South Jersey Baseball:
Howard, Christian Lead Thunder to a 9-2 Win

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

By Bill Cook
Trenton Thunder Director of Public Relations

(New Britain, CT)- Kevin Howard had three hits and two RBI, while Justin Christian scored twice, including a run from 2nd Base on a passed ball, to lead the Thunder to a 9-2 win over New Britain on Wednesday.

Trenton (4-14) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 3rd Inning against New Britain starter Nick Blackburn. They Thunder loaded the bases on two hits and a walk. DH Randy Ruiz then picked up an RBI on a walk of his own. 1B Shelley Duncan then made it 2-0 on sacrifice fly. Howard added an RBI single next for a 3-0 lead.

New Britain (7-10) got two runs back in the 4th Inning off Thunder starter Danny Borrell, who allowed two runs in five innings for the win. Borrell (1-2) allowed two hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Trenton responded with an RBI single by SS Ramiro Pena and a two-run single from C Tommy Rojas for a 6-2 lead. Blackburn (0-4) took the loss allowing six runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings with four walks and two strikeouts.

Trenton added two runs in the 6th Inning to put the game out of reach. CF Justin Christian walked to start the inning and stole 2nd Base. Then with one out, Christian scored from 2nd Base on a passed ball by Rock Cats C Jose Morales for a 7-2 lead. Howard added an RBI double later for an 8-2 lead. LF Vince Faison homered in the 7th Inning, his 1st of the year, for the the 9-2 final.

After Borrell worked the first five innings, T.J. Beam, J.B. Cox and Francisco Butto combined for four shutout inings of relief to seal the victory.

Trnton returns home for a three-game series with New Britain, starting Friday at 7:05 PM. Steven White (1-0, 1.75) starts for the Thunder against New Britain's Justin Jones (2-0, 2.45).