EL1 Altoona Curve

Altoona Brings Lumber To Hardware City In Doubleheader Thrashing

Published on August 10, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


Game 1

Win: Jeff Locke (7-8)

Loss: David Bromberg (1-2)

Save: --

TOG: 2:13

Attendance: --

Game 2

Win: Mike Colla (5-8)

Loss: Spencer Steedley (3-4)

Save: --

TOG: 2:27

Attendance: 6,294

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. - A rested Altoona Curve offense erupted on Wednesday night in New Britain as they swept a doubleheader from the Rock Cats at New Britain Stadium. After blanking the ‘Cats, 5-0, in the first game, the Curve plated 12 runs in the first three innings of game two en route to a 14-1 win to complete the twin bill sweep. Starling Marte finished the doubleheader a combined 6-for-8 with four runs scored and a RBI.

In the first game, Altoona jumped on the scoreboard early with a run in the first inning thanks to a Matt Curry sacrifice fly that brought home Marte. One run would have been more than enough for starter Jeff Locke (7-8), who completed 5.2 innings and struck out six.

The Curve gave Locke some more run support in the third when Brad Chalk, Marte and Brock Holt all reached off Rock Cats starter David Bromberg (1-2). With the bases loaded and no outs, Josh Rodriguez singled up the middle to score both Chalk and Marte to open up 3-0 lead. Holt scored from third on a wild pitch before the inning was said and done. After 2.5 innings, Altoona led, 4-0.

Curry scored the fifth and final run of the first game in the fifth when Rock Cats shortstop Brian Dozier booted a ground ball off the bat of Yunesky Sanchez. Sanchez reached safely at first and Curry scored before reliever Brett Jacobson got out of the inning.

Tim Alderson pitched the final 1.1 innings of the game and allowed just one hit while striking out two. Marte finished the game 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored while Holt also collected a pair of hits in the win.

In the second game, Altoona came out swinging as they sent 11 men to the plate and scored six runs on six hits in the first inning off spot-starter Spencer Steedley (3-4). Marte had a pair of hits in the inning, including an RBI single with two outs, while hits from Rodriguez, Curry and Greg Picart all drove in runs.

Up 6-0 entering the second, Rodriguez led off the inning with his fifth home run of the season and increased the lead to 7-0. Steedley went on to walk three hitters in a row before he was taken out of the game.

Altoona's bats came back alive in the third when nine men batted and scored five runs. It all began with another Marte hit, his sixth of the two games. The Curve connected for five total hits in the inning and drove in five more runs to run the score to 12-0.

Single runs scored for Altoona in the fifth and sixth to complete the scoring. Starter Mike Colla (5-8) tossed five innings of one-run ball to earn his first win since May 30th in Binghamton. Michael Dubee and Matt McSwain each tossed scoreless innings in the Game 2 win.

Every member in the Altoona Curve lineup for Game 2 had at least one hit and drove in at least one run. Eight of the nine Curve batters also scored a run in the Game 2 win with Picart being the only man not to score a run. Curve pitching on Wednesday night combined to allow one run on 11 hits over the 14 innings.

With the win, Altoona has secured its third straight series victory and has not lost a series in its last six sets.

RHP Kyle McPherson (6-3, 2.84) will try and lead Altoona to its first sweep at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday night as the Curve and Rock Cats play for the final time this season. New Britain will counter with LHP Blake Martin (1-5, 5.40) in the finale.

Airtime on ESPN Radio 1430, WVAM and the Curve Radio Network is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Check out the Altoona Curve Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from August 10, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central