WV Offense Powers Past Thunder in Game One
Published on August 8, 2026 under Major League Baseball Draft League (MLBDL)
Trenton Thunder News Release
In an offensive wild ride in Trenton, the West Virginia Black Bears outslugged the Trenton Thunder 15- 9.
West Virginia drew first blood in the top of the first on a Ben Barrett RBI groundout, but Trenton quickly answered in the bottom half. Juju Stevens launched a leadoff home run to left, and an RBI single from Brayden Fraasman pushed the Thunder ahead 2-1.
That lead was short-lived, as the Black Bears exploded for a massive seven-run second inning. Alec DeMartino sparked the rally with an RBI single, followed by a Jackson Trout RBI double and a double- steal where Trout swiped home. After chasing Thunder starter Derek Benzinger, Zack Thompson capped off the frame with a grand slam to left field, building an 8-2 advantage.
Trenton refused to go away silently, responding with four runs in the bottom of the second. A run- scoring double by Daniel Murillo, a two-run single from AJ Swader, and an error brought the Thunder back within two. Undeterred, West Virginia poured on four more runs in the third inning. Kevin Jones blasted a two-run homer, Barrett tripled and scored, and Trout was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to blow the game open at 12-6.
Following the high-scoring early frames, the bullpen arms managed to quiet the bats through the middle innings. Trenton chipped away slightly with single runs in the fifth and eighth innings -- highlighted by an RBI double from Casen Taggart -- to pull within 12-8.
West Virginia put any hopes of a Thunder comeback to rest in the top of the ninth. Barrett delivered a clutch two-run double and later scored on a wild pitch to extend the lead to 15-8. Trenton pushed one last run across in the bottom of the ninth on a Bryson Trammell RBI single, but Ryan Ure closed out the 15-9 victory.
Andrew Luczak earned the win in relief for West Virginia, while Benzinger took the loss for Trenton.
The Black Bears' powerhouse lineup racked up 16 hits on the night, led by Thompson's grand slam and Barrett's three-hit performance.
Your Trenton Thunder continue their series with the West Virginia Black Bears tomorrow night at 5:00 for the first of three from Trenton Thunder Ballpark! For full ticket pricing and information, partnership/sponsorship opportunities, and information about special events at
Trenton Thunder Ballpark, please visit trentonthunder.com or call the radius 180 Thunder Box Office at (609) 394-3300, opt 4.
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