EL1 Trenton Thunder

Pirela's Walk-Off Hit Caps Trenton's DH Sweep

Published on June 24, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Trenton, NJ) - Jose Pirela's infield hit scored Yadil Mujica all the way from second base with two outs in the seventh inning to push the Trenton Thunder past the Portland Sea Dogs, 7-6, and give the team a doubleheader sweep Saturday in front of 6,934 fans at Waterfront Park. Trenton blasted back-to-back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning of the opener en route to an 8-3 win.

After Trenton blew a 6-3 lead with two outs in the seventh in the nightcap, Portland reliever Aaron Kurcz (2-4) retired the first two Thunder batters in the bottom of the seventh. Mujica then walked for the fourth time in the game, and Abraham Almonte extended his hitting streak to 14 consecutive games moving Mujica to second base.

Pirela then worked a 2-2 count against Kurcz. Mujica took off for third base as Kurcz delivered the next pitch on an apparent hit-and-run, and Pirela hit a ground ball deep into the hole at shortstop. Derrik Gibson fielded the ball for Portland as his momentum was taking him toward left field, and Mujica never broke stride in heading to the plate. Gibson threw home off balanced and Mujica slid safely under the tag.

With the score tied at 3-3 in the opener, Zoilo Almonte hit a two-run opposite field home run against Stolmy Pimentel (1-4) to give the Thunder the lead for good. Melky Mesa followed with a solo shot to left center, and Luke Murton hit the third consecutive homer on a 3-2 pitch out to left. It was the second time this season Trenton had hit back-to-back-to-back homers.

The Thunder and Sea Dogs play the third of the four-game series Sunday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 pm. Trenton right-hander Mikey O'Brien (4-1, 3.10) is slated to start against lefty Chris Hernandez (4-6, 2.64). Limited tickets are available by contacting the Thunder box office at 609-394-3300 or online at www.trentonthunder.com.

Check out the Trenton Thunder Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from June 24, 2012


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.

OurSports Central