EL1 Trenton Thunder

Thunder clinch playoff spot with win

Published on August 21, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Trenton, NJ)- Trenton scored four runs in the eighth inning to break open a tied game, and went on for a 5-3 win over the Harrisburg Senators on Thursday night from Waterfront Park. Trenton won its seventh game in a row, and clinched a spot in the Eastern League playoffs with the win. Trenton is a season-high 30 games over .500 (80-50).

With the game tied 1-1 in the eighth inning, Catcher Francisco Cervelli walked with one out against Harrisburg reliever Yunior Novoa (1-1). Second baseman Kevin Russo followed with a doubled down the left field line to put runners at second and third base with one out. Third baseman Chris Malec was intentionally walked to load the bases for Curtis. Novoa retired Curtis for the second out, but Designated hitter P.J. Pilittere doubled into left-center field to give Trenton the lead. Two runs scored on the hit, and a third run came home on the play because of a throwing error by Left fielder Garrett Guzman. Pilittere advanced to third base on the error, as Trenton took a 4-1 lead on the play. Pilittere would then score the fourth run of the inning on an error by First baseman Bill Rhinehart.

Harrisburg (68-64) reduced the lead to 5-3 in the ninth inning. Pinch hitter Mike Daniel walked to start the inning off of Thunder reliever Jose Valdez. Guzman then hit a two-run home run to make it 5-3. But later in the frame, with a runner at first base and one out, Valdez induced a double play ground ball off the bat of Third baseman Ofilio Castro to end the game. Trenton Starting pitcher Jason Jones (13-5) tossed eight solid innings to earn the win. He allowed only three hits and one run in the victory. Jones is tied for second in the Eastern League in wins. Novoa (1-1) gave up three hits and four runs (two earned) in two innings to take the loss. Harrisburg Starting pitcher, and former Rutgers pitcher, Bobby Brownlie gave up only three hits and one run in six innings for a no-decision. Russo went 2 x 4 with a double, a run, and an RBI in the win for Trenton.

Trenton continues its homestand on Friday night with the first game of a three-game series against the Reading Phillies, the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. RHP Jeff Marquez (0-0, 4.50) will start for Trenton against Reading RHP Andrew Carpenter (5-8, 6.13).

Check out the Trenton Thunder Statistics

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



Eastern League Stories from August 21, 2008


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