EL1 Altoona Curve

Altoona Blanks Richmond in 2011 Home Opener

Published on April 14, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


CURVE, Pa. - In their first game at Blair County Ballpark since winning the 2010 Eastern League Championship, the Altoona Curve sent their fans home happy with their second 2-0 shutout win of the season. The Curve (4-4) got six strong innings from starter Aaron Thompson as they defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels in the first of a four-game series.

Thompson (2-0) worked six innings and allowed one run in his first start of the season and in his second start of the season, he also went six, but this time he did not allow a run and only two hits with five strikeouts and one walk. Mike Colla pitched a clean inning in the seventh getting his three batters all to fly out, Michael Dubee an easy eighth and Noah Krol worked around one hit in the ninth to record his third save of the season.

Both starting pitchers worked well in the first three innings, Eric Surkamp (0-1) though takes the loss as he went five innings, allowing five hits and two runs. Ronnie Ray and Osiris Matos each pitched in relief of Surkamp and did not allow a run.

Tony Sanchez led the fourth inning off with a walk and he scored the game's first run as the next batter Miles Durham sent a fly ball to the base of the wall in center, doubling home Sanchez from first. The Curve got their second and only other run of the ballgame on one swing of the bat, as Jordy Mercer sent a ball screaming into the stands in left field for a solo shot, his first of the season.

The win puts the Curve back at an even 4-4 on the season as well as the Flying Squirrels (4-4) who own the same record.

These two teams will lock horns again on Friday at 6:30 p.m. for the first pitch with gates opening up at 5:30 p.m. to the general public. Steelers' Linebacker Lawrence Timmons will visit Blair County Ballpark to throw out a first pitch and sign autographs for two hours thanks to Peoples Natural Gas and WTAJ-TV.

RHP Jared Hughes (0-0, 5.40) will make his second start of the season, his first at home, and he will be opposed by Richmond RHP Justin Fitzgerald (1-0, 0.00). Great seats for the ballgame are still available, by calling the Curve at 877.99.Curve or by visiting the official web site of the Curve www.AltoonaCurve.com. Pregame coverage on ESPN Radio 1430, WVAM and the Curve Radio Network will begin at 6 p.m.

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Eastern League Stories from April 14, 2011


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