EL1 Trenton Thunder

Bollinger Deals, Bullpen Holds off Late Threats in Win

Published on August 8, 2018 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


Ryan Bollinger dominated for seven scoreless innings, and a home run by Trey Amburgey provided the needed run support for the Thunder in a 2-1 win over the Altoona Curve on Wednesday afternoon at ARM & HAMMER Park.

Bollinger's start was his second-longest of the season for the Thunder (64-50), and his sixth quality start in his last seven outings. The left-hander allowed only one hit and walked two while striking out three.

Altoona (60-51) starter Dario Agrazal battled Bollinger through the first five innings until serving up a two-run homer to Amburgey in the bottom of the sixth. The home run was Amburgey's 14th of the season, matching his career-high set with high-A Tampa in 2017.

In the top of the eighth, the Curve fought back against Thunder reliever James Reeves. After a leadoff double and a walk, a sacrifice bunt by Arden Pabst advanced the runners to second and third with one out. Tyler Gaffney followed by hitting a line drive to center field that prompted a sliding attempt by Jeff Hendrix. Umpire Aaron Higgins ruled that Hendrix had trapped the ball, allowing lead runner Stephen Alemais to score from third when a relay throw to the plate bounced away from catcher Ryan Lidge. After an intentional walk loaded the bases, Ke'Bryan Hayes lined out to second baseman Bruce Caldwell, who threw to first to double off Cole Tucker for an inning-ending double play to strand the tying and go-ahead runs.

In the ninth, Reeves allowed a leadoff single to Bryan Reynolds before being replaced by Matt Wivinis. Will Craig greeted the new right-hander with a single to left field, but Jin-De Jhang bunted foul for strike three on a failed sacrifice attempt. Alemais then hit a groundball to third baseman Mandy Alvarez, who stepped on third base and threw to first for a game-ending double play.

Rashad Crawford and Ricky Surum paced the Thunder with two hits each in the game, and the latter provided two early defensive gems at shortstop to help back Bollinger.

The game completed in just two hours and two minutes, the second-shortest nine-inning game of the season for the Thunder.

Your Thunder conclude their homestand on Thursday night at 7pm against the Curve. RHP Trevor Stephan (2-7, 4.78) will start for the Thunder, and RHP Eduardo Vera (5-3, 4.62) will go for Altoona. The Thunder will celebrate Jewish Heritage Night and Hockey Night, and will also feature Thirsty Thursday drink specials and a postgame Fireworks Spectacular. Tickets are available by phone at 609-394-3300 or online at TrentonThunder.com.

Check out the Trenton Thunder Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from August 8, 2018


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.

OurSports Central