by PATRICK CAVANAUGH
(MANCHESTER, NH)—The Fisher Cats got on the scoreboard first, but in this case, one run isn’t good enough to win the game.
Austin Bibens-Dirkx, the Fisher Cats starter, glided quickly through the first couple of innings. He gave up one run in the fifth, but things fell apart in the seventh after he gave up a single to former Fisher Cat Mark Sobolewski, and the defense behind Bibens-Dirkx committed a throwing error, which resulted in two New Britain runs crossing the plate.
“He did a great job but he gave up some hits,” said Fisher Cats skipper Gary Allenson in a postgame interview. “Overall he kept it to a minimum.”
Evan Crawford came in and pitched the completion of the 7th, as well as the entire 8th inning. He gave up one earned run, walked a batter, and struck out one batter as well. After eight, the score stood 4-1 in favor of the Rock Cats.
There were a few close calls on the diamond, including a balk call in the top of the 8th, which resulted in a New Britain runner moving from first to second base. The runner went on to score what was the Rock Cats fourth run.
“We were still down by two runs and its hard to tell if the guy really balked or not from my point of view.” said Allenson.
The Fisher Cats now go on a seven game road-trip, playing three games in Reading against the Phillies, and four against the Thunder in Trenton. The team will return home next Friday (5/3) to open up a six-game homestand.
Patrick Cavanaugh covers pro baseball for www.BostonSportsU18.com. He can be reached at .