Thunder Comeback to Beat Major Leaguer Wang In DH Sweep of Harrisburg

(Trenton, NJ) - RBI doubles from Luke Murton and J.R. Murphy in the bottom of the sixth inning brought the Thunder from behind against Major League rehabber Chien-Ming Wang en route to a 4-3 victory and eventually a doubleheader sweep of the Harrisburg Senators Saturday night in front of 5,780 fans at Waterfront Park. The Thunder (63-44) took a nightcap that was shortened by rain to six innings, 5-1, and in the process remained perfect in seven-inning games this season (12-0).

Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth (of a seven-inning game), Trenton got a one-out double from Zoilo Almonte against Wang (1-2) before Murton lined a game-tying two-base hit into right center. Two batters later Murphy drove the game-winning double over the head of centerfielder Brian Goodwin scoring pinch-runner Jose Pirela from second base.

Vidal Nuño (6-2) allowed three runs on six hits in six innings to earn the victory, while Kelvin Perez pitched a 1-2-3 top of the seventh to record his fourth save. Wang, rehabbing from the Washington Nationals after suffering a hip strain earlier this month, was charged with four runs on nine hits in six innings.

Trenton scored two runs in the first and three more in the fourth against Harrisburg starter Ryan Tatusko (2-4) during game two. Murton's two-run double erased an early 1-0 deficit in the opening inning. In the fourth Rob Segedin and Pirela recorded RBI hits while Yadil Mujica drove in a run with a groundout.

Craig Heyer started for the Thunder and worked 3.2 strong innings, allowing one run on three hits and striking out four. Graham Stoneburner (2-0) pitched the final 2.1 frames before the rains came and earned his second win of the season.

Melky Mesa homered against Wang to lead off the bottom of the first in game one and went 4-for-6 in the doubleheader. Segedin also went deep in game one and had three hits on the night. Murton drove in three runs for Trenton.

The Thunder and Senators conclude the five-game series Sunday late afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 pm. Left-hander Shaeffer Hall (8-7, 3.50) is expected to start for Trenton while Harrisburg counters with righty Ryan Perry (1-2, 2.14). Major Leaguer Joba Chamberlain is expected to join the Thunder on injury rehab for the game and pitch in relief at some point. Limited tickets are available by contacting 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 4:45 pm.