IronBirds Hold off Late Thunder Rally, Win 7-6
Published on August 18, 2026 under Major League Baseball Draft League (MLBDL)
Trenton Thunder News Release
The Aberdeen IronBirds built an early seven-run lead and barely held on to defeat the Trenton Thunder 7-6 in a high-stakes contest on Tuesday evening.
Aberdeen struck first in the top of the second inning, leveraging three early walks by Trenton starter Derek Benzinger. Taj Bates drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the first run before reliever Justin Gay entered, allowing a walk to Randy Flores and an RBI force-out to Jacoby Radcliffe to put Aberdeen ahead 3-0.
The IronBirds extended their advantage to 4-0 in the third on a Dylan Winebrenner sacrifice fly following two stolen bases by Isaiah Parido. Aberdeen expanded their lead to 6-0 in the fifth when Radcliffe scored on a throwing error following his second stolen base of the night, followed by an RBI single from Winebrenner. Jevin Relaford added an RBI single in the sixth to put the IronBirds comfortably ahead 7-0.
Trenton mounted a fierce late-game comeback starting in the bottom of the sixth. Bryson Trammell scored on a passed ball, and Jovi Gill followed with an RBI single to bring Trenton on the board. In the seventh inning, Cy Turner doubled home Michael Whooley and later scored on a double-steal attempt to cut the deficit to 7-4.
The Thunder pushed the game to the wire in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. After Daniel Murillo singled and advanced to second on defensive indifference, AJ Swader launched a clutch two- run home run to right field on a 1-1 pitch, pulling Trenton within a single run at 7-6. However, IronBirds closer Roman Harrison recovered to strike out Brayden Fraasman swinging to end the ballgame and secure his second save of the season. Ethan Paulson earned the win in relief (2-0), while Benzinger took the loss (0-2).
Your Trenton return home on august 27th for the first of three with the West Virginia black Bears! For full ticket pricing and information, partnership/sponsorship opportunities, and information about special events at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, please visit trentonthunder.com or call the radius 180 Thunder Box Office at (609) 394-3300, opt 4.
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