Curve roll past Rock Cats with 4-3 win
Published on June 3, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
The surging Curve brought their success they experienced on a seven-game road trip back to Blair County Ballpark on Tuesday night as Altoona was able to best the New Britain Rock Cats with a 4-3 victory.
The win is the seventh in the past eight contests for Altoona, as the Curve improve their record to 23-32.
A strong start from Corey Hamman (2-5), who notched his second victory in as many starts, allowed the Curve bats to respond to an early three-run deficit.
In the top of the third inning, Hamman allowed a three-run home run to Luke Hughes , the Eastern League's home run leader to put New Britain up 3-0. The Altoona bats answered in the bottom of the frame, though, with a four run effort.
The five-hit attack in the frame was highlighted by a Shelby Ford RBI single that brought home Luis Cruz for the first Curve run. Brad Corley then scored a pair of runners with a two-run double to knot the score, 3-3. The difference in the game though was a softly hit ground ball by Anthony Webster that was fielded by Rock Cats' second baseman Toby Gardenhire. Webster's speed forced a high throw from Gardenhire that pulled first baseman Brock Peterson off the bag. Webster was called safe, and on the play Jonel Pacheco crossed the plate with the fourth and decisive run to put Altoona up 4-3.
Curve pitchers were able to maneuver out of tight situations throughout the night that proved to be pivotal in the game. In the top of the seventh, Hamman allowed a pair of two-out singles and was lifted in favor of reliever Dave Davidson. Hamman tossed 6 2/3 innings, his longest appearance of the year.
Davidson walked the first batter he faced, which loaded the bases. He was able to wiggle out of the jam as Hughes popped out to third.
In the top of the ninth, Evan Meek was able notch his first save in a Curve uniform, but not without doubt. A leadoff single by Trevor Plouffe, a walk to Dustin Martin and a sacrifice bunt put the potential go-ahead run in scoring position for New Britain. Meek responded with back-to-back strikeouts to secure the win.
The Curve will play the second game of the series against New Britain on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Derek Hankins (0-2, 4.80) will start for Altoona, while righty Anthony Swarzak (3-2, 4.18) toes the rubber for the Rock Cats.
Fans at Wednesday's game will enjoy dollar hot dogs courtesy of Atlantic Broadband all-game long. Wednesday is also a Giant Eagle Advantage Card Night. Those who present an Advantage Card at the Blair County Ballpark ticket windows can buy one outfield reserve ticket at regular price and receive a second one free.
Great seats for Wednesday's game, and the rest of the Curve homestand which lasts through Sunday are still available. Tickets can be obtained over the phone by dialing 877-99-CURVE, online at AltoonaCurve.com or in person at the BCB ticket window.
NOTES - Ryan Doumit, on a rehab assignment with the Pirates, appeared as a pinch-hitter in the top of the seventh inning and singled to right field in his only plate appearance.
Eastern League Stories from June 3, 2008
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