EL1 Altoona Curve

Curve Slug Season Highs, Beat Senators

Published on May 11, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Altoona Curve brought the bats with them in a morning series finale in Harrisburg as they hit a season-high four home runs and put up season-highs in runs with 13 and hits with 18 in a 13-2 victory on Wednesday against the Harrisburg Senators.

The Senators, for the second game in a row, shot out to an early 2-0 lead, this time in the first inning, as Jeff Locke allowed Chris Rahl to reach leading off the game, followed by a single by Matt Antonelli. After an RBI groundout for one run, with two-down, Jesus Valdez singled to right to make it a 2-0 ballgame.

After that though it was all Altoona, as in the third inning, Senators starter Erik Davis allowed a hit to Locke, the first of his career, and a hit to Brock Holt before exiting the game with an injury. Out of the bullpen came Jimmy Barthmaier and he got two outs without allowing a run, but it was Jordy Mercer with a three-run shot, his fifth of the season, to give the Curve a 3-2 lead.

The Curve added to their lead in the fifth as Starling Marte led the inning off with a single, was bunted to second and brought home on a single by Mercer, his fourth RBI of the day. Mercer was then brought home on a double by Eric Fryer and Fryer came home on a two-run shot by Miles Durham to make it a four-run inning and a 7-2 lead.

The Curve weren't done scoring as Quincy Latimore added an RBI single in the sixth to score Holt and push the advantage to six. In the seventh, after two reached with no one down, Durham hit an RBI single and Jose Hernandez made it a ten-run lead with his first home run of the season, bringing in three more for a 12-2 lead.

In the eighth, Mercer added a second home run, this time a solo shot, as he became the second member of the Curve to have a multi-home run game this season. The home run gave Mercer five RBI and the Curve a 13-2 lead.

After his first inning troubles, Locke settled down on the mound and from the end of the first inning through the fifth inning, he sent down 13 straight hitters. Locke was also 2-for-3 day at the plate, the first two hits of his career. All told, Locke went six innings and allowed five hits and two runs.

Anthony Claggett came on in relief for the Curve and worked two scoreless innings, including an appearance at the plate where he grabbed his first career hit and Tim Alderson pitched a scoreless ninth in the win.

The 13 runs are a season high for the Curve and the 11-run margin of victory is the most this season after falling on Tuesday to their largest defeat of the season.

The Curve (15-16) will look to get their next series started on the right note as they return home to Blair County Ballpark. In game one of a four-game series with the Erie SeaWolves, LHP Aaron Thompson (2-3, 3.27) will take to the hill on Thursday and he will be opposed by L.J. Gagnier (3-1, 2.91).

Since it's a Thursday game, it will be a Thirsty Thursday presented by Rocky 104.9 as 16 oz. Miller Lite drafts will be on special for $2 and 22 oz. sodas will also be on special for $1.50 throughout the game.

Game time is set for 6:30 p.m. with gates to Blair County Ballpark opening at 5:30 p.m. Great seats for the ballgame are still available by calling the Curve at 877.99.Curve or by visiting the official website of the Curve www.AltoonaCurve.com . Pregame coverage on ESPN Radio 1430, WVAM and the Curve Radio Network will begin at 6 p.m.

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Eastern League Stories from May 11, 2011


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