Source: FOX News
Summary
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Toronto Blue Jays’ Double-A affiliate, achieved a rare feat by scoring 10 runs in the second inning without recording a single base hit. The Fisher Cats fell behind 2-0 early in the game but scored their first eight runs on just one hit and no errors, fueled by Portland pitchers issuing eight walks and hitting two batters. The feat was not seen in the post-expansion era and has only happened 16 times in American League and National League history that a pitcher allowed five runs without surrendering a hit in 1⅔ innings or fewer.
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The game followed a familiar script. A slow start, a rally that seemed impossible, and a team’s inability to shut down the opposition. The Fisher Cats scored 10 runs in the second inning, all without a hit, on the back of Portland’s pitching woes.
New Hampshire’s offense exploded for 10 runs, nine with two outs, on just one hit and no errors. The inning was fueled by Portland pitchers issuing eight walks and hitting two batters. The Sea Dogs’ pitching staff was unable to stem the tide, uncorking four wild pitches and allowing a sacrifice fly and the lone hit.
This one felt recognizable early. The Fisher Cats’ first eight runs came without a hit, and it was clear that Portland’s pitching staff was struggling to find its rhythm.
The result wasn’t surprising by the end. The Fisher Cats’ offense had finally clicked, and the Sea Dogs’ pitching staff was unable to keep up.
This rare feat happened amid frigid conditions that prompted the stadium’s ground crew to clear the playing grass and infield after heavy snow fell earlier in the day. Temperatures were just a few degrees above freezing at first pitch.
Original observation: It’s not often that a team scores 10 runs without a hit, but when they do, it usually means the opposing team’s pitching staff is having a meltdown.
Author: Evan Null
