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EL1 Trenton Thunder

Stoneburner Strong But Aeros Nip Thunder

August 3, 2011 - Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Trenton, NJ) - On Wednesday at Waterfront Park, the Trenton Thunder (57-53) were edged 3-2 by the Akron Aeros (57-54) for the second straight night in the three-game set. In the middle game of the series, the Thunder used a two-run seventh to tie the score late but the Aeros scored in the top of the ninth to take the game and the series in Trenton. The Thunder now sit just 1-5 on the seven-game homestand and will need to win on Thursday afternoon to avoid being swept by Akron.

Trailing 2-0 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, the Thunder were looking to get on the scoreboard for the first time on the night against Akron starter Matt Packer. Melky Mesa began the inning with a fly ball double off of the wall in right-centerfield and was advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt off the bat of Jose Gil. The next batter, Damon Sublett, then lined a triple into the gap in right-centerfield to score Mesa and put the Thunder on the board. Addison Maruszak then flew out to right field to score Sublett and tie the score with Akron 2-2.

Thunder starting pitcher Graham Stoneburner was strong again on Wednesday night, per his usual self. The righty only allowed two runs on six hits. Both runs and the five of the six hits occurred for Akron in the top of the second inning. Other than the second frame, Stoneburner retired 17 of 18 Aeros.

The game was tied 2-2 heading to the top of the ninth inning, but Akron's Juan Diaz hit a solo homerun to deep centerfield to give the Aeros the lead and eventually the win. The Thunder were retired in order in the bottom of the ninth inning as Akron closer Cory Burns grabbed his thirtieth save of the season, which sets the all-time Aeros' franchise record.

The Thunder and Aeros will play the finale of their three-game set from Waterfront Park on Thursday afternoon at 12:05 PM. Trenton will give the pearl to LHP Shaeffer Hall (10-4, 4.13), while the Aeros will counter with RHP Paolo Espino (4-0, 2.79). The SBLI Pre-Game Show with Jay Burnham and Hank Fuerst begins at 11:45 AM. Tune-in to the game on 91.3 WTSR, WBCB 1490-AM and online at trentonthunder.com.

The first 1,000 fans ages 14 and under to Thursday's Camp Day will receive a book courtesy of Scholastic Books. For ticket information, contact the Thunder Ticket Office at 609-394-3300 or log on to trentonthunder.com.

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