Patriots Notebook: The Final Postseason Push
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Patriots have reached their final regular season series with their postseason aspirations still alive. The club has six games remaining to punch their ticket into the dance, though the margin for error is razor thin. Somerset welcomes Hartford to TD Bank Ballpark this week for
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Patriots have reached their final regular season series with their postseason aspirations still alive. The club has six games remaining to punch their ticket into the dance, though the margin for error is razor thin.
Somerset welcomes Hartford to TD Bank Ballpark this week for the final series of the season as they, along with Binghamton, sit 3.5 games behind first place Reading for the Northeast Division lead. The magic number for the Fightin’ Phils to lock up a playoff spot is down to three entering action this week.
After splitting a six-game battle with Erie on the road last week, Somerset enters this final stretch knowing every final score for them along with the Fightin’ Phils and Rumble Ponies, carries massive implications. While the Yard Goats make their final trip to Bridgewater this season, Binghamton is at Portland, while Reading hosts Erie this week. There will be no shortage of scoreboard watching on tap.
Here is a look at the latest news, notes and storylines surrounding Somerset heading into action this week.
Historically Offensive: The Patriots have been one of the most prolific and consistent offensive clubs across minor league baseball this season. They have blasted an Eastern League leading 185 homers while their 730 runs rank third.
Both DJ Gladney (85 RBI) and Coby Morales (81 RBI) became the first players in the team’s affiliated era to join the 80-RBI in a single season club.
Prior to the start of this season, Somerset had four players record 20-plus homers in a single season. Both Gladney (23) and Morales (21) surpassed that mark along with teammates Garrett Martin (21) and Jace Avina (20).
Coby Morales (@Yankees No. 30 Prospect) RIPS his 81st RBI of the season on a single to score Roderick Arias! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/f9cQgG6Utw
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) September 6, 2026
Morales the Hit King: In his first full season at the Double-A level, infielder Coby Morales has been remarkably consistent at the plate. He has blown past his previous career-highs in homers (21) and RBI (81) and with an eighth inning single against Erie last Sunday, recorded his 127th hit of the season. Morales' 127 hits are the most in a single season ever recorded by a Patriots player during the franchise's affiliated era.
Bryce Cunningham (@Yankees No. 9 Prospect) pitched Somerset's first COMPLETE GAME this season! 🤩
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) September 6, 2026
7.0 IP | 6 H | 3 R | 0 BB | 7 K | 78 pitches pic.twitter.com/qvGeoT7XGE
Cunningham Gem: Yankees No. 9 prospect Bryce Cunningham has endured a mix of highs and lows in his second season of pro ball after the organization selected him 53rd overall out of Vanderbilt in 2024. After pitching just 54.1 innings in his first campaign last season, Cunningham has now nearly doubled that workload with 98.1 IP on the bump in 2026.
The talented right-hander has now made three starts for Somerset since being promoted to Double-A back on August 25 and is coming off his best outing yet after firing a seven-inning complete game against Erie last Saturday, which marked the first complete game for the Patriots this season.
The Alabama-native allowed six hits and three runs while fanning seven and walking no batters. Across his three appearances with Somerset, Cunningham has now whiffed 20 batters and walked just two across 18 innings.
Palencia Scorching: After hitting just .208 over his first 46 games of the season, catcher Manny Palencia has turned things around to slash .338/.370/.554 with seven homers, 24 RBI and 14 extra-base hits over his last 35 games dating back to the start of July.
Knowing the Opponent: While Hartford is not a factor in the second half postseason race, they can play the role of spoiler after already clinching the first half division crown. The Yard Goats are already playoff bound and the Patriots would love to lock horns with them for a second consecutive week if they can take care of business and get a little bit of help this week.
The Patriots have gone 7-5 against the Rockies affiliate this season and are 64-36 against them all-time in regular season play.
Right-hander Jackson Cox is Colorado’s No. 8 prospect, and the 22-year-old has posted a 4.15 ERA in eight starts at Double-A after being promoted from Spokane back in June. The 2022 second round pick, who was activated from the IL last week after missing more than six weeks of action, has already gotten a look at Somerset twice in his brief time in the upper levels.
Cox allowed four earned runs on seven hits across six innings against the Patriots back on June 30 and then followed it up by tossing six no-hit innings against them in the series finale on July 5.
It was widely expected that Rockies No. 10 prospect Jared Thomas would miss the entirety of the season with a right hamate injury, but after rigorous work and rehab, the Yard Goats were able to get the 42nd overall pick from 2024 back in action in late July. The 23-year-old outfielder has slashed .253/.320/.374 with three homers and 12 RBI in 23 games of action for the Yard Goats since returning.
Probable Pitchers
To Be Announced
Matt Kardos | SomersetPatriots.com Senior Writer
Matt Kardos has covered the Yankees minor league system for over a decade and will spend his 14th season on the beat covering the Patriots for SomersetPatriots.com. Throughout his career, Matt has contributed to MLB.com, YES Network and Pinstriped Prospects. When he’s not at the ballpark, Matt enjoys traveling with his wife Kimberly, watching Jets football and collecting sports cards.