining the American Hockey League in 2001.

Tickets for the first three rounds (up to 11 games) of the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs for the Monarchs are on sale now at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box Office and online at www.manchestermonarchs.com.

Along with the box office and the Monarchs website, tickets for the first round will also be available by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or by visiting Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Playoff home dates are as follows:

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals – (best-of-five)

1-Manchester Monarchs vs. 8-Norfolk Admirals

Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Norfolk at Manchester, 7:00 p.m.

Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Norfolk at Manchester, 7:00 p.m.

Game 3 – Wed., April 30 – Manchester at Norfolk, 7:15 p.m.

*Game 4 – Fri., May 2 – Manchester at Norfolk, 7:30 p.m.

*Game 5 – Sat., May 3 – Manchester at Norfolk, 7:15 p.m.

*If necessary

Fans can take part in the Pay As We Play program and receive their tickets at a discounted rate for each home game with no payment up front.  The Monarchs will only charge a fan’s credit card prior to each round of the Monarchs playoff run.  Fans pay only when the Monarchs play!

Monarchs Country can also take advantage of a discounted ticket price with the Monarchs Push To The Playoffs Flex Pack which includes 10 Gold Level vouchers that can be redeemed in any quantity for any home game during the first round of the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs.  For more information, call the Monarchs Front Office at (603) 626-7825.

Fans can also take advantage of the Playoff Progression Ticket Offer.  Each day, tickets for the first round of the playoffs go up $1.  The Monarchs are currently offering tickets for $8 each and the progression continues through Thursday, April 24 when the offer ends at $13 per ticket.  To purchase the Playoff Progression Ticket Offer, fans need to visit www.manchestermonarchs.com.

Individual playoff ticket prices for the first round of the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs will range from $15-$32.  For group and birthday party pricing during the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs, contact the Monarchs Front Office at (603) 626-7825.

Fans can sign their children up for the 2014-15 Kids Club and receive two first round playoff tickets for free!  For only $20, Kids Club members for next season will receive an exclusive gift, an invitation to the private 2014-15 Kids Club Party, a free youth ticket voucher valid for any game during the 2014-15 season, a membership card and lanyard, a discount coupon for the Monarchs Pro Shop, opportunities to participate in Chuck-A-Puck Pick Up, and the chance to win prizes at each Monarchs home game.  For more information, call the Monarchs Front Office at 603-626-7825 or visit http://www.manchestermonarchs.com/fanzone/kidsclub/.

The Monarchs battle the Norfolk Admirals at Verizon Wireless Arena for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25.  Catch all of the play-by-play action of Monarchs hockey with Ken Cail on Monarchs Radio Network WGIR AM 610, WGIRAM.com, and at manchestermonarchs.com presented by Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

Next Stop: The Playoffs

Monarchs finished the season with a 48-19-3-6 record

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Manchester  Monarchs finished the 2013-14 regular season with a 2-1 overtime loss to the Providence Bruins at theDunkin’ Donuts Center on Friday night.

Manchester (48-19-3-6) leads the Atlantic Division with 105 points.  Providence (40-24-2-9) is ranked third in the Atlantic Division with 91 points. 

“This was a good test for us on the road against a desperate team striving to make it into the playoffs, “said Monarchs head coach Mark Morris.  “We had a taste of the urgency teams play with in the postseason.  There were plenty of well executed parts to our game in this overtime loss.  We held the play throughout the first (period) and Providence made a huge push in the second, outshooting us by a sizable margin.  Each team had good chances but a blind clearing attempt early in the third period erased the one goal lead we had, giving our opponent an easy goal.  Mistakes get magnified at this point in the season.  It’s important we learn from this one.  The sour taste we leave with from tonight’s overtime loss should be a good lesson for us as we head into the playoffs.  It has been a great regular season and I’m proud of the contributions our guys made to finish with such a tremendous regular season record.

FISHER CATS-ROCK CATS POSTPONED ON TUESDAY

Doubleheader scheduled for Friday, June 27 at 6:05 

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire - The Fisher Cats and the New Britain Rock Cats were rained out on Monday night in their effort to play the second game of their three-game series.  It will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Friday, June 27 at 6:05 p.m.

Tickets for the rained-out contest may be exchanged at the Fisher Cats ticket office for any future Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday game during the 2014 season, based upon availability.  On June 27, tickets for the regularly scheduled game will be good for both games of the doubleheader.

The teams will now play a truncated two-game set finishing at 10:35 a.m. on Wednesday morning.  Wednesday is Manchester Schools Day with Manchester schools coming to the game courtesy of Youk's Kids Foundation and E&R Cleaners.  To purchase tickets, please visit www.nhfishercats.com or stop by the Fisher Cats ticket office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

Radio coverage of Wednesday's finale is set for 10:15 a.m.  The game can be heard online only at www.nhfishercats.com with Tom Gauthier and Bob Lipman.

2013-2014 Monarchs Award Winners

Players received honors in a pre-game ceremony prior to Saturday’s Monarchs game

AS VOTED BY THE MONARCHS PLAYERS AND COACHES

Ace Bailey Most Valuable Player Award………………………………………..Jordan Weal

AS VOTED BY THE MONARCHS PLAYERS

Mark Bavis Unsung Hero Award…………………………………………...Andrew Campbell

AS VOTED BY THE MONARCHS CARE FOUNDATION

Monarchs Community Service Award………………………………………Andrew Campbell

AS VOTED BY THE FANS

Union Leader Fan Favorite Award………………………………………………Hunter Bishop

AS VOTED BY THE MONARCHS BOOSTER CLUB

Manchester Monarchs Booster Club Player of the Year Award……………….Brian O’Neill

Nolan Ignites Fisher Cats Bats in 9-4 Win

15-hit eruption ends six-game losing streak
Manchester, New Hampshire - Nashua's Kevin Nolan blasted a first-inning home run to wake the Fisher Cats out of the offensive doldrums on Saturday afternoon. The three-run shot was part of a four-hit day, and helped the Fisher Cats (3-6) break a six-game losing streak with an 8-4 home win over the Binghamton Mets (6-3) at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

Nolan and the offense hadn't done much entering the third game of the series, mustering one run on nine hits over the first two games. That changed in the first inning as Ryan Schimpf and Brad Glenn singled with two outs. Nolan followed by depositing his first home run into the Dinner in the Den to get the Fisher Cats rolling with a 3-0 lead.

A sacrifice fly in the second pushed the lead to 4-0 before they went on the two-out attack again in the third. Nolan started the third-inning rally with a single, which was followed by an RBI triple from Michael Crouse. Peter Mooney then singled home Crouse to build a 6-0 advantage.

All that early run support made it an easy afternoon for starting pitcher Casey Lawrence (W; 1-0). In his first

Monarchs Host Fan Appreciation Night

Jersey raffle, giveaways, and team awards showcase big night
Manchester, New Hampshire - The Manchester Monarchs, the primary affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, will give away the “Shirt Off Our Back” jerseys and much more as the team celebrates Fan Appreciation Night at the Verizon Wireless Arena as they take on the Portland Pirates on Saturday, April 12.

Fans will be chosen at random to win authentic game-worn jerseys directly from the players following the game through the “Shirt Off Our Back” raffle.  Fans attending Saturday’s game will also be eligible to win several other prizes.  The list of prizes, subject to change, features:

•           First 2,000 fans will receive lunch bags, courtesy of Northeast Delta Dental
•           Smile Contest Winner to get a prize pack from Northeast Delta Dental
•           A three month family membership to Executive Health and Sports Center
•           Gift certificates to Shorty’s Mexican Roadhouse
•           Gift certificates to Portland Pie Company
•           Coupons to Carrabba's Italian Grill
•           Gift cards to Dunkin Donuts
•           A $25 gift certificate to E&R Cleaners to the Ticket Holder of the Game and Charter Member of the Game
•           Papa John’s $10K Shootout featured in the second intermission
•           A gift certificate and a pair of sunglasses from Merrimack Vision to the winner of Merrimack Vision’s Monarchs Season In Review Trivia
•           All fans get the Dicks Sporting Goods coupons regardless of whether the Monarchs win or lose ($10 off of $50)
•           Free kids size ice cream from Coldstone if the Monarchs win
•           20% off everything in the Monarchs Pro Shop
•           25% jerseys in the Monarchs Pro Shop

In addition, the VIP Cup will be on display and the Uncle Bob’s Uncle of the Year Award will be presented during the game.

The Monarchs will also name their 2013-14 Award Winners pregame on Saturday.  The awards feature the Ace Bailey Most Valuable Player Award, Mark Bavis Unsung Hero Award, Monarchs Community Service Award, Union Leader Fan Favorite Award, and Manchester Monarchs Booster Club Player Of The Year Award.

U.S. Women Win Team Title, Both All-Around Golds At 2014 Pac Rim Championships

Pacific Rim Championships website
YouTube playlist
RICHMOND, B.C., Canada4 – The USA easily won the team title at the 2014 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships at the Richmond (B.C., Canada) Olympic Oval. The United States also won both all-around gold medals, with Elizabeth Price of Coopersburg, Pa., and Bailie Key of Montgomery, Texas/Texas Dreams Gymnastics, taking the top senior and junior honors, respectively. Competition continues tomorrow with the men’s team and all-around finals and the first day of rhythmic gymnastics competition. Fans can follow all of the action via a live webstream available through usagym.org.

In the team competition, the USA captured the title with a total of 237.000. Canada was second at 222.700, followed by China with 222.400.

In the all-around, the women took both the gold and silver medals for both the junior and senior levels. For the seniors, Price won the title with her 59.900, and Kyla Ross of Aliso Viejo, Calif./Gym-Max, claimed the silver at 58.700. The USA actually had the top three junior all-around scores, but medals are limited to two per country. Key’s 59.250 gave her the junior crown. Nia Dennis of Westerville, Ohio/Buckeye Gymnastics, was second at 57.950, and Norah Flatley of Cumming, Iowa/Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance, had the third best score at 56.850. Peyton Ernst of Coppell, Texas/Texas Dreams, rounds out the U.S. team, but she did not compete on all four events. The all-around bronze medalists were Elisabeth Black of Canada for the seniors at 57.100, and China’s Lou Huan at 56.300 for the juniors.

The USA started on the balance beam, and Key set the stage by scoring 14.850. Her routine, which got the team’s highest mark, included a standing Arabian, a flip-flop, flip-flop layout series, and her dismount of two back handsprings to a triple full. Flatley’s 14.650 was the next highest. The remaining scores that counted toward the team were Ross’ 14.450, Price’s 14.100 and Ernst’s 14.050, bringing the team’s event score to

Bart-0-sak

Monarchs are the first AHL team to compile 100 points

Lewiston, Maine – Goaltender Patrik Bartosak earned his first professional shutout with 29 saves in the Manchester Monarchs 5-0 victory over the Portland Pirates at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Wednesday night.

Manchester (46-19-2-6) leads the Atlantic Division with 100 points.  Portland (24-36-3-8) is ranked fifth in the Atlantic Division with 59 points.

“If there was any doubt about whether or not Patrik Bartosak was ready to play at the AHL level, he passed that test with flying colors tonight,” said Monarchs Head Coach Mark Morris.  “He was sensational earning his first pro shutout.  He made several glorious saves throughout the game.  Portland put a ton of quality shots on our net and Patrik turned them away.  Our penalty killers also did an outstanding job tonight as well.  Michael Mersch had a breakout game, too, scoring his first and second pro goals.  He was a force along the boards and in front of the net.  It’s great to see everyone chipping in and sharing the workload.  The scoreboard read 5-0, but I assure you Portland played very hard and they tested us.  It was a hard fought game.”

The Monarchs started the scoring at 18:57 of the first period with right wing Steve Quailer’s fourth goal of the season.  Quailer received a pass at the left point from defenseman Colin Miller who was positioned at the right point.  Quailer then found defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk in the left wing circle.  Following his pass to Bodnarchuk, Quailer headed toward the net.  Bodnarchuk returned the favor and found Quailer in the slot for the snipe that beat netminder Louis Domingue.

Forward Michael Mersch doubled the Monarchs lead to 2-0 with his first professional goal at 1:14 of the middle frame.  Center Linden Vey found Mersch open along the right wing.  Mersch collected the pass and

Ashley Wagner Attends Skating With The Stars Gala

New York City, New York - Twenty two year old figure skater Ashley Wagner looked great in black jacket, pants, high heels and gray top as she stepped out on a Monday night to attend the Skating With The Stars Gala held at Trump Rink at Central Park on April 7, 2014 in New York City.

Ashley Wagner born May 16, 1991 is an American figure skater. She is the 2012 Four Continents champion, 2012 Grand Prix Final silver medalist, 2012 Skate America champion, 2012 and 2013 Trophée Eric Bompard champion, 2012 and 2013 U.S. national champion.

Her highest World Championship placement is fourth in 2012. She was named to the U.S. team for the 2014 Winter Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the team event.

Sasha Cohen Attends Skating With The Stars Gala

New York City, New York - Twenty nine year old figure skater Sasha Cohen looked beautiful in black top, pants and high heels as she stepped out on a Monday night to attend the Skating With The Stars Gala held at Trump Rink at Central Park on April 7, 2014 in New York City.

Alexandra Pauline "Sasha" Cohen born October 26, 1984 is a U.S. figure skater. She is the 2006 Olympic silver medalist, a three-time World Championship medalist, the 2003 Grand Prix Final Champion, and the 2006 U.S. Champion.

Polina Edmunds Attends Skating With The Stars Gala

Olympic skaters Felicia Zhang, Nathan Bartholomay and Polina Edmunds.

New York City, New York - Fifteen year old figure skater Polina Edmunds looked super adorable in jeans, floral top, white jacket and black shoes as she stepped out on a Monday night to attend the Skating With The Stars Gala held at Trump Rink at Central Park on April 7, 2014 in New York City.

Polina Edmunds born May 18, 1998 is an American figure skater. She is the 2014 U.S. national silver medalist and skated for the United States at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Felicia Zhang, Nathan Bartholomy and Polina Edmunds

Fisher Cats Postponed in Reading on Monday Night

Teams begin two-game series on Tuesday night 

READING, Pa. - With rain falling and a bleaker forecast for the remainder of the evening, tonight's road contest between the Fisher Cats and the Reading Fightin Phils has been postponed. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader on May 19 at a to-be-determined start time.

The teams will now begin a two-game series on Tuesday night at 6:35 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Fisher Cats are expected to throw right-hander Aaron Sanchez against Phils' starter Jesse Biddle. Tom Gauthier has the radio call beginning at 6:15 p.m. on WGIR 610 AM and www.nhfishercats.com.

The Fisher Cats will open the home portion of the schedule on Thursday night against the Binghamton Mets at 6:35 p.m. The first 2,500 fans will receive a magnet schedule courtesy of The Elliot Orthopaedics. To purchase tickets, visit www.nhfishercats.com.

Schimpf's Stays Hot in 11-5 Loss to Thunder

Thunder score 11 in fourth to earn series split

TRENTON, N.J. - Ryan Schimpf belted a two-run triple and scored two runs, but the Fisher Cats allowed 11 runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, ultimately losing to the Trenton Thunder 11-5 on Sunday afternoon. The defeat was the second straight for the Fisher Cats and left them with a split of their four-game series with the Thunder.

Nothing happened over the first three innings of the contest, as each team sent nine men to the plate and all nine were retired. In the fourth, things change.

It started with Schimpf. With two on, he belted a ball to the wall in right field. Two runs scored on Schimpf's first triple of the season. On the play, the relay throw from the outfield sailed by the catcher, which allowed Schimpf to score for a 3-0 New Hampshire lead.

In the bottom half, the Thunder found an answer. With one out, nine consecutive Thunder hitters reached, highlighted by a two-run homer from Rob Segedin. After knocking out Scott Copeland, Thunder catcher Gary Sanchez knocked the Fisher Cats out with a grand slam against John Anderson to punctuate the inning. All told, the Thunder scored 11 runs on two singles, two doubles, a triple, two home runs, three walks, and a costly error. The 11-run frame tied the worst mark the Fisher Cats have allowed in 11 seasons.

Copeland took the loss in his Double-A debut. He allowed eight runs (six earned) over 3.1 innings. John Anderson allowed three runs in the big inning before Tyler Ybarra and Gregory Infante kept the Thunder in check the rest of the way.

Schimpf was on base two times on the day, scoring two of the Fisher Cats' five runs. He finished the series 5-for-10 with a home run and three runs batted in. Brad Glenn added a single to extend his hitting streak to four games on the young season.

The Fisher Cats now head to Reading, Pa. for the second leg of the opening road trip. Casey Lawrence starts the opener for the Fisher Cats against Reading's Luis Paulino.  First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. Tom Gauthier has the call beginning at 6:15 p.m. on WGIR 610 AM and www.nhfishercats.com.

The Fisher Cats will open the home portion of the schedule on Thursday night against the Binghamton Mets at 6:35 p.m. The first 2,500 fans will receive a magnet schedule courtesy of The Elliot Orthopaedics. To purchase tickets, visit www.nhfishercats.com.