SeaWolves Drop Opener to Thunder

The SeaWolves could not overcome a five-run deficit as they dropped the series opener to the Trenton Thunder 5-3 on Thursday night at Arm & Hammer Park.

Trenton struck first in the last of the fourth inning against Erie starter Warwick Saupold. Kyle Roller singled to left with one out and Rob Refsnyder singled to right putting two on for Taylor Dugas. Dugas tripled down the right field line, giving Trenton a 2-0 lead. Dugas scored on a two-out Dan Fiorito double for a 3-0 Thunder edge.

The Thunder added to the lead in the fifth. With two outs, Gary Sanchez reached on a two-out Eugenio Suarez error extending the inning for Roller. Roller crushed a two-run home run to right for a 5-0 Trenton lead.

Erie got on the board in the top of the seventh. Wade Gaynor and Dean Green each walked against reliever Aaron Dott. With one out, Jamie Johnson walked to load the bases. Jason Krizan laced a single to right, plating Gaynor and Green making it 5-2. Johnson scored on a fielder's choice off the bat of Suarez making it 5-3. The 'Wolves would get no closer.

Trenton relievers Brandon Pinder and Diego Moreno retired the final six batters in order to preserve the Trenton win.

Saupold (1-1) allowed five runs, three earned, on seven hits with no walks and six strikeouts in five innings of work.