Castillo, Taylor Lead Fisher Cats in Narrow Win over Yard Goats

August 19, 2021 - Eastern League (EL)
New Hampshire Fisher Cats News Release

HARTFORD, CT. - Maximo Castillo logged his longest start of the season on Thursday night, and Samad Taylor smacked a two-run homer as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) beat the Hartford Yard Goats (Colorado Rockies) 3-2 at Dunkin' Donuts Park.

Castillo (W, 10-3; 7.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K) tossed seven innings, allowing four hits and two runs while walking two and striking out three. Taylor went 2-for-5 with his team-leading 16th blast and two RBIs.

Tanner Kirwer also tied a Fisher Cats franchise single-game record with four stolen bases.

The Fisher Cats (44-45) took the early lead against the Yard Goats (29-63) for the third consecutive game. Kirwer drew an 11-pitch leadoff walk in the first against Hartford starter Ian Clarkin (L, 0-2). After Kirwer swiped two bases, Jordan Groshans laced an RBI double to right to put New Hampshire ahead 1-0.

In the third, Taylor drilled a two-run homer to left against Clarkin (6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) to make it a 3-0 New Hampshire lead.

Castillo retired the first eight batters he faced, but ran into trouble with two outs in the third. Jose Gomez walked with two outs, and, with Matt Hearn batting, he swiped second.

Hearn then reached on an infield single to put runners at the corners. With Sean Bouchard at the plate, Hearn stole second to put runners at second and third. Later in the at-bat, Bouchard grounded a two-run single to left to cut the Yard Goats deficit to 3-2.

Castillo allowed just more hits the rest of the way. Brandon Eisert (2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K) relieved Castillo and earned his first career save with two scoreless innings.

New Hampshire has now won three straight against Hartford.

The Fisher Cats continue their six-game set against the Yard Goats on Friday with a 7:05 p.m. contest. New Hampshire righty Elvis Luciano (0-1, 3.51 ERA) takes the hill against Hartford right-hander David Hill (1-3, 4.93 ERA). Fans can catch all of the action on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network.

The Fisher Cats will return home to Delta Dental Stadium on Tuesday, August 24 for games with Binghamton (Mets) and Portland (Red Sox). For tickets, visit nhfishercats.com.

Eastern League Stories from August 19, 2021

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• Allen, Bats Lead Akron Past Harrisburg, 11-2 - Akron RubberDucks
• Castillo, Taylor Lead Fisher Cats in Narrow Win over Yard Goats - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
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• Brieske Solid Again But 'Wolves Fall - Erie SeaWolves
• Flying Squirrels Pitch Gem in 2-1 Victory over SeaWolves - Richmond Flying Squirrels
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• Thursday's Sea Dogs Game Postponed - Portland Sea Dogs
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