The 2010 Eastern League Championship trophy was claimed by the Curve over the Thunder last September.
Coming off a disappointing 1-6 homestand, the Thunder embark Friday on a brief three-game road trip and three-game set with the Altoona Curve. The two teams have met twice at Waterfront Park, most recently with Derek Jeter in a Thunder uniform, but this is the first and only trip for Trenton to Blair County Ballpark in 2011. On Friday night, the Thunder will play a game while not being in playoff contention (first or second place) for just the third time since May 26.
LHP Steve Garrison will make his second start for the Thunder since returning from the New York Yankees a little over a week ago. The lefty from Ewing, NJ was limited in his last outing, making a start after appearing in the Yankees’ bullpen for one week’s time. In the start, on Sunday at home against Richmond, Garrison gave up three runs in three frames and received a loss. The former Brewers and Padres farmhand has made one start against the Curve this season. On June 30, Garrison gave up six runs in five innings, but picked-up a win in an 8-6 Thunder victory.
RHP Kyle McPherson will make his eleventh start of the season tonight for the Curve. The righty from Mobile, AL made a start against Derek Jeter and the Thunder on July 3 at Waterfront Park, picking up the win in five innings of one-run ball. McPherson last worked on July 30 when he picked up a win in Portland, hurling a season-high 6.2 innings and only allowing one run on four hits.
The Bank of Princeton’s Hank’s Take it to the Bank: Steve Garrison will not allow a hit to his former Portland Beaver teammate Brad Chalk tonight. Season Stats: .447 batting average (47-105, hit streak: +2)
