Erie outlasts Altoona in opener, 8-7
Published on April 8, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA, Pa - In a game that featured seven combined errors, and four lead changes, the Erie SeaWolves (AA - Tigers) go the last shot and topped the Altoona Curve, 8-7 on the opening night of the 2009 season at Jerry Uht Park.
Altoona's Lincoln Holdzkom (0-1) suffered the loss after he tried to overcome two errors in the bottom of the seventh inning by his infielders. With Altoona leading 7-5 at the time, Holdzkom allowed a three-run home run to Ryan Strieby - his second long ball of the game - to give Erie (1-0) the edge.
Hidden in the loss was a stellar debut of Curve leadoff hitter and shortstop Brian Friday, who in his first Double-A game, turned in a 3-for-5 performance with a pair of runs scored.
Jim Negrych, who finished fifth in all of Minor League Baseball with a .359 batting average picked up where he left off the '08 stanza as Altoona's second baseman turned in a 4-for-5 night with three runs scored and an RBI.
LHP Tony Watson also made his Double-A debut for the Curve (0-1). Watson received a no-decision after he tossed 3.2 innings and permitting five runs on three hits.
The Curve return to action Thursday at 6:35 p.m. against the SeaWolves in the second game of the series. RHP Brad Lincoln (NR) will make his Double-A debut for Altoona. The Pirates' 2006 first round pick will be opposed by Erie left-hander Jon Kibler (NR).
Fans can listen to the game broadcast on flagship station ESPN Radio 1430-WVAM and the Curve Radio Network beginning with the Marzoni's In the Zone pre-game show, which starts at 6:20 p.m.
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