EL1 Altoona Curve

Altoona Curve Built Ford (And Hughes) Tough, Win 9-2

Published on May 15, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


Richmond, VA - Shelby Ford smashed two home runs and Jared Hughes tossed seven solid innings to become the first Eastern League pitcher to win seven games as the Altoona Curve snapped out of a four-game funk with a 9-2 win over the homestanding Richmond Flying Squirrels (AA - San Francisco) on Saturday night at The Diamond.

Ford, a switch-hitter, finished the night 3-for-5 with the two home runs and tied a career-high with 5 RBIs. Ironically, he was the last Curve player to drive in five runs in a game, which last occurred on August 8, 2009 at New Hampshire. The Curve utility infielder singled in the second inning, belted a two-run shot right-handed off of Andy Sisco in the fourth inning, then swatted a three-run shot from the left side of the plate off of Craig Whitaker in a five-run seventh for the Curve (21-14).

Hector Gimenez, who went 2-for-4 on Friday also homered. The Curve's switch-hitting catcher blasted a two-run shot in the fifth inning. All four of Gimenez's homers this season have come against Richmond. Nine of his 19 RBI in 2010 have also come against the Flying Squirrels (22-14).

Jared Hughes tossed 7.0 innings and allowed just one earned run while scattering four hits, while Michael Dubee and Daniel Moskos each contributed a scoreless inning of relief.

With the victory the Altoona Curve have moved to just a half game out of first place and can regain the lead in the E.L. Western Division in the final game of the four-game series. On Sunday at 2:05 p.m. Altoona will send RHP Derek Hankins (2-1, 1.95) to the mound. Entering play on Saturday, Hankins held the third-lowest ERA in the league. Richmond will oppose with lefty Clayton Tanner (2-3, 3.15).

Air time on flagship station ESPN Radio 1430, WVAM and Altoona Curve Radio Network affiliates will be 1:35 p.m.

With Saturday's victory ticket prices for the Wednesday game versus Akron at 6:30 p.m. at Blair County Ballpark will be discounted $1 as part of the Curve's "Road to Savings" promotion. Should the Curve secure a victory on Sunday, all tickets for the middle game of the Curve's upcoming homestand will be discounted an additional dollar.

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Eastern League Stories from May 15, 2010


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