EL1 Altoona Curve

Curve Come Back in Ninth, Top Fisher Cats, 5-4

Published on August 17, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


MANCHESTER, NH - The Altoona Curve completed a three-game sweep of New Hampshire with an improbable comeback, exploding for four runs in the top of the ninth inning in a thrilling, come-from-behind victory to shock the Fisher Cats, 5-4 at MerchantsAuto.com Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Trailing 4-1 in headed into the ninth, the Curve surged against pitcher Jason Burch (3-3) to finish their season-long 11-game road trip with a 6-5 record.

Jose Tabata and Jim Negrych opened the inning with back-to-back base hits. Jonel Pacheco and Brad Corley each followed with back-to-back RBI singles which put Altoona within one, 4-3. With two aboard, pinch-hitter Melvin Dorta provided the big hit. His two-run single put the Curve in front, 5-4.

The Curve tallied six hits in the inning after they collected just three hits prior to the ninth inning.

Sunday was the first time this season that Altoona (58-71) has won a game after they trailed heading into the ninth inning. Prior to Sunday's comeback, the Curve were 0-58 when trailing after the eighth inning.

New Hampshire (55-74) took a lead they didn't relinquish until the ninth inning, as they scored a pair of runs off starter Yoslan Herrera. Herrera, who was activated from the Disabled List prior to Sunday's game allowed the two runs along with nine hits over five innings.

Pat Bresnehan also allowed a pair of runs to the Fisher Cats in 1 2/3 innings.

Lefty Josh Shortslef (5-2) provided the stability the Curve needed on Sunday, allowing just one hit over 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief to allow the Curve resurgence to come to fruition.

The Curve will enjoy an off day on Monday, before they return home to Blair County Ballpark for the first time in 12 days.

With only ten Curve home games remaining, Altoona will open a six-game homestand on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m., starting with a three-game set against the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). Right-hander Dan Reichert (1-3, 5.13) will get the ball for Altoona in the opener, while the Sea Dogs will send southpaw Kris Johnson (8-7, 3.38) to the hill.

On Tuesday, fans at the ballpark will enjoy a spectacular post-game fireworks show, presented by Bellwood Hometown Market. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will also receive the fourth edition of the Curve's commemorative Tenth Anniversary Photo Ball, featuring the likeness of Nate McLouth and Jose Bautista, both of whom are on the Curve's Tenth Anniversary All-Time Team.

Great seats for Tuesday's game and the remaining ten Curve games on the 2008 schedule are still available. Fans looking to obtain tickets can call 877-99-CURVE, log on to AltoonaCurve.com or stop by Blair County Ballpark box office.

Check out the Altoona Curve Statistics

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



Eastern League Stories from August 17, 2008


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