Curve Nearly No-Hit in Home Opener
Published on April 16, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA, PA - As Altoona raised the curtain on their 2009 home schedule the Curve were nearly no hit for the fifth time in the club's 11 year history in a 3-0 loss to Erie at Blair County Ballpark.
Erie came a mere half step away from a no hitter, but in the bottom of the ninth Jose Tobata hustled out what could have been a game ending double to play to keep the Curve alive. Jamie Romak then broke up the no hitter with a double down the left field line before closer Brett Jensen closed the door on the Curve's rally.
SeaWolves starter Alfredo Figaro (1-0) enjoyed an outstanding evening pitching seven strong innings, allowing no hits, with just three walks and five strikeouts.
Erie (5-3) got on the board quickly when Scott Sizemore lead off the game with a double and then scored on a throwing error after a well placed bunt was laid down by Maxwell Leon. Erie would add insurance runs in the eight and ninth.
Lost in the mix of the no hitter was a fine outing by Curve starting pitcher Brad Lincoln(0-1) who threw five innings scattering five hits and recording a season high six strikeouts.
Altoona (0-7) continues its worst season start to date and now has its longest losing streak since a 10 game skid back in May of 2007. The Curve will try to get its elusive first win on Friday night against the SeaWolves, who improved to 5-0 against the Curve this season, when 6'7 right hander Jared Hughes takes the mound for his second start of the season. Hughes has yet to allow a hit this season, with six innings pitched and only one walk. Erie will throw right hander Brooks Brown who has one start on the year and also sports a 0.00 ERA.
Game time is set for 6:35 Friday night with radio coverage beginning at 6:05 on ESPN Radio 1430, WVAM and the Curve Radio Network. The first 1,500 youngsters into the ballpark Friday will receive a free plastic bat. Tickets are still available for Friday's contest. To order call 1-877-99-CURVE, visit altoonacurve.com or in person at the box office at Blair County Ballpark.
Eastern League Stories from April 16, 2009
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- Sens win 7-2 in home opener over Reading - Harrisburg Senators
- B-Mets Sneak by Portland in Home Opener - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Aeros Can't Solve Patton, Fall to Baysox 2-0 - Akron RubberDucks
- Curve Nearly No-Hit in Home Opener - Altoona Curve
- "Dogs can't spoil Mets home opener, lose 4-3 - Portland Sea Dogs
- Defenders Win 3-1 - Connecticut Defenders
- Thunder fall to Connecticut, 3-1 - Trenton Thunder
- Perez throws seven scoreless innings in 2-0 win - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Opening Night at New Britain Stadium - New Britain Rock Cats
- Aeros Notes - Akron RubberDucks
- Mendoza Activated from DL, Transferred to AAA - Trenton Thunder
- Aeros Receive Catcher Armando Camacaro From AAA Columbus - Akron RubberDucks
- Erie SeaWolves at Altoona Curve Game Notes - Erie SeaWolves
- Beazley And Lentz Placed On The Disabled List, Latimer And Plummer Added To Roster - Portland Sea Dogs
- Altoona Curve Game Notes - Altoona Curve
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