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Late-Inning Runs Lift Thunder Past Curve on Saturday

August 6, 2011 - Eastern League (EL) Altoona Curve

CURVE, Pa. - Thunder struck in the top of the ninth inning as Trenton broke a tie game with two runs to catapult themselves to a, 5-3, victory over the Curve on Saturday night at Blair County Ballpark. Starling Marte homered and drove in two of Altoona's three runs while extending his hitting streak to a team-best 14 games in the loss.

It was the Marte home run that placed Altoona on the scoreboard first in the third off starter Craig Heyer. Altoona's centerfielder hammered a ball over the wall in left with two down to bring home Greg Picart and place the Curve out in front, 2-0. The inning continued as Altoona scored an unearned run when Josh Rodriguez singled into right and Melky Mesa misplayed the ball.

Brock Holt, who was off on contact with there being two away, was able to score thanks to the error and just like that Altoona led, 3-0.

The lead was short-lived though as Trenton battled back to tie the game off Aaron Pribanic in the top of the fourth. Corban Joseph walked to start the inning before he was brought home by Rob Lyerly's double to center to bring him in and cut the lead to two. Mesa followed Lyerly's double with his second home in as many days and the game was tied at three.

Pribanic went on to walk two more in the inning but managed to finish the frame without any further damage. He'd go on to complete six innings and allow just the three runs on five hits before he turned it over to the 'pen.

The game remained tied until the ninth when Trenton scored twice off reliever Anthony Claggett (4-3). The Thunder put together three straight hits with one out in the top of the ninth with the go-ahead run scoring on a single to right-center by Joseph. Lyerly then brought in the insurance run with a RBI fielder's choice and Trenton carried its first lead of the series at, 5-3.

Ryan Pope set down Altoona in order in the ninth to seal the win for the Thunder and secure his third save of the season.

Holt and Rodriguez each had a pair of hits for the Curve in a losing effort. Matt McSwain continued his solid pitching out of the bullpen as he tossed a clean inning while striking out a pair before Claggett came in for the eighth.

With the series even at a game apiece, Altoona (49-63) and Trenton (58-55) will play the rubber match at 6 p.m. on Sunday night at BCB. Sunday Night Fireworks will captivate fans after the game on Sunday and it will also be Ladies at the Park Night presented by The Circulatory Centers. Over $5,000 in prizes, including televisions, high-end bags and spa treatments, will be given out to lucky ladies at the game on Sunday.

Fans can also come on the field before Sunday night's game from 5 p.m. to 5:25 p.m. and play catch on the field. After the game, kids will be able to scramble around the bases.

RHP Phil Irwin (5-3, 4.62) will search for his second win of the homestand and his organizational-best 11th win of the season when he takes the mound on Sunday. Trenton will counter with RHP Dellin Betances (4-6, 3.57) in the series finale.

Gates swing open at 5 p.m. while airtime on ESPN Radio 1430, WVAM and the Curve Radio Network is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. For tickets and more information on upcoming games and events in Curve, Pa., call 877.99.CURVE, visit www.AltoonaCurve.com or stop by the box office windows at BCB.

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Eastern League Stories from August 6, 2011


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