Murphy's First HR Gives Thunder 6-5 Win at New Britain

Published on July 14, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release

(New Britain, CT) - J.R. Murphy's hit his first Eastern League home run leading off the top of the ninth inning to snap a tie score and give the Trenton Thunder a 6-5 win over the New Britain Rock Cats Saturday night at New Britain Stadium. Luke Murton and Kevin Mahoney also homered for the Thunder (53-39) who moved two games ahead of the second-place Rock Cats in the Eastern Division standings.

Murphy's blast to left against reliever Bruce Pugh (2-1) broke a 5-5 tie and was the first run allowed by Pugh in over 18 innings with New Britain this season. Murphy had earlier hit an RBI triple that gave Trenton a 3-2 lead in the seventh inning.

Kelvin Perez (4-1) tossed 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the win, while Danny Farquhar earned his third save in as many appearances by pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He has allowed no runs and only one hit in nine innings since being acquired by Trenton.

Trailing 2-1 entering the seventh, Murton blasted his league-best 19th long ball to tie the score against New Britain starter Blake Martin. It was part of a four-run inning by the Thunder, which also included Murphy's RBI triple, Neil Medchill's RBI single and Addison Maruszak's RBI double.

Shaeffer Hall started for Trenton and allowed two runs on nine hits and struck out five. Medchill had three hits for the Thunder to pace the 13-hit attack.

The Thunder and Rock Cats conclude the four-game series on Sunday afternoon with first pitch slated for 1:35 pm. Right-hander Brett Marshall (9-3, 3.17) is expected to start for Trenton while New Britain counters with righty B.J. Hermsen (5-3, 3.27). Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and also streaming online begins at 1:20 pm.

Eastern League Stories from July 14, 2012

• One-Run Loss in Akron Haunts Curve Again on Saturday - Altoona Curve
• Murphy's First HR Gives Thunder 6-5 Win at New Britain - Trenton Thunder
• Bryson Comes Up Big in Ninth as Aeros win 4-3 - Akron RubberDucks
• Squirrels Hang Tough in Harrisburg, 5-4 - Richmond Flying Squirrels
• Wheeler Dazzles in Complete Game Shutout, 1-0 - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• Rock Cats Drop Heartbreaker, 6-5 - New Britain Rock Cats
• Pimentel Leads Sea Dogs to Fourth Straight Win - Portland Sea Dogs
• Baysox Clinch Season Series against Reading - Chesapeake Baysox
• Wheeler Tosses Complete Game Shutout over Erie - Erie SeaWolves
• Ochinko RBI Lone Bright Spot in 9-1 Loss - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
• Erie SeaWolves at Binghamton Mets - Game Notes - Erie SeaWolves
• B-Mets Game Notes: vs. Erie SeaWolves - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• Sea Dogs Game Notes - Portland Sea Dogs
• Flying Squirrels Game Notes at Harrisburg - Richmond Flying Squirrels

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 Drop 3rd Straight to Aberdeen
• Thunder Walk off to Earn Sweep vs Scrappers
• Goldens Comeback from 4 to Take Game 2 from Scrappers
• Trenton Thunder Legend Rookie "On Deck" Officially Retires from Bat Dog Duties
• Thunder Take First Game from Scrappers in Sudden Death