Four-Run Fourth Not Enough for Cats 8-4 loss to Hartford
MANCHESTER, NH – A four-run fourth inning was not enough for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (22-33, 56-66) who fell on Friday night at Delta Dental Stadium against the Hartford Yard Goats (20-35, 59-64), 8-4. The Yard Goats scored seven unanswered runs following the fourth inning as the Cats dropped
MANCHESTER, NH – A four-run fourth inning was not enough for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (22-33, 56-66) who fell on Friday night at Delta Dental Stadium against the Hartford Yard Goats (20-35, 59-64), 8-4. The Yard Goats scored seven unanswered runs following the fourth inning as the Cats dropped their second contest of the series.
New Hampshire starter Jackson Wentworth threw five frames with three runs and exited the game with a 4-3 lead. Right-hander Angel Obando (L, 1-2) was tagged for four runs in two innings out of the bullpen. Reliever Kelena Sauer fired the final two frames and struck out two.
Hartford starter Connor Stained allowed four runs on six hits with four strikeouts in five innings. Relievers Sam Weatherly (W, 2-5), Nathan Blasick, and Fidel Ulloa blanked the Cats in the final four frames.
Tonight's Top Takeaways:
- Aaron Parker makes first professional start in left field.
- Parker goes 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored at the plate.
- Infielders Eric Snow and Adrian Pinto both walked three times in the loss.
- INF Tucker Toman gave New Hampshire an early lead with a bases-loaded single.
- New Hampshire drew 11 walks against four Hartford arms.
Hartford struck first in the top of the third. With two outs, shortstop Andy Perez doubled and second baseman Roynier Hernandez ripped an RBI single to make it 1-0.
New Hampshire’s offensive erupted for four runs in the bottom of the fourth. The Fisher Cats loaded the bases with one out and third baseman Tucker Toman pushed the Cats ahead with a two-run single. Catcher Edward Duran popped a sacrifice fly to make it 3-1. Following a Mathieu Vallee single, shortstop Eric Snow laced an RBI knock and made it a 4-1 game.
With one away and two runs in scoring position, shortstop Andy Perez brought in a run on an RBI ground out to cut the Fisher Cats’ lead to 4-3. After second baseman Roynier Hernandez cracked an RBI single, the Yard Goats evened the score at four in the sixth on an RBI single from Cole Messina.
The Goats blew the game open with three runs in the top of the seventh. The inning was highlighted by a two-run double from first baseman Jack O’Dowd and an RBI double by right fielder Zach Kokoska. Hartford added to their lead in the ninth on an RBI single from third baseman Dyan Jorge and secured a Friday win, 8-4.
New Hampshire and Hartford continue their six-game series on Saturday, August 29, with first pitch slated for 6:03 PM. Right-hander Nolan Perry (0-1, 3.00 ERA) will start for the Fisher Cats and the Yard Goats will counter with lefty Konner Eaton (4-2, 4.70 ERA). Coverage begins at 5:43 PM on MLB.tv, the Bally Sports Live app, and the Fisher Cats Radio Network.
The Manchester Coconut Tenders take the field on August 29. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a Coconut Tenders bobblehead giveaway presented by Delta Dental. Saturday is Dartmouth Health’s Love Your Heart Night with postgame Atlas fireworks. The series concludes on Sunday, August 30, with Princesses at the Park. It is Back to School Day presented by NH Healthy Families and kids can run the bases postgame.
The full 2027 home schedule can be viewed at nhfishercats.com. Season and single-game tickets are available at nhfishercats.com, via email at info@nhfishercats.com, by phone at (603) 641-2005, and in-person at the Delta Dental Stadium Box Office on 1 Line Drive in Manchester, New Hampshire.
About the New Hampshire Fisher Cats
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays and play their games at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. Over 180 former Fisher Cats have gone on to make their Major League debut. The Fisher Cats have raised millions of dollars for various charities through the Fisher Cats Foundation and continuously strive to improve the quality of life for Granite State residents. The organization has been recognized as New Hampshire Business Review’s “Best Sporting Event to Take Clients to”, Parenting New Hampshire Magazine’s “New Hampshire’s Favorite Sporting Event for Families”, and New Hampshire Magazine’s “Best New Hampshire Sports Team”. For more information on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, please visit nhfishercats.com, call (603) 641-2005, or contact Chris Jared via email at cjared@nhfishercats.com.