(Photo by Double G Media)

Trenton dropped two of three to Portland over the weekend thanks to late inning heroics by the Sea Dogs. This was their first series loss since their season opener against Erie. Similar to most losses this year, it came at the hands of the bullpen who blew a 5-2 lead in the ninth inning in the rubber game.

This leaves the Thunder at second place (1.0 GB) after 16 games in the Eastern League standings with a 9-7 record.

Progress Check

Thunder bats have struggled so far this season, batting a 2^nd worst .232 average with a .321 OBP.

Miguel Andujar (3B) has settled into his spot at 3^rd in the lineup, leading the team with 17 hits and 14 RBI. However, he has been inconsistent on the defense, already charged with 4 errors. 

Mike Ford has emerged as a clutch hitter with his 11 timely RBI’s and leading the team in extra base hits, slugging an even .500. He has proven to come up big in late innings with runners on base. 

Zack Zehner has been the biggest bright spot, bringing a real threat to the bottom 3^rd of the lineup. He leads the team with .348 AVG, .444 OBP, and 12 Runs.  

Star Pitching

Trenton starting pitching has powered their team to good start and a league leading 2.95 ERA.

Top ten prospects Justus Sheffield and Chance Adams are throwing absolute gems, posting 1.56 ERA and 1.10 ERA, respectively. 

Torres

Top prospect Gleyber Torres was placed on the 7-Day DL list that was retrograded to Tuesday the 18^th with mild right rotator cuff tendinitis. No one at the Thunder camp seems to be too concerned. The rest might prove golden for Torres, who has underperformed in his first 10 Double-A games with a .237 AVG.