Thunder Drop Series Finale in Akron

AKRON, Ohio - The Thunder took an early lead but could not hold on, falling short of the series sweep with a 5-2 loss to the Akron RubberDucks on Wednesday night at Canal Park.
Rashad Crawford led off the second inning for the Thunder (3-3) with a walk, and after a Jhalan Jackson single, scored on a base hit by Francisco Diaz. Welfrin Mateo followed with an RBI-double to right field in his first double-A at-bat, giving the Thunder a 2-0 lead off Akron (1-6) starter Jake Paulson (1-0).
The RubberDucks immediately tied the score in the bottom half off Trevor Stephan (0-1). Connor Marabell singled and scored on a Li-Jen Chu double, and Ka'ai Tom plated the tying run with an RBI-single.
In the fourth, Stephan allowed a one-out double followed by a walk. After a flyout, second baseman Wendell Rijo misplayed a popup, allowing the go-ahead run to score from second. Mitch Longo followed with an RBI-single up the middle for a 4-2 Akron lead.
Stephan took the loss, lasting just three and two-third innings. Paulson earned the win for the RubberDucks, limiting the Thunder to two runs on six hits.
The Thunder put at least one runner aboard in each of their final three innings at the plate, including putting the tying run in scoring position in the seventh, but went just 2-for-10 with men in scoring position and stranded a season-high nine runners.
Nick Green turned in a stellar performance as the Thunder's piggyback starter, striking out seven over four and one-third innings of work. 
Your Thunder play their home opener on Friday night at 7 p.m. against the Portland Sea Dogs. RHP Brody Koerner (0-0, 0.00) will start for the Thunder, and LHP Dedgar Jimenez (0-0, 0.00) will go for Portland. The first 2,000 fans ages 14 and up will receive a Thunder scarf, presented by ARM & HAMMER. Tickets are available by phone at 609-394-3300 or online at TrentonThunder.com.
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Jon Mozes, Broadcast and Public Relations Manage: 
609-394-3300 x109 
[email protected]
Spenser Smith, Broadcast and Media Relations Assistant: 
609-394-3300 x129 
[email protected]