Curve Win Season Finale on Labor Day, 8-2
September 1, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA - The Altoona Curve capped off their tenth anniversary season with an 8-2 win over the Reading Phillies on Monday afternoon at Blair County Ballpark.
A Labor Day crowd of 6,033 lined up at the gates early to see the Curve wearing their 1920's style throwback uniforms emerge from makeshift corn stalks in the BCB outfield before the game on Field of Dreams day. Curve players emerged just as the characters of the classic baseball film did, only to walk up into the stands, mingle of fans to personally express their appreciation for their undying support throughout the season.
On the field, Altoona (65-77) broke a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the fourth inning off of Reading starter J.D. Durbin (5-7). RBI singles in the frame by Steve Lerud, Derek Hankins and Melvin Dorta combined with a crucial Reading error allowed for a four-run attack to put the Curve ahead, 6-2.
Altoona would tack on a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Shelby Ford's RBI double plated the Curve's seventh run, while another R-Phils error allowed Ford to score later in the frame to put Altoona in front, 8-2. Ford finished the afternoon 3-for-4.
On the mound, Hankins (2-11) notched his second win of the season and his first since June 10. Hankins permitted just a pair of runs on five hits over seven solid innings to secure the victory. Chris Castorri and Josh Shortslef each contributed with a scoreless inning to close out the season finale.
After a turbulent start to the 2008 campaign, the Curve proceeded to post a 49-46 record after May 26.
The Curve 2009 home opener is April 16 versus the Erie SeaWolves. Fans can reserve their season tickets at any time by calling a Curve ticket representative at 877-99-CURVE, by logging on to AltoonaCurve.com, or stopping by Blair County Ballpark in person.
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