HARTFORD, Conn. (Interstat) — The Hartford Yard Goats snapped the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ eight-game winning streak, holding on for a 6-5 victory in a tense series finale Thursday night at Dunkin’ Park.

A crowd of 3,987 watched as the Yard Goats, who had dropped the first two games of the series by a combined 24-18 score, salvaged the final game behind a key two-run homer from Cole Messina and a resilient bullpen effort that stranded the potential tying and winning runs on base in the ninth inning.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the top of the ninth inning. Trailing by a run, Richmond mounted a serious threat against Hartford closer Davison Palermo. Charlie Szykowny led off with a double and Maui Ahuna and Zach Morgan worked walks to load the bases with no outs. Palermo, however, struck out pinch-hitter Drew Cavanaugh and Aeverson Arteaga looking. A bases-loaded walk to Jonah Cox forced in a run, cutting the deficit to 6-5 and re-loading the bases. Palermo then ended the 2-hour, 48-minute contest by striking out Scott Bandura looking on a full count to secure his first save of the season.

The game was a departure from the offensive fireworks of the previous two nights. Hartford struck first with a four-run second inning off Richmond starter Joe Whitman, highlighted by Messina’s two-run homer to left field. RBI groundouts from Jose Torres and Dyan Jorge capped the rally, staking the Yard Goats to a 4-1 lead.

Richmond chipped away, getting a solo home run from Adrián Sugastey in the fourth. The Flying Squirrels then pulled within a run in the eighth when Bo Davidson launched a two-run homer to center field off reliever Carlos Torres, making it 6-5.

Hartford’s winning margin was built in the sixth inning. After Messina singled, Andy Perez drove him in with a double to center, a play that was extended to third base on an error by Davidson. Skyler Messinger followed with a sacrifice fly to score Perez, providing the decisive run.

Whitman took the loss for Richmond, falling to 1-1. He allowed four runs on four hits over five innings, striking out seven. Carlos Torres earned the win for Hartford, improving to 1-0 after tossing two scoreless innings of relief. Konner Eaton started for the Yard Goats, allowing two runs over four innings.

Despite out-hitting Hartford 9-6, Richmond went 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position and left 13 men on base. The Flying Squirrels’ season record moved to 10-2, while Hartford improved to 5-7.

The result defied the pregame projection from Interstat, which had forecast an 8-3 Richmond victory and gave the Flying Squirrels a 51.6 percent probability to win.

The two teams continue their series Friday night at Dunkin’ Park. Richmond will look to start a new winning streak, while Hartford aims to build on the momentum of a narrow victory secured by a dramatic final stand.