Ponies Fall to Thunder in Series Opener

Trenton, NJ – The Binghamton Rumble Ponies (21-14) fell to the Trenton Thunder 5-4 Thursday night in the series opener of a four-game set at ARM & HAMMER Park. The Thunder (22-14) scored three in the first on a three-run home run by Zach Zehner and added a solo homer in the fifth from Chris Gittens.

Patrick Mazeika hit a solo blast to right in the second, his third straight game with a home run, and his fourth in less than a week. He also extended his team-high hitting streak to 15 games. Arismendy Alcantara also hit a two-run shot to right in the ninth to pull the Ponies within one. Andres Giminez then lined out to center and Sam Haggerty grounded out to second to end the game.

Binghamton was 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base, as they dropped their second game in a row. Starter Mike Gibbons took the loss (3-5) allowing 5 runs over 4 and two thirds frames. The Ponies Austin McGeorge was superb in relief allowing just two hits over three and a third innings, walking one and striking out five.

The series continues Friday night with first pitch at 7:00 on Newsradio 1290 WNBF and on the Binghamton Rumble Ponies channel on TuneIn. The Horizons Federal Credit Union pregame show begins at 6:45.

 POSTGAME NOTES: The Thunder move back into first place in the Eastern League, now with a half-game lead over the Ponies…Will Carter got the win in relief for Trenton allowing just 1 hit over 3.1 IP