It was a cold one in Trenton last night as the Thunder opened up against the NH Fishercats, the defending Eastern League champs. It was made more cold by the wind, the usual length of a Thunder game (3 hours), and the fact that there were way too many people wearing shorts, capris, and flip-flops.

It was so cold that after the game, Fishercats pitcher Deck McGuire’s teeth were chattering.

Anyway, to the game.

Trenton jumped on Fishercats starter (and Toronto Blue Jays prospect) Drew Hutchison in the very first inning for three hits and two runs.

Hutchison didn’t allow a hit after that and seemed to be on cruise control. Meanwhile, NH went to work against Thunder starter Shaeffer Hall, scoring two runs each in the 3rd and 4th innings. The Thunder defense was also a little shaky.

The Fishercats held on for the 5-3 win. NY Yankees prospect Zoilo Almonte, who impressed the Yankees brass so much this spring, went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts (and he looked horrible at the plate).

*Fishercats outfielder John Tolisano came up lame while running to first base on a single. He was taken out, but manager Sal Fasano said it was just a pull. He was back in the dugout before the game ended and was walking without a limp. Not sure if he’ll play the rest of the series because it’s supposed to be cold.

**Pictures to come.