Thunder take 2-0 lead in Eastern League playoff series

(Video courtesy of the Trenton Thunder YouTube channel)

The Binghamton Mets face a must-win game tonight if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Trenton Thunder took a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series on Thursday night, winning 2-1 thanks to Ali Castillo’s 7th inning RBI double.

Here’s the Thunder press release:

TRENTON, NJ – Thunder pitching retired 15 of the final 16 batters they faced which held the Binghamton Mets at-bay long enough for Ali Castillo’s game-winning double in the 7th inning in Trenton’s 2-1 win Thursday night.

After taking Game 1 of the Eastern Division Championship Series in dramatic fashion Wednesday, the Thunder responded with a two-hitter of the B-Mets in front of 2,877 at ARM & HAMMER Park.

With the ballgame tied 1-1 in the 7th inning, Trenton used a one out single by Mason Williams to begin their go-ahead rally. Reegie Corona was the next batter and lined-out to left field which brought Castillo to the plate. Castillo worked a full-count which put Williams in motion at first base. Castillo lined the offering by Binghamton starting pitcher Darin Gorski to right-centerfield and past centerfielder Darrell Ceciliani to the wall for a 2-1 lead.

Starting pitcher Mikey O’Brien got the no-decision but kept Trenton in the ballgame early. He allowed just one run on a solo home run by Binghamton’s Josh Rodriguez to begin the fourth inning. Aside from that, O’Brien allowed just one other hit and struck out four.

Trenton leads the best-of-five series over the Binghamton Mets, 2-0.

Following their second-straight win to begin the series, the EDCS continues Friday with a 7:05 p.m. game against the Binghamton Mets at NYSEG Stadium. RHP Shane Greene (8-4, 3.18) pitches for the Thunder against RHP Logan Verrett (12-6, 4.25) for Binghamton. Radio coverage of Friday’s game on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and coverage online begins at 6:45 p.m.

In other playoff action, the New Jersey Jackals defeated the Quebec Capitales 15-7 on Thursday to even up the Can-Am League Championship Series at one game apiece. The two teams meet again tonight at Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair.

Finally, the Somerset Patriots clinched a spot in the Atlantic League playoffs with their 5-4 victory over the Lancaster Barnstormers on Thursday night. They will face the Sugarland Skeeters in the first round, beginning on Sept. 17 in Sugarland, Texas.