EL1 Trenton Thunder

Karstens twirls gem in Thunder 3-0 win

Published on June 26, 2006 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Trenton, NJ)- Jeff Karstens and Justin Pope combined to toss a two-hit shutout and DH Randy Ruiz homered and scored two runs to help the Trenton Thunder to a 3-0 win over the Connecticut Defenders at Waterfront Park on Monday night.

Karstens allowed a leadoff single to CF Clay Timpner in the 1st Inning and then retired the next 23 consecutive batters, one shy of the team record. Current Colorado Rockies RHP Ramon Ramirez retired 24 straight batters in a two-hitter over Norwich on August 17, 2004. On the night, Karstens (4-0) allowed two hits with no walks and eight strikeouts. He allowed two base runners in the 9th Inning, but Justin Pope came on to get a strikeout and a double play to end the game. For Pope, it was his 15th save of the season and ninth straight appearance with a save, which extends his team record.

Trenton (41-35) grabbed the lead in the 4th Inning. SS Felix Escalona single home Ruiz and when the throw from the outfield hit Ruiz, Eric Duncan came home as well for a 2-0 lead. Ruiz then added a solo homer off Connecticut starter Jesse Floyd in the 6th Inning for a 3-0 lead. It was the 9th home run of the year for Ruiz. Floyd (1-8) took the loss allowing three runs (two earned) in six innings.

The win was the sixth in a row for Trenton and moves the Thunder to within five games of the 1st Place Portland Sea Dogs. For Connecticut (32-42), it was their seventh straight loss.

Trenton begins a road trip on Tuesday in Manchester, NH against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Danny Borrell (3-4, 3.67) starts for the Thunder against New Hampshire's Mike MacDonald (6-4, 3.81). Game time is 6:35 PM.

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Eastern League Stories from June 26, 2006


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