EL1 Trenton Thunder

Big inning propels Thunder

Published on July 17, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Portland, ME)- Trenton scored five runs in the sixth inning en route to an 8-1 win over Portland on Friday night from Hadlock Field in Portland, ME. Trenton sent 10 batters to the plate in the five-run frame. Trenton increased its Northern Division lead to a season-high 6 1/2 games over Portland.

With the Thunder down 1-0 in the sixth inning, Designated hitter James Cooper led off with a double against Portland starting pitcher Dustin Richardson (6-6). He advanced to third base on a passed ball, and scored the tying run on an RBI double by Thunder Third baseman Walter Ibarra. After a sacrifice bunt moved Ibarra to third base, Shorstop Ramiro Pena delivered the go-ahead RBI single to give Trenton a 2-1 lead. Thunder Center fielder Austin Jackson followed with an RBI double to increase the lead to 3-1. Richardson was replaced after the Jackson double by reliever Daniel Bard. But, Bard allowed an RBI single by First Baseman Chris Malec to add to the lead. Left Fielder Colin Curtis capped off the scoring with an RBI double. Trenton tied a season-high with six hits in the inning. The Thunder also tied a season-high with six doubles in the game.

Trenton (60-37) scored three more runs in the eighth inning. Curtis had an RBI single in the inning. Trenton also scored a run on a wild pitch from Portland reliever Chad Rhoades, and on an RBI ground out by Right fielder Edwar Gonzalez. Trenton accumulated 12 of its 14 hits after the fifth inning. Jackson went 4 x 4 with two doubles, two runs, and an RBI. Malec finished the game 3 x 5 with a double, two RBI and a run. Thunder starting pitcher Chase Wright (8-2) tossed 5 1/3 innings and allowed only five hits and one run. He struck out six and walked one. Trenton's bullpen combined to go 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Portland starting pitcher Dustin Richardson gave up six hits and four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings to take the loss.

Trenton and Portland will meet on Friday night in the second game of the four-game series. RHP Eric Hacker (5-1, 2.37) will start for Trenton against Portland RHP Kyle Jackson (5-1, 5.19). Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.

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Eastern League Stories from July 17, 2008


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