South Jersey Baseball:
Thunder Fall to Reading, 9-3

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

By Dan Loney
Trenton Thunder Director of Broadcasting

Reading broke a 1-1 tie with five runs in the 6th Inning and three more in the 7th inning in a 9-3 win over the Thunder on Tuesday night in Eastern League play.

Reading (14-18) was held to one run over the first five innings by Trenton starter Jeff Karstens. But they started the sixth with a single by CF Michael Bourn. After a single by RF Chris Roberson, and error by Karstens loaded the bases. 1B Randy Ruiz produced a run on a groundout followed by an RBI single from DH Jim Descahine and a two-run double by 3B Juan Richardson. Karstens (4-3) allowed six runs (four earned) on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings in the loss.

The Thunder (16-17) managed to pound out 11 hits in six innings off Reading starter Allen Davis, but couldn't cash in until the 7th Inning. The Thunder got a pair of runs off Davis (4-2), but trailed 9-3. Davis walked one and struck out seven in the win.

Thunder 1B Shelley Duncan collected three hits in the loss.2B Gabe Lopez added two hits and two RBI, which ties him with Eric Duncan for the team lead (18). C Omir Santos extended his hitting streak to eight games with two hits in the contest.

The series continues on Wednesday at 7:05 PM. Matt DeSalvo (2-1, 4.31) starts for Trenton against Reading's Mike Smith (1-3, 3.68).