Fisher Cats Welcome Big Crowd But Drop First 2012 Game in NH
April 12, 2012 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Hampshire Fisher Cats News Release
(Manchester, NH) On a night to celebrate a championship, 2011 Fisher Cat Chad Jenkins pitched a season- high seven innings and newcomer Koby Clemens belted his first Eastern League home run against the New Britain Rock Cats. However, in front of 6,548 fans, the Fisher Cats dropped a 5-3 decision to the New Britain Rock Cats (5-3) on Thursday night in the home opener.
The Rock Cats got to Jenkins (L; 1-1) with a trio of long balls to generate all their offense. Deibinson Romero did the most damage, hitting a solo homer in the second before belting a two-run shot in the sixth. In between, Aaron Hicks, a top Minnesota Twins prospect, lined a solo shot to right field in the fourth inning.
Jenkins became the first Fisher Cat to reach seven full innings this season, allowing just five hits but giving up five runs. The righty struck out five and walked one. He has allowed six runs on the season, five scoring on home runs.
Diaz and Justin Jackson (3-for-3, 2 2B, 2 SB) teamed up to put the Fisher Cats on the board in the bottom of the sixth against veteran Major Leaguer Jason Marquis. Jackson began the rally with a double to right field, stealing third base with one out. Diaz then brought him home for his first run batted in to cut the Fisher Cats deficit to 5-1.
In the eighth, the Fisher Cats pulled another run closer against Marquis, as Koby Clemens belted a solo home run off the center field batter's eye to cut into the lead at 5-2. The home run was the first hit for Clemens in the Blue Jays organization and the 96th long ball of his minor league career.
New Hampshire (3-4) added a run in the ninth. Ryan Goins walked, moved to third on two wild pitches, and scored on a single by Brad Glenn of reliever Deolis Guerra. Guerra earned the save.
Marquis (W; 1-0) pitched eight innings, allowing two runs on just five hits. He struck out seven without allowing a walk.
Jackson led the Fisher Cats offense with three of the hits against Marquis. The speedy outfielder doubled twice and singled in three at-bats. He also added a pair of stolen bases. Mike McDade picked up a single against Marquis as well, pushing his hitting streak to a team-best six games.
The series continues Friday at 5:05 PM with a special US Cellular Business After Hours Chamber Mixer. Tickets are available at www.nhfishercats.com ==], by calling 603-641-2005, and at the Northeast Delta Dental Box Office.
RHP Deck McGuire (0-1. 14.40) makes his first home start of the year against New Britain RHP Steve Hirschfeld (1-0, 3.60). You can follow the action with Tom Gauthier and Bob Lipman beginning at 4:45 PM on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network and www.nhfishercats.
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