EL1 Altoona Curve

Curve Take Series Finale Against The Flying Squirrels 7-2

Published on May 8, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


RICHMOND, Va. - The Altoona Curve got seven strong innings from starter Jared Hughes, combined with superb defensive and hitting that included six doubles as they defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels in the final game of a three-game series in Richmond on Sunday by the score of 7-2.

For the third straight game, the Flying Squirrels get on the board first as, in the second inning, Juan Perez walked to lead off the inning off and Johnny Monell made it a 1-0 game with a two-out single to left.

The Curve tied the ballgame up in the second inning off Richmond starter Justin Fitzgerald as Brock Holt led the inning off with a single, followed by a single by Starling Marte. With runners at the corners and no-one down, Quincy Latimore hit a fly ball to center, which was deep enough to score Holt and square the game at one.

The Curve took the lead in the fifth inning as Eric Fryer led the inning off with a base-hit bunt, followed by a smash double off the wall in center by Miles Durham to set up second and third with no one down. The Flying Squirrels elected to walk Brad Chalk to set up a double play, and that's what they got, as Hughes grounded into one, scoring was Fryer on the play to take a 2-1 lead.

The Curve added to their advantage in the sixth inning as Marte led the inning off with a bloop single before Latimore and Jordy Mercer hit back to back doubles. With two down, Durham hit his second ball off the wall for his second double of the game and the third of the inning as Fitzgerald was chased from the ballgame and the lead went to 5-1. David Quinowski came on to relieve Fitzgerald, and he allowed the fourth double of the inning to Chalk, scoring Durham, pushing the lead to 6-1.

All told, Fitzgerald (2-2) went five innings and allowed nine hits and six earned runs in the loss.

After the Flying Squirrels scored a run in the seventh, the Curve finished their scoring on the day in the eighth with an RBI single from Chalk, his second RBI on the afternoon, as Fryer scored for the third time to make it 7-2.

Hughes pitched his best game of the season as he kept his pitch count low, and he also benefitted from a few spectacular defensive plays. All told, he pitched a season-high 7-innings and earned his first win of the year. Hughes allowed four hits and two runs while only hurling 75 pitches.

Michael Dubee was the lone relief pitcher needed on the afternoon as he pitched the final two innings in scoreless fashion for Altoona.

With the win, the Curve are back to an even .500 this season and take one game of the three-game series, avoiding a sweep at the hands of the Flying Squirrels (14-16). The Curve hit a season-high six-doubles in the game.

The Curve (14-14) will now travel to Harrisburg for a three-game series before returning home as RHP Mike Colla (1-1, 4.00) will make the start for Altoona and he will be opposed by RHP Erik Arnesen (1-0, 3.00). Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Metro Bank Park in Harrisburg, Pa. with pregame coverage on ESPN Radio 1430, WVAM and the Curve Radio Network will begin at 6:30 p.m.

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Eastern League Stories from May 8, 2011


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