The Trenton Thunder got back in the win column Wednesday afternoon, defeating the West Virginia Black Bears 7–3 at Trenton Thunder Ballpark to even the series at one game apiece. Right-hander Xavier Lovett, a University of Missouri product, turned in a strong start for Trenton, allowing three runs over seven innings while striking out six to earn his first win of the season.
Trenton jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first on a two-out RBI double by Jared Beebe. After West Virginia tied the game in the second, Evin Sullivan put the Thunder back on top in the third with a two-out RBI single scoring Jackson Tucker.
The Black Bears responded with two runs in the fourth to take a 3–2 lead, but the Thunder answered in the fifth with a sacrifice fly from John Schroeder that again brought home Tucker to tie the game. Trenton pulled ahead for good in the sixth thanks to an RBI single by Andy Vega followed by a two-run triple from Tucker, making it 6–3.
Tucker finished the game 4-for-5 with two RBI, two runs scored, and two stolen bases, earning Hyatt Regency Princeton Thunder Player of the Game honors.
Connor Maryniak added an insurance run with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the eighth to cap the scoring.
The Thunder will look to take the series in the finale on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.
Fans are invited to celebrate Irish Heritage Night and enjoy postgame fireworks. For tickets, sponsorship information, or upcoming special events, visit trentonthunder.com or call the Thunder Box Office at (609) 394-3300, option 4.
