EL1 Trenton Thunder

Crawford and Wagner Lead Rubber Match Victory over 'Ducks

Published on August 15, 2019 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


AKRON, OH - Brandon Wagner and Rashad Crawford each homered as the Thunder overcame a five-run deficit after two innings to earn a 6-5 win over the Akron Rubberducks on Thursday night at Canal Park.

Akron used a two-run homer in the first inning by Trenton Brooks and a two-run blast from Alex Call in the second inning to build their lead to 5-0 against Rony Garcia. Garcia would settle in after issuing a walk to Nolan Jones in the second to retire 9-of-10 to finish his outing and give the Thunder offense a chance to rally.

After seeing the first six batters set down in order against Tanner Tully, Brandon Wagner awoke the Thunder offense with a massive solo homer into the second deck of the picnic area in right field in Akron. Matt Lipka bunted himself aboard later in the frame and Kyle Holder followed with a single to set up the Thunder for me. Wendell Rijo brought a run home on a throwing error by 3B Nolan Jones and Chris Gittens plated another with a single to make it 5-3.

In the fifth inning, the Thunder got back-to-back singles by Holder and Rijo to start a rally and Gittens drove in his second run with a groundout to short. After Isiah Gilliam struck out, Rashad Crawford cranked a two-run homer to center and take a 6-5 lead.

The Thunder accumulated six runs on ten hits across their at bats in the third, fourth and fifth innings against Tully.

James Reeves earned the win with 3.1 scoreless innings of relief allowing just three baserunners and striking out a pair. Reeves gave way to Brooks Kriske with two outs in the eighth inning and the right-hander would go on to record his 11th save of the campaign.

Holder, Crawford and Wagner recorded multi-hit games in the victory. Wagner recorded his first home run since July 4th against Hartford and his third three-hit game of the season in Thursday's win.

Your Thunder continue their road trip on Friday night at 7:15pm against the Reading Fightin Phils. RHP Clarke Schmidt (AA Debut) will start for the Thunder, RHP Spencer Howard (0-0, 1.93) will go for Reading. Pre-game coverage begins at 7:00pm on 920 AM The Jersey and online www.TrentonThunder.com/Broadcast.

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Eastern League Stories from August 15, 2019


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