EL1 Altoona Curve

Curve pull out one-run victory

Published on August 19, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


ALTOONA - The Altoona Curve returned to Blair County Ballpark for the first time in 13 days and treated their home crowd of 6,230 to a 7-6 win over the Portland Sea Dogs (AA/Boston Red Sox) on Tuesday night.

The win for the Curve (58-71) is their fourth in a row, and marks the fourth time this season that the Curve have grabbed four consecutive wins.

Curve fans were also treated to the Blair County Ballpark debut of highly touted outfielder Jose Tabata, who was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates from the New York Yankees in a July trade. Tabata finished the night 2-for-4.

The Curve jumped out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to an error committed by Portland first baseman Aaron Bates in the bottom of the second inning.

Portland, (68-58) though, countered with a three-run third inning. Highlighting the inning was a two-run error committed by shortstop Jason Bowers.

The lead for the Sea Dogs was short-lived. Jamie Romak, who finished the night 3-for-4, belted a three-run home run off Portland starter Kris Johnson (8-8) to put Altoona in front, 4-3. It was Romak's sixth home run in a Curve uniform and his fourth in as many games.

That's all Curve starter Dan Reichert (2-3) would need. The veteran right-hander allowed three runs - two earned - over six solid innings. Reichert permitted just four hits over that time to earn the victory.

Altoona would tack on insurance runs by way of a two-run homer off the bat of James Boone to put the Curve ahead, 6-3. It also extended Boone's hitting streak to a season-high eight games.

Shelby Ford would also score in the seventh inning on a throwing error from Portland third-baseman Jorge Jimenez to extend the Curve advantage to 7-3.

The Curve would need those insurance runs, as they were just able to survive a late surge by the Sea Dogs. Portland scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning off reliever Moises Robles to cut the Curve edge to one, 7-6.

Manager Tim Leiper was forced to call on closer Ronald Belisario who threw one pitch to record the final out along with his eighth save of the season.

Altoona will play game two of the series on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. The Curve will send righty Derek Hankins (1-9, 4.89) to the stump, while Portland will counter with southpaw Dave Gassner (6-5, 6.52).

The first 2,000 fans through the gates on Wednesday will receive an instant classic - a Parney Bobblehead Doll Giveaway, presented by Sheetz - which features the likeness of Altoona Curve General Manager Todd Parnell. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Fans will also save big on food. Wednesday is a Atlantic Broadband Curve Burger Blowout, where Curve Burgers at the ballpark are half price all game long.

Fans can also save big by showing their Giant Eagle Advantage Card at the BCB ticket windows. By showing an Advantage Card, fans can buy one outfield reserve ticket in the UPMC Health Plan Home Run Junction, and receive a second one, free.

Great seats for Wednesday's game and all of the remaining nine Curve home games are still available. Fans can obtain tickets over the phone at 877-99-CURVE, online at AltoonaCurve.com or in person at the Blair County Ballpark ticket windows.

NOTES - Pirates closer Matt Capps returned to the Altoona Curve today on a rehab assignment. Capps is expected to appear in Wednesday's game against the Sea Dogs. This the second stint in Altoona for Capps, as he appeared in two games on the most recent Curve road trip and tossed a scoreless inning in each outing...The home run hit by Jamie Romak was his 24th of the season, combining his totals in both a Lynchburg Hillcats' (A) uniform, as well as a Curve uniform. His 24 homers lead all Pirates minor leaguers.

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Eastern League Stories from August 19, 2008


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