Yard Goats Pound Patriots 9-2

Final: Hartford 9, Somerset 2

WP: Mitch Kilkenny (4-5)

LP: Matt Sauer (0-1)

T: 2:36

A: 7,183

Somerset, NJ- The Hartford Yard Goats scored four runs in each of the first two innings, and pounded the Somerset Patriots 9-2 on Friday night at TD Bank Ballpark in Somerset, New Jersey. Tyler Hill had a two-run double in the first inning, Daniel Montano smashed a three-run home run in the second inning, and Mitch Kilkenny retired the first 11 batters faced, while tossing five solid innings for his fourth win. Relievers Dugan Darnell, Fineas Del Bonta-Smith and Blair Calvo retired 11 of the final 12 batters of the game with seven strikeouts.

The Yard Goats scored four runs in the first inning off Somerset starter Matt Sauer in his Double-A debut. Kyle Datres began the scoring with and RBI single, Willie MacIver was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Tyler Hill contributed with a two-out, two-run double to make it 4-0

The Yard Goats added four more runs in the second inning, highlighted by a three-run home run by Daniel Montano. The Hartford outfielder belted a pitch over the right field fence for his 11th homer of the season to make it 8-0 Yard Goats.

Hartford starter Mitch Kilkenny retired the first 11 batters to come to the plate with three strikeouts. After walking Austin Wells, Elijah Dunham hit a two-run homer to make it an 8-2 game. Kilkenny allowed only two runs on two hits with four strikeouts in his five inning effort.

Dugan Darnell entered in the sixth inning and struck out the side. The righty then fanned the first two batters of the seventh inning before Jeisson Rosairo popped out to end the perfect appearance. Fineas Del Bonta-Smith worked a scoreless eighth and Blair Calvo pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.

The Yard Goats and Patriots will play the final game of the six game series on Sunday night at 5:05 PM. RHP Tony Locey will start for the Yard Goats and RHP Randy Vasquez will start for the Patriots. The broadcast can be heard on AM 1410, FM 100.9 and the iheart radio app. The Yard Goats return home next Tuesday, August 16th to Dunkin' Donuts Park to host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.