Trenton Thunder Game Recap 5/9

Anniversary Capped By 8-2 Win

The Thunder celebrated their 20th anniversary of the first Thunder home game, May 9th 1994, with an 8-2 thrashing of the Reading Fightin Phils on Friday night at ARM & HAMMER Park. Reading took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the third against Thunder starter Manny Banuelos. The Thunder struck back immediately in the bottom of the inning to take the lead on a Ben Gamel RBI triple and a sacrifice fly by Rob Segedin. After the Fightin Phils tied it back up with a run in the fourth inning; the Thunder responded with six unanswered runs starting in the bottom of the fifth. With the bases loaded and one out in the inning, Gary Sanchez delivered a sacrifice fly against Jessie Biddle to take a 3-2 lead. The Thunder stretched their lead to 5-2 with a pair of runs in the sixth on an Ali Castillo RBI single and passed ball. Biddle was tagged with his fourth loss of the season, he surrendered five runs on eight hits and three walks in five and a third innings. Manny Banuelos took a no-decision and allowed both Reading’s runs during his three innings of work. A run-scoring double by Thunder newcomer Peter O’Brien, called up from single-A Tampa earlier in the day, coupled with Dan Fiorito’s two-run double in the seventh gave the Thunder the final margin. Manny Berrada raised his record to 2-0 with three shutout innings in relief of Banuelos. Aaron Dott and Cole Kimball combined for three scoreless innings to finish off the victory. The win raised the Thunder record to 22-13, one-half game behind Eastern Division leading Portland. The Thunder recognized one of the most beloved stars from their inaugural season, 15-year Major League veteran and current Major League Player Association President Tony Clark. 2,000 fans were presented with a mini-bobble head of the former popular Thunder star. The Thunder win had historic significance in more than one way. It was win number 564 in manager Tony Franklin’s Eastern League career, making the Thunder eighth year skipper the winningest Manager in league history. The Thunder continue their seven-game homestand tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. Saturday’s game is sold out and the first 2,000 fans through the gates will get Visit Princeton CVB Bags and every fan will be treated to post-game fireworks. RHP Caleb Cotham (0-0, 0.00) will start for the Thunder, the Fightin’ Phils will counter with RHP Mike Nesseth (0-2, 10.80). Listen live on 91.3 WTSR and TrentonThunder.com beginningat 6:45 p.m. Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder.