Jose Torres and Zach Kokosha dropped down back-to-back squeeze bunts in the bottom of the 10th inning, driving in the tying and winning runs as the Hartford Yard Goats pulled out a 4-3 win over the Portland Sea Dogs in an Eastern League game Saturday night in Hartford, Connecticut.
Portland took the lead in the top of the 10th on a two-out RBI single by Max Ferguson that drove in automatic runner Will Turner.
In the bottom of the 10th, Connor Capel led off with a single that sent automatic runner Benny Montgomery to third, and Capel took second on the throw to the plate. Sea Dogs reliever Reidis Sena struck out the next batter, but Montgomery scored when Torres bunted the ball back to Sena, who tried to beat Montgomery to the plate rather than throw home.
Kokosha followed with another bunt to the mound, and Capel, who was running on the pitch, scored easily before Sena could attempt a throw.
The Yard Goats finished with just three hits. Patrick Halligan, usually a reliever, started for the Sea Dogs and retired all 12 batters he faced. Hartford scored twice in the fifth against Erik Rivera on a passed ball and a wild pitch.
Portland took the lead in the first inning on an RBI double by Brooks Brannon. Tyler McDonough tied the game with a home run in the seventh.
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can update your screen name on the member's center.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.