HARTFORD, CT – Despite a late rally, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (30-28) could not overcome an early deficit and fell to the Hartford Yard Goats (33-26) on Thursday at Dunkin’ Park, 5-3. Highlighting New Hampshire’s three-run seventh were consecutive home runs from designated hitter Victor Arias and catcher Aaron Parker.
In his first start with the Fisher Cats, RHP Jake Bloss (L, 0-1) struck out six batters and allowed three earned runs in 3-2/3 innings. Reliever Beau Philip recorded the final out of the fourth. RHP Jackson Wentworth followed with four innings or two-run ball (one earned). Hartford starter Jack Mahoney (W, 3-0) tossed a career-high 10 strikeouts in five shutout frames. RHP Carlos Torres (SV, 4) slammed the door in the ninth and secured the win.
Tonight’s Top Takeaways
- RHP Jake Bloss set a 2026 single-game season high with six strikeouts in his first New Hampshire start.
- RHP Beau Philip has tossed consecutive scoreless outings to begin his New Hampshire tenure.
- C Aaron Parker has launched a home run in back-to-back games.
Hartford struck first on Thursday. In the bottom of the first inning, shortstop Dyan Jorge doubled, stole third, and then swiped home for the game’s first run.
In the bottom of the second, designated hitter Bryant Betancourt worked a one-out walk. Two batters later, right fielder Zach Kokoska (7) mashed a two-run homer. The Yard Goats added another run in the fifth. Back-to-back doubles from Jorge and second baseman Roc Riggio made it 4-0.
New Hampshire rallied with three runs in the seventh. Arias (5) and Parker (6) swatted back-to-back home runs which cut the Cats’ deficit to two. Following the home runs, left fielder Jorge Burgos doubled and shortstop Nick Goodwin singled. With runners at the corners, right fielder Jackson Hornung bounced into a fielder’s choice and brought in Burgos from third, 4-3.
Hartford added a run in the eighth on an RBI single from catcher Cole Messina. In the ninth, the Fisher Cats brought the tying run to the plate but were unable to capitalize and fell 5-3.
The Fisher Cats and Yard Goats continue their seven-game series on Friday night, with Fisher Cats RHP Chris McElvain (3-0, 4.44 ERA) slated to go against Hartford’s Jackson Cox (Double-A debut) with a 7:10 PM EDT first pitch from Dunkin’ Park.
Season and single-game tickets for the 2026 season are available at nhfishercats.com, via email at info@nhfishercats.com, by phone at (603) 641-2005, and in-person at the Delta Dental Stadium Box Office on 1 Line Drive in Manchester, New Hampshire.
About the New Hampshire Fisher Cats
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays and play their games at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. Over 170 former Fisher Cats have reached the Major League level. The Fisher Cats have raised millions of dollars for various charities through the Fisher Cats Foundation and continuously strive to improve the quality of life for Granite State residents. The organization has been recognized as New Hampshire Business Review’s “Best Sporting Event to Take Clients to”, Parenting New Hampshire Magazine’s “New Hampshire’s Favorite Sporting Event for Families”, and New Hampshire Magazine’s “Best New Hampshire Sports Team”. For more information on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, please visit nhfishercats.com, call (603) 641-2005, or contact Chris Jared via email at cjared@nhfishercats.com.