Curve sunk in second-half opener, fall to SeaWolves, 5-2
Published on July 13, 2006 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA - The Altoona Curve dropped their second-half opener, 5-2 to the Erie SeaWolves, Thursday night at Blair County Ballpark. Despite a 3-for-4 day by Brandon Chaves (three doubles), the Curve could not keep Erie at bay as they pulled ahead for good with a three-run seventh inning.
Chaves provided the majority of the Altoona offense Thursday night, driving in both Curve runs with a two-out, game-tying double in the sixth inning. The third baseman also had lead-off doubles in the third and fifth innings, but was left stranded on base in both frames. His three doubles tied Brad Eldred's franchise record for most doubles in a game.
The SeaWolves jumped on top early, scoring once in the first inning off of Curve starter Wardell Starling. After Erie's first three batters reached base safely courtesy of a walk and back-to-back singles, left fielder Jackson Melian drove in Vince Blue with a sacrifice fly to center. The SeaWolves would score once more in the fourth after their first three-batters reached base safely once again.
Starling recieved a no-decision after pitching 4 1/3 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits. The right-hander struck out five and walked one.
After Chaves' game-tying double in the sixth, Erie wasted no time retaking the lead. SeaWolves right fielder Brent Clevlen hit a three-run, line drive over the left field fence off of Curve reliever Jorge Vasquez, pushing Erie on top for good. Clevlen was the first batter Vasquez faced after relieving Chris Hernandez. Hernandez got the loss for the Curve, his third of the season.
Jon Connolly picked up the win for Erie after pitching seven solid innings, allowing two Curve runs on eight hits while walking none and striking out two.
The Curve and the SeaWolves will continue their four-game series tomorrow night. Jason Roach (4-2, 1.81), who rejoined the Curve from Indianapolis (AAA) Thursday morning, gets the start for the Curve against Erie right-hander Nate Bumstead (6-6, 3.78).
Eastern League Stories from July 13, 2006
- Curve sunk in second-half opener, fall to SeaWolves, 5-2 - Altoona Curve
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- Fisher Cats fall 6-3 in New Britain in first game after all-star break - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
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- Defenders struggle to pick up where they left off, lose 9-4 - Connecticut Defenders
- Sea Dogs and Pirates to Host Ameriprise Celebrity Softball Challenge - Portland Sea Dogs
- Thunder RHP Hughes added from Temporarily Inactive List - Trenton Thunder
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