EL1 Trenton Thunder

Jeter Dazzles, Thunder Walk Off in Ninth

Published on July 2, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


Trenton, NJ - Derek Jeter had a hit, a run scored and a solid defensive night and the Trenton Thunder (48-33) scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to walk-off to a 4-3 win over the Altoona Curve (35-45) in front of 9,002 fans at Waterfront Park. In the second highest attended game in franchise history, Corban Joseph beat out a throw at first base to avoid a double play and score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth. The Thunder have now won five of six games on the current seven-game homestand.

The Yankee Captain, rehabbing an injured right calf, put on a show for the Thunder fans early and often on Saturday night. In his first at bat, Jeter singled through the hole at shortstop and advanced to third on a Corban Joseph double. One batter later, Austin Romine's sacrifice fly scored him from third and the Thunder took a 1-0 lead. Then Jeter, in his first defensive test of the night, helped start a 6-4-3 double play to aid his pitcher Craig Heyer in the top of the second inning.

Jeter dazzled the Waterfront Park crowd with his top of the fourth inning when Heyer retired the side on three straight groundouts to shortstop. The middle of the three plays was the most difficult as Jeter lunged for a ball behind second base and hurled a strike to Rob Lyerly at first base for the out. Jeter, who is expected to make another start for the Thunder on Sunday night, lined out in his second at bat and walked in his third. He was replaced in the game by Jose Pirela, who came in as a pinch runner after the walk in the fifth.

Trailing 3-2 entering the ninth inning, the Thunder needed some late-inning magic to secure a win. Rob Lyerly led the inning off with a double down the line in left field. Immediately after that, Damon Sublett tripled over the head of Andrew Lambo in right field to tie the score at three apiece. After Ray Kruml struck out and Jose Pirela was intentionally walked, Corban Joseph grounded a ball to second for what looked to be a double play. However, the hustling Thunder second baseman beat the throw to first, scoring Lyerly to give Trenton their fifth walk-off win of the season.

Derek Jeter will be back in uniform for the Trenton Thunder, who are in action for the final time on this seven-game homestand, Sunday night at 7:05 PM. In the final game of a four-game set with the Altoona Curve, the Thunder will give the pearl to LHP Manny Banuelos (3-1, 3.38). The Curve will counter with RHP Kyle McPherson (1-2, 3.32). Tune-in to the game on 91.3 WTSR and on trentonthunder.com. The SBLI Pre-Game Show with Jay Burnham and Hank Fuerst begins at 6:45 PM.

Because Jeter will be appearing for the Thunder on a Major League Rehab assignment Sunday, the Thunder are expecting a large crowd. All fans are encouraged to arrive at the ballpark as early as possible with gates opening at 4:00 PM. The Thunder also encourage fans to park in a free shuttle parking lot at the corner of Cass Street and Route 129. For information on standing room only tickets, call 609-394-3300 or log on to trentonthunder.com.

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Eastern League Stories from July 2, 2011


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