Bases Loaded Walk Enough For Curve To Take Another From Akron, 5-4
Published on May 31, 2007 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA- Brian Peterson's bases-loaded walk in the sixth inning snapped a tie ballgame as the Altoona Curve edged first-place Akron, 5-4, on a sunny and warm afternoon in front of 6,862 fans on School Kids Day at Blair County Ballpark.
Altoona (23-27) has now won four of five games after ending a 10-game losing streak last weekend at Bowie. The win also gave the Curve a series victory over the Aeros (30-22), who entered Thursday's series finale with a 2 1/2 game lead over Erie for the top spot in the E.L. South.
The Curve's sixth-inning run came without the benefit of a base hit. T.J. Burton entered the game in relief of starter Scott Lewis and retired Randy Ruiz for the inning's first out. Neil Walker then reached base safely after swinging and missing at a third strike that got away from Akron catcher Javi Herrera. Steven Pearce walked and Alex Fernandez reached on a fielding error to load the bases, setting up Peterson's eventual game-winning base on balls.
Jason Bowers' three-run homer in the third inning put Altoona on the board, while Pearce blasted a solo dinger in the fourth.
The Aeros (30-22) manufactured their first run in the third. Trevor Crowe walked to lead off the frame and stole second. With Herrera at the plate, the designated hitter swiped third and come home on catcher Peterson's throwing error.
Jason Roach (2-1) pitched three scoreless innings to earn the win. The 31-year-old veteran entered the game in the sixth inning with runners on first and second and no outs, but managed to escape unscathed. Matt Peterson tossed a 1-2-3 ninth inning and notched his eighth save, while starter Wardell Starling lasted five-plus innings, yielding four runs -- three earned -- on eight hits.
Burton (0-2) took the loss, allowing an unearned run on a hit and two walks over three innings. Lewis surrendered four runs on six hits over six frames.
The Curve will remain at Blair County Ballpark for a weekend series against the Reading Phillies. The two clubs will play four games over three days beginning Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Yoslan Herrera (0-4, 5.91) will take the mound in search of his first win of the season, while Reading will counter with righty Tim McClaskey (4-4, 3.64).
Fans attending Friday's 7:05 p.m. game against Reading will be eligible to become the Curve's 3 millionth fan in franchise history. The milestone fan will be selected randomly and will be awarded season tickets for life, a complimentary VIP parking spot at Blair County Ballpark and other prizes. In addition, the first 2,000 women in attendance will receive a Curve Tote Bag courtesy of the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. Ballpark gates will open at 6.
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