Murphy strikeouts 11 in 4-0 loss to Hartford

Portland, Maine – Chris Murphy tied his career-high with 11 strikeouts as the Portland Sea Dogs (24-29) fell short, 4-0, to the Hartford Yard Goats (34-19) in a franchise-record hour and 51-minute game on Wednesday at Hadlock Field.

Hartford jumped onto the scoreboard in the top of the first against Sea Dogs starter Chris Murphy. Ezequiel Tovar walked and Kyle Datres singled, putting runners on the corners. Michael Toglia stepped in and drove a ball to left field, scoring Tovar and giving the Yard Goats a 1-0 lead. Aaron Schunk added the final run of the inning with a fly ball, expanding their lead to 2-0.

The Yard Goats added to their lead in the top of the sixth with Murphy still on the mound. With one out, Kyle Datres singled and Toglia doubled, moving both runners into scoring position. Schunk brought both home with a double, increasing Hartford’s advantage to 4-0.

Murphy’s day ended after the sixth inning and a career-high-tying 11 strikeouts. It was the third time he has struck out 11 in his career and the second time with the Sea Dogs. The last time he tied his record was on September 10, 2021.

The Sea Dogs threatened with two hits in the bottom of the eighth inning, but couldn’t bring anybody in to score. Riley Pint entered for the Yard Goats and closed out the game with the Sea Dogs falling 4-0.

Nick Bush (5-3, 3.48 ERA) tossed 7.0 scoreless innings and allowed two hits while striking out four in his fifth win of the season. Murphy (2-4, 2.56 ERA) hurled 6.0 innings, surrendering four runs on five hits, walking two, and striking out 11 in his fourth loss of the year.

The Sea Dogs and Yard Goats play the third game of a six-game series on Thursday with a 6:00 PM first pitch. Portland sends LHP Kyle Hart (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound against Hartford RHP Karl Kauffman (4-2, 3.58 ERA).