EL1 Altoona Curve

Curve rally from six down for 8-7 win

Published on May 22, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


ALTOONA, PA - Angel Gonzalez blasted his first home run of the season and it could not have come at a better time as Gonzalez's two run shot completed a seven run rally and the Curve had a come from behind win Friday night defeating Reading 8-7 at Blair County Ballpark.

Reading shot out of the gates quickly picking up two runs in the top of the first on an RBI single by Michael Taylor. Taylor would eventually be walked home for the second run of the inning. The Phillies added another run in the third on a Neil Sellers single. Reading put up two more runs in the fifth on a Sellers solo home run followed by Gus Milner scoring on a throwing error after a triple. Taylor would double home another run in the sixth to give Reading a 6-0 lead.

The Curve got on the board in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI double by Jonel Pacheco. Then the Curve erupted in the seventh for five runs on just one hit after scoring two runs on bases loaded walks, Pacheco drilled a doubled over the centerfielder's head and cleared the bases pull the Curve within one run at 7-6. Then in the eighth Gonzalez crushed the two run homer down the right field line to give the Curve its first and only lead of the night. Christian Castorri (1-0) picks up his first win of the year in a relief effort and Jean Machi nailed down his fifth save in as many tries.

Altoona (14-26) will look to make it three and four wins in a row Saturday in a doubleheader beginning at 5:05 p.m. Radio coverage will begin at 4:35 p.m. on ESPN Radio 1430, WVAM and the Curve Radio Network. On the mound in game one will be Mike Crotta (3-1, 4.28) for Altoona and lefty Gustavo Chacin (0-0, 0.00) will be on the hill for Reading (19-19). In game two RHP Sean Smith (0-0, 6.23) will get the call for Altoona.

Saturday's doubleheader will feature an appearance by 1971 World Series hero and current Pirates broadcaster Steve Blass as well as a visit from the Pirate Parrot. The Curve will be sporting Pittsburgh Pirate jerseys for the games as well.

Great seats are still available for Saturday's doubleheader as well as the rest of the games throughout this homestand. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1-877-99-CURVE, by visiting altoonacurve.com or by coming into the Curve box office.

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Eastern League Stories from May 22, 2009


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