Baseball: Rock Cats held to 3 hits in loss

NEW BRITAIN — With a 2-6 start, first-year Rock Cats manager Tom Nieto knows adjustments need to be made. He was happy to see some of those changes on Thursday night, despite a 2-0 loss to New Hampshire in the home opener before 6,014 at New Britain Stadium.

"We try to keep them out of their own way and let their talent take over," Nieto said after his team managed only three hits and struck out 10 times. "We're working on it."

New Britain made its biggest threat in the bottom of the eighth.

Catcher Allan de San Miguel hit a one-out double and advanced to third on a two-out wild pitch. But Fisher Cats reliever Zach Dials struck out Juan Portes, who was ahead 3-and-0 before taking three straight fastballs.

"That's a little surprising for him," Nieto said.

In the first eight games, Rock Cats hitters are 10-for-66 (.152) with runners in scoring position.

The Rock Cats were held in check through the first seven innings by starter Luis Perez (1-1, 1.50 ERA). The 24-year-old lefthander allowed two hits and struck out six.

"That lefty they had gave us some trouble," Nieto said. "Our guys are going to have to make some adjustments next time we see him."

New Britain lefthander Ryan Mullins (0-2, 3.86) had his moments, pitching five innings and striking out seven. But a few balls up in the zone led to him surrendering seven hits, including three doubles, and two runs.

"I felt pretty good," Mullins said. "They started jumping on me early. I was up a little bit."

Brad Emaus scored on Brian Dopirak's sacrifice fly in the first, and East Lyme's Todd Donovan picked up an RBI with a fifth-inning double to right-center.

"[Mullins] did a great job," Nieto said. "I was really pleased."

Relievers Frank Mata and Jose Lugo helped keep New Britain in the game. Mata pitched 2 2/3 innings, and struck out four. New Britain pitchers struck out 12.

"Our bullpen did great," Nieto said. "We pitched well."

The Rock Cats went down easily in the ninth against rookie closer Leon Boyd. The 6-foot-6 Canadian righthander struck out the last two batters he faced for his second save.

It was the fourth straight loss in a home opener for New Britain. The teams play today at 12:05 p.m.