Rock Solid But Yard Goats Fall

*Final: Richmond 10, Hartford 3 *

WP- Clay Helvey (2-0)

LP- Juan Mejia (1-2)

T- 2 :31

Hartford, CT- Yard Goats left-hander Joe Rock pitched well over seven innings, but Richmond scored seven runs over the final two frames to beat Hartford 10-3 on Saturday night in front of 7,368 fans, the 43^rd sellout at Dunkin’ Park. Rock registered seven strikeouts in seven innings and allowed three unearned runs on six hits. Grant Lavigne and Kyle Datres helped the Yard Goats to an early lead with a three-run third inning.

The Yard Goats took a 3-0 with three runs in the third inning off Richmond starting pitcher John Michael Bertrand. Niko Decolati led off the inning with a single and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Bladimir Restituyo. Kyle Datres cracked a single to center field, scoring Decolati for the first run of the game. Later in the inning, Hartford put together a two-out rally as Grant Lavigne belted a two-run double, scoring Kyle Datres and Jordan Beck to make it 3-0.

The Flying Squirrels tied the game with three runs in the fourth inning against Hartford starter Joe Rock. Sean Roby doubled and Brady Whalen reached on an error, setting the table for Carter Aldrete’s two-run double to make it a 3-2 game. Andy Thomas tied the game with a single, scoring Aldrete.

The game was tied 3-3 going to the eighth inning when Richmond scored four runs. Ismael Munguie led off with a single and scored on Will Wilson’s RBI double, giving the Flying Squirrels a 4-3 lead. Victor Bericoto, Andy Thomas and Jimmy Glowenke would all follow with RBI singles and Richmond took a 7-3 lead.

The Yard Goats continue a 13-game homestand on Sunday afternoon (1:10 PM) against the Richmond Flying Squirrels (San Francisco Giants affiliate). RHP Case Williams will start for the Yard Goats and RHP Hayden Birdsong will pitch for the Flying Squirrels. The game will be broadcast on AM 1410, FM 100.9 and on the iheart radio app.