Joe Rock Ties Goats' Record with 12 K's; Kyle Datres Cranks Game Winning Homer
June 29, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Hartford Yard Goats News Release
Binghamton, NY- Joe Rock tied a franchise record with 12 strikeouts over 5.1 innings, and Kyle Datres cranked a go-ahead two-run home run in the eighth inning as the Hartford Yard Goats beat the Binghamton Rumble Ponies 5-4 on Thursday night at Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton, New York. Rock was outstanding and struck out every Rumble Ponies batter at least once, while retiring 16 of the first 18 batters faced. He tied Case Williams who fanned 12 in Binghamton last September, and Ashton Goudeau who struck out 12 Trenton Thunder batters in 2019. The Yard Goats were trailing 4-3 in the eighth inning when Datres belted a two-run homer, giving Hartford a 5-4 lead. Relievers Michael Petersen, Evan Justice and Dugan Darnell retired the final nine batters helping Hartford improve to 1-1 in the second half.
Both starting pitchers were impressive on the mound with Yard Goats starter Joe Rock and Binghamton starter Dom Hamel keeping the game scoreless over the first four innings, and the two combining for 18 strikeouts over five innings.
The Yard Goats took a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning as Drew Romo cracked a triple, and scored on an RBI single by Jack Blomgren. Hartford added a pair of runs in the sixth inning on Yanquiel Fernandez' third home run in seven games. The Yard Goats outfielder smashed a two-run homer off the videoboard to make it 3-0.
The bottom of the sixth inning started with great promise for Hartford. Rock began the frame by striking out Jaylen Palmer, his 12th strikeout of the game. The lefty was a strike away from setting a franchise record before Wyatt Young worked a walk. After a hit, walk and two wild pitches Rock was lifted with a 3-1 lead for reliever Nick Kuzia. However, a sacrifice fly, and then two-run homer by Agustin Ruiz off put Binghamton in front 4-3.
The Yard Goats regained the lead in the eighth inning off reliever and Bridgeport, Connecticut native Trey McLaughlin. With one out, Hunter Goodman reached on a throwing error. Then, with two outs Kyle Datres belted a two-run home run over the left field fence, giving Hartford a 5-4 lead. Datres has hit game winning homers in the past two wins and hit a walk-off homer on Saturday against Erie.
The Yard Goats continue the series in Binghamton on Friday night at 7:05 PM. RHP Chris McMahon will pitch for the Yard Goats and RHP Junior Santos will pitch for the Rumble Ponies. The game will be broadcast on AM 1410, FM 100.9 and on the iheart radio app. The Yard Goats return home to Dunkin' Park on Tuesday, July 4th (6:10 PM vs New Hampshire) in a game that will feature a Patriotic Firework display following the contest.
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