Saez helps Thunder split twinbill at Erie

ERIE, PA. » Jorge Saez returned with a bang.

The catcher was activated from the 7-day DL and hit a run-scoring single in the fifth inning to give the Thunder a 2-1 win over Erie in the first game of a doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon.

Rashad Crawford scored on the play after he led off the inning with a single, advanced to second on a wild pitch and then went to third on a single by Ben Ruta.

Saez played in a pair of games before a left-hand injury forced him out of the lineup. The 27-yearold batted .249/.350/.423 with nine homers and 34 RBIs in 67 games for the Thunder last season, but his biggest contribution came in the way he handled the team’s talented pitching staff.

Ryan Lidge was optioned back to Single-A Charleston to make room for Saez.

Joe Harvey struck Kenny Wilson out with runners on first and third to end the game for his second save of the season.

In the bottom of the first, Erie took the lead on a single by Wilson that scored Jake Robson. Trenton answered in the third inning when Gosuke Katoh hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Ruta.

Ruta singled twice, also stealing a base in the win.

Trenton right-hander Erik Swanson (3-0) picked up the win after allowing one run on just three hits over five innings. Opposing starter Beau Burrows (1-1) took the loss after allowing two runs and four hits over 4 1/3 innings.

In the second game, Harold Castro doubled and singled, and Kyle Dowdy struck out 10 hitters over five innings as the SeaWolves won, 3-2.

John Schreiber allowed two runs, but got Gosuke Katoh to fly out with a runner on second to end the game for his second save of the season.

Dowdy (2-1) allowed two hits to get the win for Erie (5-7).

Brian Keller (0-2) went 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs and seven hits for the Thudner (6-6). He also struck out four and walked two.

The Thunder have a musical act familiar to Yankees fans lined up for the Eastern League All-Star Game.

Four-time World Series winner Bernie Williams will perform the National Anthem and throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the July 11 game at Arm & Hammer Park.

Williams spent 16 seasons patrolling the outfield for the Yankees and was a five-time American League All-Star during his career. He still holds the MLB postseason record for RBIs with 80 in 121 career playoff games.