Thundersticks Boom Again, Down 'Dogs 7-4

Thundersticks Boom Again, Down 'Dogs 7-4


Mahoney, Almonte, and Johnson each knock two-run shots in win


Portland, Maine - The Trenton Thunder (18-16) smacked three homeruns en route to the 7-4 win over the Portland Sea Dogs (12-24) Sunday afternoon at Waterfront Park. The win is Trenton's eighth in ten outings against Portland.

The Thunder jumped on the board in the second on Kevin Mahoney's two-run homer that plated Melky Mesa and put them in front early, and for good. Portland righty Chris Balcom-Miller allowed the homerun and another run on two hits, two walks, and a hit-by-pitch in the third.

With the Sea Dogs trailing 2-0 in the third, Derrik Gibson drew a lead off walk and scored on an RBI single by Jeremy Hazelbaker to cut the deficit in half. That would be the only scoring for Portland until the eighth and ninth innings.

Balcom-Miller (2-3) labored in his first start since throwing seven innings against New Hampshire in his last outing on May 7th. The righty could not make it past the fourth. He allowed the three runs on sevens hits, walked five and struck out two.

Charle Rosario was the first out of the bullpen for the Sea Dogs. After striking out the side in the fifth, the righty allowed two two-run homers to Abraham Almonte and Cody Johnson in the sixth.

Down by six in the eighth, it was Gibson again providing the offense for the Sea Dogs. The shortstop drove in two with a single to center that plated Reynaldo Rodriguez and Bryce Brentz. It was the latter duo providing a run in the ninth to pull the 'Dogs within three. Brentz finished the game 5-for-5 at the plate.

Preston Claiborne regrouped after the run and struck out Matt Spring to end the ballgame. Francisco Rondon (2-0) earned the win with three innings of scoreless relief. Trenton starter Craig Heyer did not pitch past the third. No explanation was given as to why.

In the three hour and twelve minute game, the two teams combined to send 86 hitters to the plate, pitch 10 pitchers, notch 27 hits, 14 for Portland, go 9-for-29 with runners in scoring position, and leave a total of 24 men on base.

Prime Motor Group Players of the Game: Bryce Brentz 5-5, 2B, RBI, R

The Sea Dogs continue a seven game road trip on Monday with a 6:35 PM game against the Reading Phillies from FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Pennsylvania. Right-handed pitcher Stolmy Pimentel (1-0, 4.11) will get the start for the Sea Dogs. Reading will send righty Jonathan Pettibone (2-3, 3.98) to the hill. The Sea Dogs can be heard on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs radio network with 95.5/95.9 FM WPEI serving as the flagship station.

The Sea Dogs return to Hadlock Field May 18-20 for a three game series with the Binghamton Mets. Tickets are available for all remaining 2012 Sea Dogs' home games. Book your nine inning vacation by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or log on to www.seadogs.com.