Otto Lopez had big night at the plate for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in a win over the Somerset Patriots. (Photo courtesy of NH Fisher Cats)

MANCHESTER – Otto Lopez went 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles and Maximo Castillo allowed one run in five innings as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats defeated the Somerset Patriots 7-2 on Friday night at Delta Dental Stadium. Lopez also scored three times for the Fisher Cats (4-6), who also announced on Friday that there can be near 100 percent capacity at Delta Dental beginning June 1.

Castillo (W, 1-1) became the first New Hampshire starter since opening night to record a win. The 22-year old allowed five hits, walked two and struck out four.

Brody Rodning (3 IP, 4 K, 0 H, 0 ER) and Fitz Stadler (1 IP, 1K, 1 ER) finished up for the Fisher Cats, who won for third time in the series. The Fisher Cats took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Jordan Groshans delivered a two-out double to right field to score Austin Martin and Lopez, who had both singled.

Somerset cut the lead to 2-1 in the top of the third inning. Isiah Gilliam doubled and scored on a single by Oswaldo Cabrera.

New Hampshire added to the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Lopez ripped a two-out double into the right field corner and scored on a single by Gabriel Moreno to make it 3-1.

After the Patriots cut the lead to 3-2 with a sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth inning, the Fisher Cats matched the best inning of the young season with four in the bottom of the frame.

Lopez and Moreno singled to start the rally. Reggie Pruitt knocked in Lopez with a single and another run scored on a wild pitch. Rodrigo Vigil was hit by a pitch and Vinny Capra blasted a two-run double off the wall in right center to make it 7-2.

Dermis Garcia homered for Somerset in the top of the ninth inning, his first of the season. Patriot starter Glenn Otto took the loss.

The Fisher Cats and Patriots meet again on tonight at 6:35. It will be Game Show Night at Delta Dental Stadium.

NEAR FULL CAPICITY JUNE 1

In accordance with the CDC and Major League Baseball’s recently updated health and safety policies, the Fisher said that Delta Dental Stadium will return to near 100% capacity on June 1.

The in-stadium mask policy has also been updated. Effective immediately, vaccinated fans will not be required to wear face masks in the ballpark, although face coverings are still welcomed and recommended for those that are not fully vaccinated.

“We can’t thank our fans enough for adhering to MLB’s mask requirements and seating limitations so far this season,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “We are happy to be taking this next step …”

The team said information on promotions and ticket purchasing for games in June, July, August and September will be provided in the coming days.

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