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EL1 Altoona Curve

Curve snap losing streak with wild 10-9 victory

May 2, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


ALTOONA - The Altoona Curve snapped a six-game losing streak in dramatic, come-from-behind fashion, scoring three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to grab a 10-9 victory over the Erie SeaWolves Friday night at Blair County Ballpark.

In a game that featured seven different lead changes, it was Brad Corley's RBI double that scored Jonel Pacheco with the go-ahead run to put Altoona up 9-8. Altoona would grab and insurance run in the frame by way of a Luis Cruz RBI single.

The Curve (11-16) recorded season highs in runs and hits (17) in the victory. The top four hitters in the Curve batting order finished a combined 10-for-17 with seven RBI. Corley and Pacheco both finished the evening 3-for-5. Corley knocked in three runs while Pacheco plated a pair. However, it was six-hole hitter Cruz that has the best night among Curve hitters, with a 4-for-5 night.

Altoona pitchers also made their mark against Erie hitters, striking out 15 SeaWolves on Friday. The 15 strikeouts tie a franchise record, which was last accomplished on August 12, 2004. Starter Jimmy Barthmaier punched out a season-high seven Erie batters over 5 1/3 innings, while in his 2008 debut, Josh Shortslef struck out six over a three inning span. Kevin Roberts (1-0) recorded a pair of strikeouts over two innings.

With the Curve holding a 7-5 lead entering the eighth inning, Roberts allowed a three-run home run to Kody Kirkland to give Erie an 8-7 lead. But the Curve stormed back to answer in their turn at bat, as they tallied three runs to retake the lead.

Roberts allowed a run in the top of the ninth but with the tying run on base, induced a fly out to center off the bat of Max Leon to seal the victory for the Curve.

The Curve will return to action Saturday at 5:05 p.m. for game one of a double-header. Lefty Brian Holliday (NR), recently called up from Lynchburg (A) will go for Altoona in the first game of a twin bill against Erie right-hander Matt Righter (0-0, 7.88). In game two, righty Yoslan Herrera (1-3, 3.96) will toe the rubber for the Curve, while the SeaWolves will counter with southpaw Luke French (1-2, 4.94).

Saturday, one lucky fan will win a trip to Myrtle Beach, courtesy of the Myrtle Beach CVB. Fans will also enjoy a spectacular post-game fireworks display.

Former Curve players B.J. Barns and Aaron France will be on hand at the ballpark to meet with fans and sign autographs as the Curve salute the 2001 squad.

Great seats for Saturday and the rest of the homestand are still available and can be obtained by calling 877-99-CURVE, by logging on to AltoonaCurve.com or in person at the Blair County Ballpark box office.

Check out the Altoona Curve Statistics



Eastern League Stories from May 2, 2008


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