The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (17-29, 47-67) jumped out to an early lead and rode the momentum to an 8-2 victory over Hartford Yard Goats (25-22, 63-52) at Delta Dental Stadium Thursday. New Hampshire scored seven runs over the first two innings to support Lazaro Estrada’s second Double-A quality start.
Estrada (W, 2-3) retired the first eight Yard Goats he faced en route to six strong innings without an earned run. The right-hander struck out eight Hartford hitters, one away from tying his season high of nine, which he set against Binghamton on August 2. Estrada tossed 73 pitches, 55 of which were strikes.
The Fisher Cats immediately backed up their starter with run support. Left fielder RJ Schreck crushed a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first off Hartford starter Mason Green (L, 0-1). The homer was Schreck’s second leadoff blast he’s hit in Double-A, and fourth total with the Cats. The Vanderbilt product finished the night with two runs scored and three driven in.
With a 1-0 lead, the Cats mounted a two-out rally in the bottom of the second. Michael Turconi and Josh Rivera knocked back-to-back singles with one out. Two batters later, Schreck knocked a single to right to score both. Ryan McCarty stepped up, and Schreck stole second; McCarty then doubled to swap spots with the runner. Charles McAdoo smoked a triple to score McCarty, then Rainer Nuñez belted a 110-mph rocket onto the roof of the Samuel Adams Brewhouse beyond left field, his 11th homer of the season. All in all, New Hampshire scored six runs on six hits and took a 7-0 lead into the third.
Yard Goats Fight Back, But Fisher Cats Hold On
Hartford scored their first run in the top of the sixth, an unearned run on Estrada’s line. Yard Goats second baseman Adael Amador led off the frame and reached on a dropped fly ball by New Hampshire shortstop Rivera. First baseman Zach Kokoska singled to drive to plate Amador and move Thursday’s score to 7-1.
The Fisher Cats quickly got the run back after Nuñez led the bottom of the sixth off with a single and right fielder Yohendrick Pinango doubled. With two runners in scoring position, Nuñez scored on a sacrifice fly from second baseman Turconi to give the Cats an 8-1 lead.
Hartford’s Kyle Datres slugged a solo home run to end the scoring in the top of the ninth with two outs. Fisher Cats righty C.J. Van Eyk sealed Thursday’s win with a strikeout.
Looking Ahead
The series resumes on Friday, August 23, and the Fisher Cats take the field as the New Hampshire Primaries for a 6:35 PM EDT first pitch. New Hampshire’s Rafael Sanchez (2-1, 1.93 ERA) takes the ball in his fourth Double-A start. Colorado’s No. 2 prospect, Chase Dollander (1-0, 1.37 ERA) toes the rubber for his sixth Double-A start of 2024 at Delta Dental Stadium.
Catch the Action
Every Fisher Cats home game is streamed live on MiLB.tv and through the Bally Live App; fans can listen to every Fisher Cats game on the Fisher Cats Radio Network.
Fans can purchase multi-game memberships and single-game tickets at NHFisherCats.com, via email at [email protected], by phone at (603) 641-2005, and in-person at the Fisher Cats box office on 1 Line Drive in Manchester.
Fisher Cats Foundation
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 155 former Fisher Cats have reached the Major League level. 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 [email protected].
