Sea Dogs rained out in New Hampshire
Portland Sea Dogs and New Hampshire Fisher Cats Washed Out in Series Opener, Doubleheader Set for Wednesday
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Wet weather put a damper on Tuesday's scheduled series opener between the Portland Sea Dogs and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, forcing a postponement at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester.
What was meant to be the first pitch of a multi-game set between the two Eastern League rivals never got underway, as steady rainfall rendered the field unplayable. Rather than wait and hope for a window of dry conditions, both clubs and the umpiring crew made the early call to scrap the evening's contest rather than risk player safety or a shortened, unsatisfactory game.
With Tuesday's matchup officially in the books as a rainout, the two teams have quickly pivoted to a revised schedule. Portland and New Hampshire are now slated to play a doubleheader on Wednesday, with first pitch for the opener set for 5:05 p.m. Both games of the twin bill will be contested over seven innings apiece, a format that has become standard across professional baseball when teams need to make up postponed games on consecutive days.
The schedule change means the Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats will face an abbreviated turnaround and a longer day on the diamond, but it also ensures that fans who made the trip — or those planning to attend Wednesday — will get a full slate of baseball. Doubleheaders, while taxing on pitching staffs, are a familiar part of the minor league calendar, particularly during the summer months when pop-up thunderstorms are a regular feature of New England weather.
The Fisher Cats, playing at home in Manchester, will host both legs of the twin bill. For Portland, the back-to-back games offer a chance to pick up ground in the standings without losing a day of competition, a small consolation for the frustration of a wasted travel day.
No makeup date for the original Tuesday contest has been announced separately; the doubleheader on Wednesday effectively absorbs that missed game into the existing series. Should Wednesday's weather cooperate, the teams will play two full seven-inning contests, followed by any remaining games in the series as originally scheduled.
Fans holding tickets to Tuesday's postponed game are advised to consult the Sea Dogs or Fisher Cats for information regarding redemption, exchanges, or credits. Minor league clubs typically offer ticket holders the option to exchange their ticket for an upcoming game or receive a voucher good for a future date, though specific policies vary by organization.
The Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, are familiar foes in the Eastern League, and the series carries the usual weight of divisional play. With the calendar inching toward the middle of July, every game counts a little more, and both clubs will be eager to get back on the field Wednesday evening.
First pitch for game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester.
