EL1 Trenton Thunder

Thunder edge Akron

Published on August 7, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Trenton, NJ)- Thunder Designated hitter P.J. Pilittere had the go-ahead two-run single in the eighth inning to lift Trenton past Akron 5-4 on Thursday night from Waterfront Park. New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Carl Pavano also tossed 3 2/3 shutout innings for Trenton in the rehabilitation start courtesy of St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center in Lawrenceville, NJ.

With the game tied at 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Trenton (71-45) scored the two go-ahead runs. Shortstop Ramiro Pena led off the frame with a triple. But Trenton failed to capitalize immediately as Center fielder Austin Jackson struck out, and First baseman Chris Malec grounded out for the second out of the frame. After Left fielder Colin Curtis was intentionally walked by Akron reliever Erik Stiller, Pilittere notched a two-run single to give Trenton a 5-3 lead. In his first game back from the Disabled list, Pilittere went 3 x 3 with three singles. Stiller (6-5) took the loss as he allowed three hits and three earned runs in 1 2/3 innings.

The Thunder held on in the ninth, but had some anxious moments. Akron Shortstop Brandon Pinckney reached on an error by Pena to start the inning. Pinckney then scored to cut the lead to 5-4 on a double by Center fielder Jose Constanza, and an error by Curtis. Trenton was able to strand Constanza, the tying run, at third base. Thunder reliever Jose Valdez (1-0) struck out Second baseman Josh Rodriguez for the first out, and Thunder reliever Zach Kroenke induced a fielder's choice by Right fielder Bronson Sardinha for the second out. Kroenke followed it up by striking out Third baseman Wes Hodges to end the game. Kroenke picked up his first save of the season. Valdez earned the win as he gave up only one unearned run in two innings of relief.

Pavano allowed just one hit in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two. At one point, he retired seven batters in a row. Trenton scored the first two runs of the game in the fourth inning, on RBI singles by Right fielder Edwar Gonzalez and Catcher Francisco Cervelli. Cervelli had his first two-hit game for the Thunder. Akron scored three runs in the seventh inning off of Thunder reliever Wilkins Arias to take the lead. Third baseman Kevin Russo tied the game in the bottom of the seventh inning with a two-out RBI single. Trenton and Akron will play a doubleheader at Waterfront Park on Friday night. The first game will start at 6:05 p.m. RHP Jason Stephens (0-0, 0.00) will make his Double-A debut in the first game for Trenton against Akron RHP Kevin Dixon (8-8, 4.54). In the second game, RHP Michael Gardner (3-4, 2.91) will start for Trenton against Akron RHP J.D. Martin (8-3, 3.26).

Check out the Trenton Thunder Statistics

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



Eastern League Stories from August 7, 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