By Tiffany Williams –
The Hartford Yard Goats are back under the lights at Dunkin’ Park Wednesday night, continuing their playoff push with a six-game set against the Reading Fightin Phils. With just 11 games left in the regular season, Hartford sits a half-game out of a postseason spot, making every inning of this homestand crucial.
Lefty Sean Sullivan takes the ball for the Yard Goats in what will be his 17th start of the season. Sullivan, a second-round pick of the Rockies in 2023 and the club’s No. 13 prospect according to MLB.com, is chasing his 10th win of the year. That would mark the second-most wins in a single season in franchise history. He’s been sharp of late, posting a 2.16 ERA across three August starts after dominating in July with a 1.84 mark over five outings.
The 23-year-old has already proven he can handle the big stage, starting the first playoff game ever held at Dunkin’ Park last season. Before arriving in Hartford, he was named Northwest League Pitcher of the Year with Spokane in 2024 and earned High-A All-Star honors.
The Yard Goats enter tonight’s matchup riding back-to-back wins, looking to build momentum after a six-game stretch in Somerset where they took five of six before stumbling at home against Portland. Playoff tickets are already on sale, a sign the organization believes this team has staying power down the stretch.
Hartford has handled Reading well this season, winning nine of 13 meetings so far, including back-to-back series victories in June and late July. Overall, the Fightin Phils still hold the edge historically, 63-59, but the balance of power has shifted in 2025.
On the other side, Reading sends right-hander Chuck King to the mound as they try to spoil Hartford’s playoff push. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. in what promises to be another high-stakes night at Dunkin’ Park.