MANCHESTER, NH - [June 21, 2017]   Francisco Rios allowed two runs in five innings for New Hampshire, but the Fisher Cats fell to Harrisburg 2-1 on Wednesday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

Rios, the 22-year old, who entered the season as the 18th best prospect in the Toronto Blue Jays system, allowed only three hits with five strikeouts, but fell to 3-5 for the Fisher Cats (29-40).

Harrisburg (29-40) opened the scoring in the top of the first inning. Darian Sandford reached on an infield single, stole second and third, scoring on a sacrifice fly by Jose Marmolejos for a 1-0 lead.

The Senators added a run in the fourth inning. Marmolejos doubled and advanced to third on an error. He scored on a groundout by Neftali Soto.

New Hampshire cut the lead to 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning. Jonathan Davis doubled and scored on a single by catcher Danny Jansen. That would be the only run allowed by winning pitcher Wirkin Estevez (2-0). Estevez allowed three hits, did not walk a batter and struck out a season-high eight.

The Fisher Cats threatened in each of the last three innings without scoring. Andrew Guillotte (2-for-4) singled in the bottom of the ninth inning, advancing to second on a passed ball. But closer Ryan Brinley, who picked up his fourth save, retired Jake Thomas on a flyout to end the game.

New Hampshire's bullpen combined for four scoreless innings. Kender Villegas and Andrew Case each tossed two scoreless frames in relief on Wednesday.

The rubber game of the series will be Thursday night at 7:05 p.m.

►  MORE 2017 Fisher Cats Coverage.


Posted 6/22/17