Sports stats

EL1 Trenton Thunder

Bats Falter Again, Spoiling Strong Start

July 4, 2019 - Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


Thunder bats fell silent again Thursday night as a strong start by Rony Garcia received little run support in a 2-1 loss to the Hartford Yard Goats in front of a crowd of 6,924 at ARM & HAMMER Park.

The loss stretched the Thunder losing streak to a season-high five games. The Thunder (7-10, 45-37) have now scored just five runs over their last five games, going 2-for-37 with runners in scoring position during that stretch.

Garcia retired the first nine Hartford batters of the game before allowing a Manny Melendez single to open the fourth inning. Melendez later advanced to second and scored on an Alan Trejo single, tying the score at 1-1 after Brandon Wagner had put the Thunder in front with a third-inning solo homer.

Working a career-high seven and two-third innings, Garcia retired another string of nine in a row before leaving the game after allowing a two-out double to Brian Serven in the eighth. Brooks Kriske entered in relief and allowed a single to Melendez, plating the go-ahead run for the Yard Goats (7-9, 44-39).

The Thunder received numerous run-scoring opportunities, putting the tying or go-ahead run aboard in each inning from the fourth through the seventh. But a bases-loaded threat in the seventh that failed to produce a single run served as a microcosm for the Thunder's recent offensive struggles.

In the bottom of the ninth, Rashad Crawford led off by reaching on an error and took second on a sacrifice bunt, but a strikeout and a lineout ended the game as Scott Griggs recorded the save.

Hartford starter Brandon Gold struck out seven across five and two-third innings, allowing eight hits but navigating out of trouble. Mitch Horacek and Rayan Gonzalez (2-1) bridged the gap to Griggs with a combined two and one-third innings of scoreless relief.

Seven of the nine batters in the Thunder order recorded a hit, with Kyle Holder and Chris Gittens collecting two each. Mandy Alvarez went 1-for-4, extending his Double-A on-base streak to a season-high 13 games.

Your Thunder continue their homestand on Friday evening at 7 p.m. against the Yard Goats. RHP Brian Keller (0-0, 1.80) will start for the Thunder, and LHP Matt Whitehouse (3-2, 5.60) will go for Hartford. The first 2,000 fans ages 18 and over will receive a free lottery ticket, presented by NJ Lottery. Tickets are available by phone at 609-394-3300 or online at TrentonThunder.com.

Check out the Trenton Thunder Statistics



Eastern League Stories from July 4, 2019


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Trenton Thunder Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central