TRENTON, N.J. - It was a tough night for the Williamsport Crosscutters pitching staff as they allowed double-digit runs in a 10-4 loss to the Trenton Thunder in the series opener at Trenton Thunder Ballpark on Friday night.
Brad Rudis took the loss, falling to 3-3 on the season, as he allowed three runs, two earned, on six hits in five innings of work. Rudis also allowed two walks and struck out five batters.
Isaac Fix entered in relief and went the next inning and a third, allowing an additional three runs, all earned, on two hits with two walks and a strikeout.
Jared Ure only managed two-thirds of an inning of relief and allowed an addition three runs, two earned, on three hits with no walks and a strikeout.
Leo Giannoni finished off the game on the hill, allowing one run, earned, on two hits with no walks and a strikeout.
Offensively, Williamsport struggled as well as they didn't find the scoreboard until the third inning. Braylon Bishop started off the top of the third being hit by a pitch, stole second and moved to third on a Vantrel Reed groundout. This brought up Jackson Mayo who singled to right to push across Bishop to make it a 2-1 game in favor of Trenton in the middle of the third.
In the top of the sixth, with Williamsport now trailing 3-1, Marcus Brodil would turn and drive a solo home run 404 feet over the centerfield wall, pulling the Cutters within one run at 3-2 in the middle of the sixth.
From this point on, Trenton took total control of the game and jumped out to a 10-2 lead after eight innings.
Williamsport would attempt a rally in the ninth as Matt Flaherty picked up his fifth double of the season, Braylon Bishop was hit by a pitch for the second time in the game and Christian Reyes walked to load up the bases with one out. Trenton pitcher JJ Almeda would throw a wild pitch which allowed Flaherty to come across the plate and Vantrel Reed would then walk to load the bases back up for Jackson Mayo. Mayo would hit a sacrifice fly to right to score Bishop before Carlos Castillo struck out to end the game with a 10-4 final score in favor of the Thunder.
Williamsport and Trenton complete this short two-game series at Trenton Thunder Ballpark on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Cutters Carvings - Williamsport has now lost four straight games since defeating Frederick 14-0 on August 15th... Williamsport has lost the last four games they have played at Trenton Thunder Ballpark... Williamsport designated hitter DJ Smiley was ejected in the ninth inning...
