EL1 Trenton Thunder

Pirela's Clutch Double Edges Thunder Past B-Mets

Published on June 11, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Trenton, NJ) - The Trenton Thunder (38-24) scored four unanswered runs in the middle innings to take a 4-2 decision from the Binghamton Mets (19-41) on Saturday night in front of 7,466 at Waterfront Park. Jose Pirela provided the go-ahead, two-run scoring double in the bottom of the sixth to give Trenton a lead they would never surrender. The Thunder have now won five straight home games and 24 of 32 at Waterfront Park in 2011.

Trailing 1-0 in the fourth, the Thunder tied the score in a dramatic and unusual fashion. With no one on and one out, Jose Gil lined a ball to left field that was trapped under the glove of Binghamton left fielder Brahiam Maldonado. Maldonado appeared to injure his wrist and began to roll on the ground in left field in obvious pain. Meanwhile, with the ball in the glove of Maldonado on the ground in left field, Gil advanced all the way home for an inside-the-park homerun to tie the score.

In a 2-2 game in the bottom of the sixth, Jose Pirela came to Waterfront Park's right-handed batter's box with two on and no one out. The Venezuelan shortstop promptly lined a double to the left field corner to clear the bases and put the Thunder in the lead for good at 4-2.

Thunder starting pitcher Manny Banuelos was strong in his twelfth start of 2011 and fell just one out short of a quality start. Overall, the lefty allowed two runs in five and two-thirds innings and struck out a season-high eight. Japanese lefty Naoya Okamoto continued his dominant performance as of late by pitching the final three innings to pick-up his second save of the year.

The Thunder continue their six-game homestand Sunday at 1:05 PM with the finale of the team's three-game series with the Binghamton Mets. The Thunder will give the pearl to RHP Cory Arbiso (4-3, 5.67), while Binghamton will counter with RHP Jeurys Familia (0-2, 3.00). Tune-in to the game on 91.3 WTSR-FM and on trentonthunder.com. The SBLI Pre-Game Show with Jay Burnham and Hank Fuerst begins at 12:45 PM.

A Healthfirst New Jersey Kids' Club Sunday will feature a Webkinz Giveaway presented by NJBEST.com to the first 1,000 fans ages five to 15. There will also be another Mrs. G's Raffle where one lucky fan will win a Bosch range and OTR microwave. Call 609-394-3300 or log on to trentonthunder.com for ticket information and to reserve your seats.

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Eastern League Stories from June 11, 2011


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