EL1 Altoona Curve

Curve Suffer Worst Defeat of the Season, Fall to Akron 16-6

Published on May 18, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


AKRON, Ohio - Altoona allowed a season-high 16 runs on 16 hits as the Aeros handed the Curve their worst defeat of the season, 16-6. Kyle Bellows finished the game 2-for-4 with six RBI in the win for Akron.

The Curve actually scored first in the game off starter Kelvin de la Cruz, touching home plate four times in the first inning as eight men came to the plate. Brock Holt scored the first run of the game on a passed ball by catcher Chun Chen with Jordy Mercer at the plate. Mercer then cleared the bases with a two-RBI double that scored Starling Marte and Quincy Latimore. Miles Durham singled back through the middle with two down to bring Mercer home and Altoona led, 4-0, after half an inning.

After Akron scored a run in the bottom half of the first, Altoona responded with a run of its own in the second to reclaim the four-run advantage. Starter Jeff Locke (2-4) would work his best inning in the third as he set down the Aeros in order and things seemed to be turning Altoona's way.

Bellows belted a three-run homer in the fourth off Locke to pull Akron within one heading towards the fifth. The Aeros then went on to score four runs in each of the next three innings (fifth, sixth and seventh) to open up their lead. Altoona got its final run of the game in the sixth when Holt brought home Durham with an RBI groundout.

All told, Locke allowed a season-high eight runs on seven hits while walking six and striking out five. Bryan Morris came in for an inning of relief after being activated off the disabled list on Tuesday. Morris pitched the sixth and allowed four runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out one. It was his first outing since his start on April 18th vs. Harrisburg.

Mercer, Marte and Durham all had two hits apiece in the loss. Jose Hernandez, who was the designated hitter in the game, came on in the eighth and struck out the side in his first career appearance from the mound.

Altoona (18-18) and Akron (19-19) will play the final two games of this road series at Canal Park beginning at 10:35 a.m. on Thursday morning. LHP Aaron Thompson (2-3, 3.32) will start for Altoona in the first seven-inning game while RHP Joe Gardner (2-2, 3.05) tosses for the Aeros. RHP Jared Hughes (2-1, 3.79) and RHP Marty Popham (0-0, 11.05) will match up against one another in the second game.

Airtime on ESPN Radio 1430, WVAM and the Curve Radio Network is scheduled for 10:05 a.m.

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Eastern League Stories from May 18, 2011


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