Mesa's Hit Lifts Thunder Past Squirrels, 3-2

June 19, 2012 - Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release

(Trenton, NJ) - Melky Mesa's two-out RBI single in the bottom of the eighth snapped a tie score and propelled the Trenton Thunder past the Richmond Flying Squirrels, 3-2, Tuesday night in front of 5,174 fans at Waterfront Park. The Thunder (40-28) opened a seven-game homestand with their third straight win and moved a season-high 12 games above the .500 mark.

With the score tied 2-2 in the eighth, Richmond reliever Tom Vessella (2-1) walked leadoff batter Abraham Almonte and was lifted in favor of Daryl Maday. Jose Pirela sacrificed Almonte to second, but David Adams flew out to center for the second out of the inning.

Richmond then elected to walk Zoilo Almonte to face Mesa, who grounded the first pitch he saw from Maday into left field scoring Almonte from second base for the go-ahead run. Ryan Flannery then came in and tossed a 1-2-3 ninth inning to earn his seventh save in eight opportunities.

Ricky Orta (1-0), just added to the Trenton roster before the game, earned the victory despite allowing one run in two innings of relief. The right-hander, who missed most of the past two seasons because of injury, garnered his first win since 2009. Mikey O'Brien started and allowed one run on four hits in six innings of work.

Luke Murton homered and went 3-for-4 to lead Trenton's seven-hit attack. Juan Perez had two of Richmond's five hits.

The Thunder and Flying Squirrels continue the series Wednesday night, with Trenton left-hander Vidal Nuno (2-1, 0.33) slated to start against righty Chris Heston (6-2, 1.00). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm. Limited tickets are available by contacting the Thunder box office at 609-394-3300 or online at www.trentonthunder.com.

Eastern League Stories from June 19, 2012

• B-Mets Start Roadtrip with Two Losses, 6-4 & 4-2 - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• Aeros Claim Two Wins from B-Mets - Akron RubberDucks
• Sea Dogs Blowout Senators 14-0 - Portland Sea Dogs
• Mesa's Hit Lifts Thunder Past Squirrels, 3-2 - Trenton Thunder
• 'Wolves Drop Series Opener to Baysox - Erie SeaWolves
• Curve Don't Monkey Around in Win over 'Cats - Altoona Curve
• Jenkins Dazzles 8th Largest Crowd in 6-1 Win - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
• Squirrels a Rally Short in Opener, 3-2 - Richmond Flying Squirrels
• Baysox Bats Bounce Back - Chesapeake Baysox
• RHP Ricky Orta Joins Thunder, Marshall Hits DL - Trenton Thunder
• Flying Squirrels Game Notes at Trenton - Richmond Flying Squirrels
• Rock Cats-Big Y Kids Health Wellness Program - New Britain Rock Cats
• Moves made prior to tonight's series opener with Reading - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
• Rock Cats Get Twins Outfield Prospect Arcia - New Britain Rock Cats
• Sea Dogs Game Notes - Portland Sea Dogs
• B-Mets Game Notes: at Akron Aeros - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• Baysox Host Hockey for Hope Night - Chesapeake Baysox

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Trenton Thunder Stories

• Thunder Salvage Series against State College
• Trenton Tomato Pies Debut in Front of Sell out Crowd - Drop Game Two to Spikes
• Thunder Welcomed 11 Millionth Fan in Franchise History Friday
• Pork Roll Fall to Spikes in Series Opener
• Thunder Ready to Welcome 11 Millionth Fan in Franchise History