EL1 Altoona Curve

Curve Can't Hold Lead, Drop Series to 'Sens, 9-6

Published on August 8, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


HARRISBURG, Pa - In a game that featured five different lead changes, it was the Harrisburg Senators that started the game and finished the game with the lead en route to taking the rubber match of a three-game series against the Curve with a 9-6 win on Sunday night at Metro Bank Park.

The loss shrinks Altoona's lead to 3.0 games for first place in the E.L. Western Division.

After trailing 2-0 early, the Altoona Curve would grab a pair of runs in the second and third innings. Hector Gimenez slammed his team-leading 14th homer of the season with a teammate aboard in the second to tie the game at 2-2, while newcomer Andrew Lambo belted a two-run shot in the top of the third - his second in as many days - to give the Curve (66-48) their first lead of the night, 4-2.

Altoona starter Justin Wilson, in search of his third straight win would not get it. He was lifted with two outs in the fourth after the Senators climbed within one when Josh Johnson drew a bases loaded walk before Brad Coon knocked Wilson out of the game with a two-run single to give the Senators a 5-4 lead. Wilson went 3.2 innings allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits. He issued five walks and struck out two.

The Curve would again tie the game and take the lead in the fifth and sixth innings. Against Senators starter Aaron Thompson, Jordy Mercer lifted a sacrifice fly to right field that brought home Josh Harrison to knot the score, 5-5. Relief pitcher Jared Hughes, batting for himself against 'Sens southpaw Chuck James hit sacrifice fly to center field, plating Jim Negrych to give the Curve 6-5 lead.

However, Altoona would not be able to hold that lead. In the eighth off of reliever Ramon Aguero, the Senators (61-54) would plate four runs to take a 9-6 lead. Pinch-hitter Tim Pahuta's RBI groundout would tie the game 6-6 before two balks by Aguero and an RBI triple by Coon would round out the scoring.

Offensively, Altoona had no answer for the Harrisburg bullpen as the combination of James and Cole Kimball retired the last nine Curve hitters they faced.

The Altoona Curve will enjoy on off day on Monday before they return home to Blair County Ballpark to open a six-game homestand against the top two teams in the Eastern League. The Trenton Thunder will invade Curve, Pa for the first three before the New Hampshire Fisher Cats come to Altoona for the latter three. On Tuesday, the Curve will send left-hander Rudy Owens (9-6, 2.85) to the mound while the Thunder oppose with righty Lance Pendleton (10-4, 3.43). Great seats for the six-game homestand which will feature three fireworks shows, appearances by super-nerd Myron Noodleman and Pirates 1979 World Series Hero Jim Rooker along with Thirsty Thursday drink specials are still available and can be obtained by calling the Curve at 877-99-CURVE, online at AltoonaCurve.com or in person at the Blair County Ballpark ticket windows.

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Eastern League Stories from August 8, 2010


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