EL1 Trenton Thunder

Early Lead Holds, Thunder Take Down R-Phils

Published on July 15, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Trenton, NJ) - Ray Kruml's fourth three-hit night in five games led the Trenton Thunder (49-42) to a 9-5 win over the Reading Phillies (47-44) in front of 7,694 on Thursday night at Waterfront Park. In the second half's opening contest, the Thunder offense erupted for eleven hits and nine runs, the most runs scored for the Thunder in the month of July. The team's thirty-first home victory in 2011 brings an end to Trenton's nine-game losing streak.

Appearing in front of the friendly Waterfront Park fans for the first time since July 3, the Thunder quickly took the lead against Reading starter J.C. Ramirez. In the bottom of the first inning, Corban Joseph scored Ray Kruml from first base on his RBI-triple. Then, Joseph was able to scamper home from third base as a wild throw from shortstop Freddy Galvis sailed into the Reading dugout on the third base side. Without an out recorded and just two batters into the game, the Thunder took a 2-0 lead.

The next inning, after the R-Phils tied the score 2-2 in the top of the second, the Thunder answered back with two more runs. Damon Sublett doubled home Jose Pirela, who doubled to lead off the frame, to give the Thunder a 3-2 advantage. After a Jose Gil single, Kruml's sacrifice fly scored Damon Sublett to give Trenton the 4-2 edge.

Looking to take a commanding lead in the bottom of the fourth, the Thunder chased J.C. Ramirez for three runs in the frame. Kruml doubled home a run with one out, and Bradley Suttle drove in two runs with his two-out, bases loaded single. After four frames, the Thunder held a 7-2 advantage.

Two important insurance runs were scored for the Thunder in the bottom of the seventh inning off of the rehabbing Brad Lidge. Melky Mesa, who was hit by a pitch and stole second base, advanced home on a wild pitch from Lidge. With runners at second and third and two outs, Gil then reached on an infield single to drive home his twenty-fourth run of the season and the Thunder led 9-5.

The Thunder will continue their four-game set with the Reading Phillies Friday night at 7:05 PM from Waterfront Park. Getting the pearl for the Thunder in game two is LHP Steve Garrison (2-6, 6.98). Reading will counter with RHP Tyler Cloyd (3-1, 3.48). The SBLI Pre-Game show with Jay Burnham and Hank Fuerst begins at 6:45 PM. Tune-in to the game on 91.3 WTSR and trentonthunder.com.

The first 2,000 fans ages six and older to Friday's game will receive Andy Pettitte Bobbleheads (Thunder Home Uniform) courtesy of TD Bank. For ticket information, call the Thunder Ticket Office at 609-394-3300 or log on to trentonthunder.com.

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Eastern League Stories from July 15, 2011


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