CHAMPIONS! Thunder Sweep E.L. Title with 11-4 Win

Trenton goes 6-0 in playoffs for franchise's third title

HARRISBURG, PA - The Trenton Thunder used a five-run 3rd inning to beat the Harrisburg Senators 11-4 for the third Eastern League Championship in franchise history.

Trenton- who finished the season on a season-high nine-game winning streak and has not lost since August 30th- was the first Eastern League team to sweep both the divisional and championship rounds of the postseason since Albany-Colonial (Yankees affiliate) did it in 1991. The championship for the Thunder is the first since the team won the second of their back-to-back titles in 2008.

The Thunder notched 16 hits in the ballgame including four as part of the five-run inning. Trenton sent 11 batters to the plate in that inning which knocked Harrisburg starting pitcher Nathan Karns out of the ballgame. Karns, who finished the regular season with 155 strikeouts in just over 130 innings, lasted just 2.2 innings and was charged with five runs on four hits, three walks and a hit-by-pitch.

In that 3rd inning, Trenton had two outs and a runner on first base with Jose Pirela batting. He had an 0-2 count against him before being plunked by Karns. That started a streak of seven straight batters to reach and turned a 1-0 deficit into a 5-1 lead.

Trenton's offense was led by three-hit nights by Ramon Flores and Ben Gamel. Gamel finished the postseason by batting 8-for-15 (.533 AVG) with three walks (.611 OBP) in four games played. Mason Williams, Gary Sanchez and Tyler Austin each finished with two hits on the night and all nine starters recorded hits for Trenton.

Postseason MVP was Ali Castillo who played just 46 games for the Thunder in the regular season, but was instrumental in many key moments for Trenton. Castillo, who rejoined Trenton's roster after an injury to starting shortstop Carmen Angelini in the final series of the regular season, smacked his first homer as a member of the Thunder in the 5th inning to pad what was a 5-1 lead at the time for Trenton. He finished the postseason batting 8-for-20 (.400) with two doubles, a run scored and two RBI.

Shane Greene was the starting pitcher for the Thunder and tossed 5.1 innings for the victory. Down the stretch, Greene's final three starts were in the Wild Card-clinching game at Portland August 31st, Game 3 of the Eastern Division Championship Series at Binghamton and Thursday's title-clinching ballgame. He allowed two earned runs in 18.0 innings (1.00 ERA) and got the victory in each game.

The championship was the third for manager Tony Franklin in his seven seasons at the helm of the Thunder. It was also the third for Trenton third baseman Reggie Corona who was part of the 2007 and 2008 championship teams. The 26-year old had not appeared in an affiliated baseball game since 2010 due to an arm injury and finished with six hits in six postseason games.

The Trenton Thunder family wants to thank our fans for an incredible 2013 season, and we cannot wait for the 2014 season to begin at ARM & HAMMER Park next April.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Another Comeback; Thunder Win with 2 in 7th

Trenton holds 2-0 lead in Championship Series

TRENTON, NJ - In a see-saw game that featured four lead changes, Trenton scored two in the 7th inning and held on in an exciting 9th for a 5-4 victory over the Harrisburg Senators in Game 2 of the Eastern League Championship Series.

Reegie Corona's RBI single tied the game before Ali Castillo's RBI groundout gave Trenton the lead for good as Trenton rallied from a 4-3 deficit in the 7th. Tommy Kahnle struck out Harrisburg Slugger Steven Souza Jr. with two men on base in the 9th to preserve the win in front of 2,683 at ARM & HAMMER Park.

With one out in the 7th, Tyler Austin and Kyle Roller drew back-to-back walks against reliever Richie Mirowski (1-1) to begin the go-ahead rally. Ben Gamel then singled sharply to right field to load the bases for Corona, who was playing in his 20th career postseason game. After a lengthy at-bat in which he worked a 3-2 count the Thunder third baseman lined his game-tying single in front of Billy Burns in left. Castillo followed with a slow ground ball to second base which brought in Casey Stevenson- who entered for Roller- with the eventual winning run.

After Danny Burawa allowed a leadoff single in the 9th, Kahnle entered with one out and immediately allowed an infield dribbler single to Burns leaving runners at first and second. Brian Goodwin then flew out harmlessly to center field and Kahnle ended the game on a 95 MPH fastball to record his second save of the postseason.

Trenton now leads the best-of-five championship series 2-0 and will attempt to secure its third Eastern League Championship in Game 3 Thursday night. The Thunder have now won a season-high eight consecutive games dating back to August 31st.

Trenton and Harrisburg hit the road to Harrisburg, Pa. to continue the ELCS at Metro Bank Park with Game 3 Thursday night. RHP Shane Greene (8-4, 3.18) has not allowed a run in his last two starts (12.2 IP) is scheduled to start for the Thunder against RHP Nathan Karns (10-6, 3.26) for the Senators. Radio coverage of Thursday's game on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and streaming online begins at 6:45 p.m.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Thunder Win Game 1, 8-2; Series 1-0

Thunder with eight unanswered runs lead series

TRENTON, NJ - Trenton used a five-run third inning to erase an early 2-0 deficit against the Harrisburg Senators en route to an 8-2 win in Game 1 of the Eastern League Championship Series Tuesday night at ARM & HAMMER Park.

After allowing single runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings, Trenton's offense responded with an explosion off Harrisburg starting pitcher Blake Treinen that knocked him out of the game. Treinen, who pitched only 2.2 innings, ran into trouble after retiring all six batters he faced in the first two innings.

The inning started with a pair of walks to Ben Gamel and Reggie Corona which brought Ali Castillo to the plate attempting a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Instead, his bunt at the third baseman came to a stop just past the pitcher's mound for a base hit that loaded the bases with no outs. Mason Williams' two-run single and Jose Pirela and Tyler Austin's RBI singles brought home additional runs to make it 5-2 Thunder.

Trenton scored two more runs in the 4th inning on an RBI triple by Ali Castillo and a sacrifice fly by Williams, before Gary Sanchez's RBI double in the 7th inning capped the scoring for the night for both teams.

Thunder starting pitcher Nik Turley settled into his outing after allowing five baserunners in the first three innings by posting scoreless frames in the 4th, 5th and 6th innings. He fanned a career-high 10 batters including recording five of his final six outs via a strikeout. The La Canada, Calif. native earned the victory by allowing two runs over six innings on five hits and three walks.

Zach Nuding (2.0 innings) and Branden Pinder (1.0 innings) combined to retire nine of the final 10 Harrisburg batters to close out the win. With the win, the Thunder lead the best-of-five series 1-0.

Trenton and Harrisburg continue the ELCS at ARM & HAMMER Park with Game 2 Wednesday night. RHP Bryan Mitchell (0-0, 1.93) is scheduled to start for the Thunder against RHP A.J. Cole (4-2, 2.18) for the Senators. Limited tickets are available for Game 2 by going to www.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling the Thunder Ticket Office at (609)394-3300. Radio coverage of Wednesday's game on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and online begins at 6:45 p.m.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Thunder Take Game 2 with Later Double, 2-1

TRENTON, NJ - Thunder pitching retired 15 of the final 16 batters they faced which held the Binghamton Mets at-bay long enough for Ali Castillo's game-winning double in the 7th inning in Trenton's 2-1 win Thursday night.

After taking Game 1 of the Eastern Division Championship Series in dramatic fashion Wednesday, the Thunder responded with a two-hitter of the B-Mets in front of 2,877 at ARM & HAMMER Park.

With the ballgame tied 1-1 in the 7th inning, Trenton used a one out single by Mason Williams to begin their go-ahead rally. Reegie Corona was the next batter and lined-out to left field which brought Castillo to the plate. Castillo worked a full-count which put Williams in motion at first base. Castillo lined the offering by Binghamton starting pitcher Darin Gorski to right-centerfield and past centerfielder Darrell Ceciliani to the wall for a 2-1 lead.

Starting pitcher Mikey O'Brien got the no-decision but kept Trenton in the ballgame early. He allowed just one run on a solo home run by Binghamton's Josh Rodriguez to begin the fourth inning. Aside from that, O'Brien allowed just one other hit and struck out four.

Trenton leads the best-of-five series over the Binghamton Mets, 2-0.

Following their second-straight win to begin the series, the EDCS continues Friday with a 7:05 p.m. game against the Binghamton Mets at NYSEG Stadium. RHP Shane Greene (8-4, 3.18) pitches for the Thunder against RHP Logan Verrett (12-6, 4.25) for Binghamton. Tickets are available for 2 of the series by going towww.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling (609)394-3300. Radio coverage of Friday's game on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and coverage online begins at 6:45 p.m.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Four Homers Pace Thunder Past Portland; Castillo & Pinder Rejoin Team

PORTLAND, ME - Four thunderous home runs on an afternoon where Trenton starting pitcher Nik Turley allowed just two runs in five innings were enough to lead the Thunder past the Portland Sea Dogs, 9-4, in the penultimate game of the regular season Sunday at Hadlcok Field.

Prior to the contest, the Yankees announced that shortstop Ali Castillo and reliever Branden Pinder had been promoted to Trenton from Class A-Advanced Tampa. Shortstop Carmen Angelini was placed on the team's disabled list with a left ankle sprain and LHP Caleb Smith was transferred to Tampa.

Facing the No. 5 prospect in the Boston Red Sox organization, Henry Owens, Trenton established the tone early. The second and fourth batters of the game (Ramon Flores and Gary Sanchez) homered to stake starting pitcher a 2-0 lead before he took to the mound.

Turley went out on the Hadlock Field mound in front of 7,368 fans and tossed four shutout innings before allowing a pair of runs in the 5th. Turley gets credit for the win which is his 11th of the season-surpassing the 10 wins he posted in 2012.

The other two home runs blasted by the Thunder came off the bats of Reegie Corona (5) and Ben Gamel (1). The homer by Gamel was the first in his Double-A career and was the highlight in a game in which he finished 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a home run and a walk.  

Castillo and Pinder each played for Trenton earlier in the season and are each expected to be a park of the team's playoff roster. In 46 games as a Thunder, Castillo batted .218 with no home runs and 22 RBI. He was hitting .234 in 73 games with Tampa. 

Pinder made 19 relief appearances earlier at the beginning of the season for the Thunder and went 1-1 with five saves and a 6.29 ERA. His numbers improved greatly with Tampa, going 1-2 with a 3.49 in 21 appearances (five starts).

The regular season concludes Monday with a 1:00 p.m. matinee game against the Portland Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field. RHP Scottie Allen (2-0, 1.59) pitches for the Thunder against RHP Jeremy Khert (2-3, 4.33) for Portland. Trenton will use the ballgame as a final tune-up before the Eastern League East Division Championship Series against the Binghamton Mets beginning Wednesday at ARM & HAMMER Park. Tickets are available for Game 1 and Game 2 of the series by going towww.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling (609)394-3300. Radio coverage of Monday's game on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and online begins at 12:45 p.m.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Turley's Gem Leads Thunder Past Rock Cats, 5-1

Longest outing of season by Thunder SP sets tone

(Trenton, NJ) - Nik Turley tossed a team-season-high 7.1 brilliant innings and Trenton scored twice in the seventh and eighth innings to break open a close game and defeat the New Britain Rock Cats, 5-1, in the second of a four-game series Tuesday night in front of 5,652 fans at ARM & HAMMER Park.

The win, coupled with a Portland win at New Hampshire, means the Thunder's (66-62) lead for the Eastern Division Wild Card spot stands at 4.0 games over the Fisher Cats (66-69) and Sea Dogs (66-69) with seven games remaining in the regular season.

Turley (10-8) allowed an unearned run in the second inning and then put the clamps on New Britain for the rest of his night. The lefty scattered four hits and four walks while striking out seven batters. He tossed 98 pitches in the longest pitching performance by the Thunder hurler in 2013.

With the score tied a 1 in the bottom of the seventh, Yeral Sanchez connected for a go-ahead two-run home run (2) against reliever Cole Johnson. It was a no-doubter to left field that also scored Carmen Angelini, who had led off the frame with a double.

Angelini struck for an insurance hit in the eighth, driving a two-out, two-run double into left-center against Jose Gonzalez that made the score 5-1. Zach Nuding recorded the final five outs for the Thunder to record his first career save.

After being shutout for the first four innings by Kyle Davies (2 IP, 1 H) and B.J. Hermsen, Trenton tied the score in the fifth when Reegie Corona stroked a two-out RBI single plating Angelini.

Game three of the series is slated for a 7:05 pm first pitch on Wednesday as Trenton tries to edge closer to clinching a playoff spot. Thunder right-hander Scottie Allen (2-0, 1.02) will get the ball for manager Tony Franklin while righty DJ Baxendale (5-6, 5.74) will start for New Britain.

Limited tickets are available through the Thunder box office at (609) 394-3300 or online at www.trentonthunder.com. Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and also streaming online begins at 6:45 pm.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Thunder, Flores Walk-off with Series Split with Portland

Thunder, Flores Walk-off with Series Split with Portland

Thunder LF with game-winning single in 10th inning

TRENTON, NJ - After relinquishing a 2-1 lead in the 9th inning, the Trenton Thunder rallied for a walk-off win over the Portland Sea Dogs in the 10th inning to keep their Wild Card lead in tact as the 2013 regular season rolls towards the finish line.

The Thunder entered the bottom of the 10th inning tied 2-2, and Reegie Corona collected his third hit of the night to lead it off. He then advanced to second base on a well-executed sacrifice bunt by Mason Williams to put Corona in scoring position with one out.

That was when Flores, who hadn't recorded a hit in his first four plate appearances on the night, delivered a single that skipped off the mound as it found its way into center field. Portland's center fielder Shannon Wilkerson charged the ball that was slowing down as it arrived to him and gunned to the plate. The ball sailed just high above the catcher Christian Vazquez and Corona slid safely to secure the win.

Starting pitcher Mikey O'Brien picked up a no-decision despite pitching well in 6.2 innings. It was the second longest start of the season for O'Brien who set an Eastern League career high with nine strikeouts while not walking a batter. He allowed a lone run which came in the second inning on a lead-off homer by Michael Almanzar to tie the game at that point, 1-1.

Danny Burawa entered the game for the Thunder in the bottom of the 9th inning with Trenton clinging to a 2-1 lead. The bases became loaded with no outs when Deven Marrero tried to get the lead for the Sea Dogs with a safety squeeze bunt. Instead, Marrero bunted it straight back to Burawa who threw to the plate and catcher Gary Sanchez fired to first base for a 1-2-3 double play.

That put runners at second and third base with two outs, but Burawa walked the next two batters to force in a run and tie the game 2-2. He ended the inning by freezing Michael Almanzar on strike three and strand the bases loaded.

With the win and a win by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Reading, Trenton's lead in the East Division Wild Card remains 3.0 games over the Fisher Cats but increases to 5.0 over the Sea Dogs with 9 games remaining in the regular season.

The Thunder welcome the New Britain Rock Cats to ARM & HAMMER Park for the first time this season in Trenton's final regular season home series of 2013. The four-game series begins Monday at 7:05 p.m. Trenton sends RHP Shane Greene (7-3, 3.22) to the mound against RHP Trevor May (8-9, 4.67) for the Rock Cats. Limited tickets available atwww.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling (609)394-3300. Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and streaming online begins at 6:45 p.m.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Thunder Use Early Runs in 3-1 Win over Sea Dogs

Thunder Use Early Runs in 3-1 Win over Sea Dogs

Mason Williams drives in game-winning run in 4th inning

TRENTON, NJ - The Thunder bounce back from Thursday's loss to beat the Portland Sea Dogs 3-1 Friday night at ARM & HAMMER Park.

Offense- like Thursday night- was at a premium for both teams in Friday's game. The Thunder used three early runs off Portland starter Matt Barnes to jump out to a 3-0 lead. With a run already home in the first inning, Trenton tacked on a pair of runs in the 4thinning thanks to a dribbler out in front of the plate by outfielder Mason Williams.

Ben Gamel was at third base and Reegie Corona was at first base with two outs when Williams dug-in against Barnes. Facing a 3-2 pitch, the Thunder centerfielder dribbled one out in front of the plate which Barnes pounced on with a bare-handed pickup. His throw to first base was wild and ended up in right field. With Corona off on the 3-2 pitch with two outs, he was able to come all the way around to score from first base as the ball trickled down the right field line.

Portland had an opportunity to draw closer in the ballgame in the top of the 5th inning, but Gamel and Yeral Sanchez threw two would-be runs out at the plate to keep Portland off the board and the score still 3-0 for the time being.

Thunder starting pitcher Scottie Allen went 5.1 innings and allowed one run on six hits while walking four. He earned the victory and is now 2-0 with a 1.02 ERA in three starts with the Thunder. Francisco Rondon earned the save for his third of the season, and he and Danny Burawa combined for 3.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen for Manager Tony Franklin.

Thanks to a loss by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Reading Friday night, Trenton's lead in the East Division Wild Card is 3.5 games over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and 5.0 over the Sea Dogs with 11 games remaining in the regular season.

The Thunder continue their four-game series and eight-game home stand against the Portland Sea Dogs Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Trenton sends RHP Bryan Mitchell (0-0, 3.60) to the mound for his second career Double-A start against RHP Keith Couch (10-3, 3.55) for the Sea Dogs. Limited tickets available at www.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling (609)394-3300. Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and streaming online begins at 6:45 p.m.

Benig posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Big Innings Lead Fisher Cats Past Thunder By Ten

Big Innings Lead Fisher Cats Past Thunder By Ten

(Manchester, NH) - New Hampshire jumped on Nik Turley for six first-inning runs and never let the foot off the gas pedal as the Fisher Cats toppled the Trenton Thunder, 14-4, in the second of a three-game series Saturday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. 

The Cats backed up their six-run first by scoring four times in the fourth and sixth innings. Trenton catcher Jose Gil was forced to pitch for a second-consecutive night, this time tossing a scoreless eighth inning after taking the loss in the 15th inning on Friday.

The Thunder (65-60) dropped their third-straight as third-place New Hampshire (61-63) moved within 3.5 games of Trenton for the Eastern Division Wild Card spot with 17 games remaining in the regular season. The two teams play for the final time this season on Sunday.

Turley (9-7) gave up three runs before recording an out in the first on a hit-batsmen, single, RBI double and a wild pitch. Later in the inning John Tolisano slugged a three-run double off the left field fence with two outs to make the score 6-0 New Hampshire.

The Trenton starter was pulled after three walks began the bottom of the fourth, and reliever Pat Venditte allowed a bases-clearing double to Adam Loewen that made the score 9-2. Turley was charged with nine runs (six earned) in three innings of work.

Zach Nuding and Tommy Kahnle combined to allow four more runs in the sixth, two charged against each hurler. Andy Burns two-run single highlighted the two-out rally.

Reegie Corona (RBI double) and Ramon Flores (RBI groundout) each drove in runs for Trenton, while the other two tallies came home on Burns fielding error at third base.

Marcus Stroman (7-4) worked 5.2 innings and allowed six hits and four runs (two earned) to get the victory for the Fisher Cats. Jose Pirela and Corona each had three hits for the Thunder.

The finale of the series is slated for a 1:35 pm first pitch on Sunday afternoon in one of the most important games of the season for Trenton. Thunder scheduled starter Jeremy Bleich had to leave the team Saturday for personal reasons, and so Trenton has not announced a starting pitcher. Righty Austin Bibens-Dirkx (3-3, 2.36) will start for New Hampshire. Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and also streaming online begins at 1:20 pm.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Yankees Sign Reggie Corona To A Minor League Deal

The Yankees signed once highly touted prospect Reggie Corona to a one year minor league deal to bring him back to the club after being released. After having a pretty significant arm injury in 2010 after colliding with an outfielder that has basically kept him out of baseball since he finally looks to be healthy and had a decent winter ball this year. The 26 year old will bounce back from AA Trenton to AAA Scranton if I had to guess as a depth infielder.