South Jersey Baseball:
Thunder Blast Bowie, 15-3

Sunday, May 21, 2006

By Dan Loney
Trenton Thunder Director of Public Relations

(Bowie, MD)- Trenton scored six runs in the 1st Inning, inclduing a grand slam from SS Felix Escalona, and never looked back in a 15-3 win over Bowie on Sunday afternoon. The Thunder have won eight of their last nine games.

Trenton (19-22), which had season-highs in runs (15), hits (14) and home runs (3), jumped on Bowie starter Brian Finch right from the start. 2B Gabe Lopez wlaked to start the game and then scored on a double by RF Bronson Sardinha. Finch then walked DH Randy Ruiz and 1B Shelley Duncan before allowing the slam to Escalona for a 5-0 lead. The first seven batters of the inning reached base for Trenton off Finch (2-4), who took the loss working just the 1st Inning.

The Thunder have now won three consecutive series. It is the first time for that feat since June 20-30, 2005.

Meanwhile, Trenton starter Steven White kept Bowie off the board until the 7th Inning. White (3-1) held the Baysox (22-21) to just three singles in the first six innings. Overall, White allowed two runs on seven hits in eight innings. He walked two and struck out eight.

The Thunder scored in every inning, except the 5th Inning when Bowie reliever Carlos Jan retired them in order. Sardinha had three hits, including his 5th home run, and two RBI. Ruiz added three hits, two runs scored and a RBI. CF Vince Faison rapped his 6th home run to tie for the team lead as part of a three-hit afternoon as well. Escalona had two hits and five RBI.

Trenton begins a series in New Britain, CT on Monday at 6:35 PM. Phil Hughes (0-1, 3.71) starts for the Thunder against the Rock Cats' Adam Harben (1-1, 2.12).