Connolly ties record as Curve roll, 10-2
Published on May 23, 2006 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA -The Curve used a mix of early offensive fire power and free passes to breeze by the Bowie Baysox 10-2 on Tuesday night at Blair County Ballpark. Mike Connolly (4-3) made franchise history, earning his 24th victory in a Curve uniform to tie the team record set by John Grabow (2000-2003) and Brian O'Conner (1999-00, 02).
Connolly pitched a gem for the Curve to pick up his fourth win of the year, surrendering just one run on two hits. The 24-year-old settled down and cruised through the Baysox lineup after giving up a first-inning run, and retired 20 of the final 22 hitters he faced.
The Curve answered the early tally by Bowie, scoring eight runs in the first three innings. Vic Buttler led the charge for the Curve yet again, hitting his ninth triple of the year in his first at-bat, the most in professional baseball. The center fielder later hit a leadoff home run in the third, his fourth this season.
Bowie starter Richard Stahl was handed his sixth loss of the season, lasting just 2 1/3 innings. Stahl, the Orioles first round pick in 1999, only allowed five hits but gave up eight runs on six walks. The southpaw was pulled in the third after facing six batters and only recording one out.
Altoona utilized four free passes and a wild pitch to send ten batters to the plate in the third inning. Buttler, Dave Parrish and Eric Chaves all collected RBI's for the Curve, building them a comfortable 8-1 lead.
The Curve would later score two more in the sixth, sealing their 28th win of the year.
James Johnson, who was activated from the DL on May 20, pitched the final two innings for the Curve, allowing one run on two hits in two innings pitched.
The Curve and Baysox will resume their series on Wednesday morning at 10:35 a.m. as part of a School Kids Day. Chris Rojas will take the mound for the first time for the Curve against Matt Bruback (1-2) for Bowie.
Great seats are still available for Wednesday's game and can be purchased in person at the Blair County Ballpark box office, over the phone by calling the Curve toll-free at 877-99-Curve.
Eastern League Stories from May 23, 2006
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- SeaWolves Win Eighth Straight - Erie SeaWolves
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- Ripple Effect Hits Harrisburg - Harrisburg Senators
- Curve Add Rojas to Rotation - Altoona Curve
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