MANCHESTER, NH - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats staged a thrilling ninth-inning comeback Friday night, riding a Jason Leblebijian walk-off double with the bases loaded to a 3-2 victory over the Harrisburg Senators at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

The Fisher Cats (32-40) didn't score until the ninth inning, having been held in check offensively over the majority of the game. Harrisburg (39-33) suffered their eighth blown save of the season, with their two leaders in saves (Bryan Harper and Koda Glover) now playing at Triple-A Syracuse. It was just the third walk-off win of the season for New Hampshire, and their first since May 3 against the Reading Fightin Phils.

Harrisburg started the scoring in the top of the second inning against New Hampshire starting pitcher Luis Santos (ND). Neftali Soto reached to lead off the frame on an error by third baseman Matt Dean. With one away, Kevin Keyes pounded a hanging slider over the left-field fence for a two-run homer, putting Harrisburg out in front 1-0.

The Fisher Cats were held silent for the ensuing innings before staging their thrilling ninth-inning comeback. With one out, Derrick Loveless pounded a solo homer way over the right field wall against lefty reliever Nick Lee, trimming the Harrisburg lead to 2-1. Christian Lopes singled through the middle, and moved to second on a ground-out to short by pinch hitter Wilkin Castillo. Pinch hitter Rowdy Tellez drew an intentional walk from new reliever Derek Self (L, 2-2) before he was replaced by pinch runner Ian Parmley, and Roemon Fields worked his own walk to load the bases. Leblebijian smashed a first-pitch double to deep center over Rafael Bautista's head, scoring Lopes and Parmley to touch off the celebration.

Santos threw five strong innings, surrendering two runs (one earned) on four hits while whiffing five. John Stilson threw two shutout frames with one hit and one strikeout. Matt Dermody was perfect over 1.1 innings, striking out two. Wil Browning (W, 2-2) gave up a hit and a walk, but retired two batters and recorded the win.

The Fisher Cats will look for their second win in a row on Saturday night, with Casey Lawrence starting for New Hampshire against Harrisburg righty Reynaldo Lopez. First pitch from Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is at 7:05 p.m., and Ben Gellman has the call starting at 6:45 p.m. on the Fisher Cats Radio Network.

On Saturday night, Star Wars Night returns to the ballpark with your favorite characters, music, games and Darth Vader-inspired uniforms! Jersey proceeds will help benefit Elliot Health System Pediatrics, and there will be Atlas Fireworks after the game! For more information or tickets, call 603-641-2005 or visit www.NHFisherCats.com.


Posted 6/25/16