What started as a hot game for the Fisher Cats quickly turned into a soggy struggle! A lengthy rain delay couldn’t wash away their losing streak against the Erie SeaWolves, extending their tough run to five straight. Will they bounce back or continue to slide?

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats endured a frustrating Friday night at Delta Dental Stadium, succumbing to the Erie SeaWolves in a 4-3 defeat that extended their losing streak to five consecutive games. What began with early promise was ultimately derailed by adverse weather conditions, significantly impacting the flow of the crucial minor league baseball contest.

Despite taking an early lead, the Fisher Cats found themselves in a precarious 3-3 tie with the SeaWolves in the top of the third inning. The escalating tension on the field was momentarily paused when a torrential downpour forced both teams into an unscheduled 1-hour and 16-minute rain delay, creating a palpable shift in the game’s momentum and atmosphere.

Emerging from the delay, New Hampshire struggled to regain its offensive rhythm, managing only three hits for the remainder of the game. The SeaWolves, however, capitalized on their opportunities, meticulously building their momentum and ultimately securing the decisive run in the top of the eighth inning, marking their fourth victory of the week against the beleaguered Fisher Cats.

Fisher Cats starting pitcher Rafael Sánchez faced challenges early on, allowing three runs on seven hits over 2-1/3 innings, alongside two strikeouts. Following the extensive rain delay, right-hander Devereaux Harrison provided a much-needed steadying presence on the mound, delivering 2-2/3 scoreless innings, conceding only one hit and impressively fanning four Erie batters.

Reliever Hunter Gregory contributed a scoreless top of the sixth, adding one strikeout, before left-hander Yohan Simon (L, 1-1) entered in the seventh. Simon, unfortunately, gave up the pivotal go-ahead run on two hits and two walks, while also recording three strikeouts over a Double-A high three innings, highlighting the bullpen’s mixed performance under pressure.

The Erie SeaWolves’ comeback was a testament to their persistence, particularly after starter Kenny Serwa navigated five frames, allowing three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out six. The bullpen duo of Richard Guasch (W, 3-4) and Andrew Magno (S, 3) effectively shut down New Hampshire’s offense over the final two innings, preserving their team’s narrow lead.

Erie’s offense ignited in the second and third innings, scoring three runs to erase New Hampshire’s initial advantage. Singles from center fielder Seth Stephenson and right fielder Roberto Campos in the second inning cut the deficit, while first baseman Jake Holton’s single in the third inning sensationally tied the score at 3-3, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion.

The critical eighth inning saw SeaWolves third baseman Danny Serretti draw a lead-off walk, advancing to third on a stolen base and a subsequent throwing error. One pitch later, Roberto Campos, who had a strong night at the plate, delivered his third hit of the game, driving in Serretti and putting Erie ahead 4-3, a lead they would not relinquish, much to the dismay of New Hampshire sports fans.

Looking ahead, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Erie SeaWolves are set to continue their baseball series with another 6:35 PM EDT first pitch on Saturday night. Fisher Cats righty Bobby Milacki (0-2, 3.00 ERA) is slated to make his first home start since May 4, facing SeaWolves’ starter Garrett Burhenn (11-3, 4.54 ERA) in what promises to be another intense matchup in this minor league baseball showdown.