Coming off a series sweep of Mahoning Valley over the weekend, the Trenton Thunder looked to continue their recent good fortune in the second half of the season when the State College Spikes rolled into town for a three-game set at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. However, things went from bad to worse for the Thunder. With this horrendous series in the rearview mirror, let's now take a look at the series as a whole and the road ahead for the Thunder.
First Star - Braedon Blackford
The southpaw hitter out of Perdue-Fort Wayne went 2 for 5 on Tuesday night then proceeded to add in a 2 for 4 performance on Wednesday afternoon to push his batting average to .333 on the season with an OPS over 1.000. He's shown a great deal of pop in his bat this series to go along with great defense. He's not on the level of an Elly De La Cruz yet, but he'll get there soon enough. Once he's signed to an MLB team, he could be one of those electrifying players that jump-starts a struggling offense.
His MLB player comparisons include John Berti of the Miami Marlins and Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox.
Second Star - Carlos Contreras
No, not one of the Major League Contrerases. Carlos is batting near the .400 mark on the year after overwhelming the Trenton Thunder with his bat and his defense. He doesn't have the pop that teammate Breadon Blackford does, but the Sam Houston State product shows great athleticism and speed with the ability to turn even a routine base hit into a double or a triple. Carlos Contreras, like Braedon Blackford, was an absolute menace to the Trenton Thunder in this series and should he make the majors, he would be a good compliment to someone like a Luis Arraez in Miami.
His lone MLB player comparison is Luis Arraez of the Miami Marlins.
Third Star - Payton Harden
Not sure if he's any relation to James Harden or not, but the left-handed bat from McNeese State was another catalyst to the Spikes offense, especially in Tuesday night's 14-3 dismantling of the Trenton Thunder where he went 2 for 5, scored two runs and drew a walk. He mainly plays in the outfield where he shows great range and a cannon arm. However, that leaves him susceptible to injuries that can hamper a season. One aspect of his game he needs to work on is durability, resistance to injuries. His bat and defense are good, just needs strength and conditioning work and he'll grow into an everyday MLB player.
His MLB player comparisons are a pair of Philadelphia Phillies - Rhys Hoskins and Bryson Stott.
Who's Hot
Carlos Contreras
After overwhelming the Trenton Thunder, his average is right near the long aspired for .400 mark with an OPS of .970. He has the potential to be a great depth piece in the majors if not an everyday outfielder. All he needs is the right team and the right opportunity to present itself going forward.
Who's Not
Lane Miller
Lane Miller...what to say about him? The Indiana State righty got the start Tuesday and the Trenton Thunder probably wish they went with someone else. He only went three and a third innings, allowed eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits - two being home runs - punched out two and issued one free pass. His ERA is near 19 after this series, which should raise some alarm for pitching coach Matt Sweeney. The Thunder are hoping Miller corrects his mechanics before his next start so that they can get more longevity out of him as the second half of the season progresses.
The Road Ahead
The Thunder will hit the road for a three-game set this weekend against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers before returning home to Trenton Thunder Ballpark for four of the next six games against the Frederick Keys and the Williamsport Crosscutters.
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