EL1 Trenton Thunder

Cooper's big game helps Trenton defeat Reading 9-7

Published on August 16, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Reading, PA)- Trenton Left fielder James Cooper had two hits, two stolen bases, and scored three runs to lead the Thunder past Reading 9-7 on Saturday night from First Energy Stadium in Reading, PA. Trenton has scored 18 runs in the last two games, after only scoring 13 runs in the previous seven games.

Trenton (75-50) didn't wait to take the lead on Saturday night. Shortstop Reegie Corona led off with a solo home run off of Reading starting pitcher Antonio Bastardo in the top of the first inning. Reading took a 2-1 lead in the second inning on a two-run double by Third baseman Neil Sellers. Trenton would tie the game at 2-2 in the third inning. Cooper singled with one out, and stole second base. With two outs he stole third base, and scored on a wild pitch by Bastardo. Trenton plated three more runs in the fifth inning. Designated hitter Francisco Cervelli had an RBI single, and First baseman Chris Malec reached on an error by Reading Center fielder Javon Moran. The error allowed two runs to score making it 5-2. Trenton scored four times in the sixth inning to increase the lead to 9-2. Cervelli produced a two-run double, and Center fielder Austin Jackson connected on a two-run single as part of the big inning.

Reading (49-77) closed to 9-7 with two runs in the seventh inning, and three runs in the eighth inning. Shortstop Brad Harman had a two-run home run off of Thunder reliever Michael Gardner in the seventh inning. In the eighth inning, Reading Catcher John Suomi drove home a run with an RBI groundout, and Sellers drilled another two-run double to reduce the Trenton lead to 9-7. But, Thunder reliever Anthony Claggett tossed the final two innings to preserve the win, and pick up his ninth save of the season. Trenton reliver Oneli Perez (2-2) earned the win in relief of Starting pitcher Jeff Marquez. Perez hurled two shutout innings. Marquez allowed four hits and two runs in four innings of work for a no-decision. Reading reliever Travis Minix (2-5) took the loss as he gave up four hits and five runs (one earned) in 1 1/3 innings. Bastardo also received a no-decision as he gave up three hits and two runs in four innings. Cervelli went 2 x 5 with three RBI and one run. Jackson had two hits, including a double, and two RBI in the win for the Thunder.

Trenton and Reading will play the third game of the four-game series on Sunday night from First Energy Stadium in Reading, PA. Game time is set for 6:05 p.m. RHP Carl Pavano (0-1, 5.63) will start for the Thunder against Reading RHP Andrew Carpenter (5-7, 5.69).

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Eastern League Stories from August 16, 2008


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