ERIE, PA --- Justus Sheffield struck out eight across six innings pitched and Chris Gittens' go-ahead single in the sixth inning salvaged a split of a four-game series with the Erie SeaWolves on Thursday afternoon as the Thunder took a 4-2 win at UPMC Park.Sheffield struck out five of the
ERIE, PA --- Justus Sheffield struck out eight across six innings pitched and Chris Gittens' go-ahead single in the sixth inning salvaged a split of a four-game series with the Erie SeaWolves on Thursday afternoon as the Thunder took a 4-2 win at UPMC Park.
Sheffield struck out five of the last six batters he faced as he went a season-high six innings. He allowed two runs on six hits and two walks to earn his first win of the season.
The Thunder struck for the game's first run for the first time in the four game series in the top of the first inning. Gosuke Katoh led off the game with a double to left-center and moved to third on a balk by the Erie starter, Sandy Baez. With two out, Trey Amburgey slashed a single to right to score Katoh and take a 1-0 lead.
Erie drew even in the third inning on an RBI triple from Kenny Wilson and briefly took the lead in the fifth when Justus Sheffield's wild pitch allowed Sergio Alcántara to score.
With a 2-1 deficit, the Thunder offense went right back to work against Baez. Gosuke Katoh and Rashad Crawford both walked to start the frame and both moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Chris Gittens then slashed a single to right to take a 3-2 lead.
In the seventh, Vince Conde plated a key insurance run with a sacrifice fly to deep center which made it a 4-2 lead for the Thunder.
Jordan Foley and Caleb Frare combined to keep Erie scoreless over the final three innings to complete the road trip with a 4-2 record.
Trey Amburgey and Chris Gittens each had multi-hit games in the victory.
Your Thunder return to ARM & HAMMER Park on Friday at 7:00pm to open a three-game series with the Portland Sea Dogs. RHP Dillon Tate (1-0, 0.90) will start for the Thunder, RHP Mike Shawaryn (1-1, 1.69) will go for Portland. Pre-game coverage begins at 1:50pm on 920 AM The Jersey and online at www.TrentonThunder.com/Broadcast. Friday night features a Tony Clark Bobblehead giveaway, presented by ARM & HAMMER, to the first 1,525 fans, ages 14 and up. Tickets are available at www.trentonthunder.com and by phone at 609-394-3300.
