Yorke Homer Powers Portland to 3-2 Win

Hartford, Connecticut - The Portland Sea Dogs (11-5) defeat the Hartford Yard Goats (9-7) 3-2 on Thursday night. Nick Yorke hit his second homer in as many days while Alex Hoppe earned his first save. Helcris Olivarez tallied his first win with the Red Sox Organization.

Portland capitalized early in the top of the first after plating three runs on five hits. Eddinson Paulino reached on a leadoff single before Yorke brought him home with his third homer of the season. The two-run shot to left field put Portland on the board, 2-0. Mickey Gasper hit a single to put another runner on before a single off the bat of Phillip Sikes would drive him in and give Portland a 3-0 lead.

Hartford countered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth. Yanquiel Fernandez hit an RBI single to score Adael Amador while Braxton Fulford singled in Bladimir Resituyo but Portland held on.

Hoppe came in to relieve in the bottom of the eighth and would go on to retire all six Yard Goats he faced into the bottom of the ninth to preserve the 3-2 win.

LHP Helcris Olivarez (1-0, 2.53 ERA) earned the win after pitching 5.0 scoreless innings allowing one hit while walking five and striking out six. Ryan Zeferjahn (1) was issued the hold after pitching 2.0 innings allowing two runs on two hits while walking one and striking out four. Alex Hoppe (1) earned his first save with 2.0 perfect innings in relief. The loss was issued to LHP Carson Palmquist (2-1, 1.23 ERA) after pitching 6.0 innings allowing three runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out seven.

The Sea Dogs return to Dunkin’ Park, tomorrow, April 26th, 2024 for game four of a six-game series with the Hartford Yard Goats. First pitch for game four is slated for 7:10pm. RHP Hunter Dobbins (1-0, 1.80 ERA) will get the ball for Portland while Hartford will start RHP Jared Cande (2-0, 4.50 ERA).