EL1 Trenton Thunder

Thunder Clinch Third Straight Playoff Berth

August 26, 2018 - Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


HARTFORD, Conn. - The Thunder jumped out to an early lead Sunday afternoon at Dunkin Donuts Park, riding a four-run second inning and a pair of homers to an 8-3 win over the Hartford Yard Goats that clinched the team's third consecutive postseason appearance.

The Thunder's third straight playoff appearance matches a franchise record, as the team previously reached the postseason in three consecutive seasons from 2005 to 2007.

Opening the second inning with five consecutive singles, the Thunder (72-60) plated one run each on hits by Rashad Crawford, Wendell Rijo, and Jeff Hendrix, and a fourth run scored on a Bruce Caldwell groundout to short.

Danienger Perez hit his first double-A home run in the fourth, a solo shot leading off the inning, and Crawford launched a three-run homer inside the right field foul pole in the fifth.

Yard Goats (60-69) starter Evan Grills was charged with the loss, surrendering a season-high eight runs on nine hits over four and one-third innings.

Nick Nelson lasted just four innings as Trenton's starter, throwing 98 pitches but holding Hartford to just a two-run homer in the fourth by Omar Carrizales.

Chase Hodson entered in relief of Nelson to begin the fifth and retired all six batters he faced in two innings. Left-hander Phillip Diehl pitched the next two frames, allowing a solo homer to Dom Nunez in the eighth, and Matt Wivinis finished the game with a scoreless ninth.

Your Thunder continue their road trip on Monday night at 6 p.m. against the Altoona Curve. RHP Trevor Stephan (2-8, 5.13) will start for the Thunder, and the Curve have yet to announce their starter. Pre-game coverage begins at 5:50 p.m. on 920 AM The Jersey or online at TrentonThunder.com/Broadcast.

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Eastern League Stories from August 26, 2018


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