After yielding just three runs in the first four games of the season, Thunder pitchers ran into a wall on Monday night, giving up five runs to the Akron Aeros and dropped their first game of the season, losing 5-1.

DJ Mitchell started his first game at Double-A, and did not get out of the 4th inning. He gave up 4 runs on 8 hits and walked 2 in just 3.2 innings pitched. The Akron runs off Mitchell came in pairs, as they scored 2 runs in the 2nd and 2 runs in the 4th, respectively.

Another run in the 9th padded Akron’s lead for good as they improved to 4-1.

The Thunder had a chance to tie the game in the 8th inning with runners at second and third base with 2 outs and Austin Krum representing the tying run at home plate. However, Krum’s deep fly ball was caught at the wall by Akron rightfielder John Drennen.

The series continues in Trenton tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Zach Putnam (0-0, 4.50 ERA) makes his second start of the year for the Aeros against a yet to be determined Trenton hurler. The game broadcast begins at 6:50 p.m. on SportsRadio 1350 AM and online at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.

Game recap courtesy of trentonthunder.com.