Cold Open: Rumble Ponies, Fisher Cats Set for Chilly Season Opener

MANCHESTER, N.H. (Interstat) — The Binghamton Rumble Ponies and New Hampshire Fisher Cats will shake off a long offseason and brave frigid conditions Friday when they open their 2026 Eastern League schedules at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature forecast of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Both teams enter with 0-0 records.

The matchup projects as a tight, pitching-dominated affair. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 1-0 victory for Binghamton, while its ELO rating system gives the Rumble Ponies a 58% probability of winning the opener.

Binghamton arrives having last played in September, closing its 2025 campaign with an 8-2 road win over Erie on Sept. 24. New Hampshire also finished its previous season on a high note, defeating Bowie 7-3 at home on Sept. 14.

The game marks the start of a three-game series between the division rivals. The teams will meet again Saturday and Sunday in Manchester before Binghamton returns home to host the Somerset Patriots for a six-game set beginning Tuesday. New Hampshire will hit the road for a six-game series against the Portland Sea Dogs starting Tuesday.

Friday’s opener begins a grueling early stretch for both clubs. Following their series in Manchester, the Rumble Ponies will play 13 games in 13 days. The Fisher Cats will embark on a 12-game in 13-day stretch after the weekend.

Probable starting pitchers for the opener were not announced by club officials.

The Fisher Cats will look to leverage home-field advantage in the opening series before their lengthy first road trip. The Rumble Ponies aim to start a demanding opening month on a positive note, with the simulator suggesting a single run may be all the support needed in the frosty conditions.