Manchester, NH  [6/24/18] - Jonathan Davis and Gunnar Heidt each had a pair of hits and Jordan Romano struck out a season-high eight batters, but the Reading Fightin' Phils (Philadelphia Phillies Double-A affiliate) claimed a series win by beating the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays) 8-1 on Sunday at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

The Fisher Cats (44-30), who maintain a two-game lead in the Eastern League's Eastern Division, were down 7-0 when they scored in the bottom of the eighth inning. Ryan Hissey and Davis started the inning with singles. After a fielder's choice moved Hissey to third, he scored on a grounder by Bo Bichette. New Hampshire is the only team in the Eastern League that has not been shut out this season.

Reading (33-41) scored three times in the top of the first inning. Singles by Jiandido Tromp and Cornelius Randolph started the game and Darick Hall ripped a three-run homer to put the Fightin Phils up 3-0.

Another home run helped Reading build a 6-0 lead in the top of the second. Malquin Canelo singled and stole second. Drew Stankiewicz doubled in a run off the right field wall and Tromp homered to cap the rally.

Zach Green hit his third home run of the series, and 15th of the season, in the top of the sixth inning to make it 7-0. Deivi Grullon added a solo shot in the top of the ninth inning, his tenth.

Ranger Suarez (W, 4-3) earned the win with seven scoreless innings. He allowed five hits, walked one and struck out two for Reading.

Jordan Romano (L, 8-3) took the loss, allowing seven runs on seven hits in 5.2 innings. He did not issue a walk, striking out eight.

The homestand continues on Monday at 7:05 p.m. with the first of four games against the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox). The team will honor 2018 NHIAA High School State Championship teams & athletes from all 2017-18 sports, all thanks to the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England. Representatives from each championship team will also compete on-field to be crowned the Champion of Champions!

►  MORE 2018 Fisher Cats Coverage.


Posted 6/24/18