Four-Game Win Streak Snapped as Curve Slip against 'Ducks

Published on May 31, 2017 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release

CURVE, Pa. - The Altoona Curve had their four-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday night in 4-2 loss to the Akron RubberDucks at Peoples Natural Gas Field.

After Altoona (28-22) started the game with a quick run, Akron (23-25) pitching sat down 23 of 24 batters from the first through the eighth innings.

Down 1-0, Akron took the lead in the top of the fifth inning when Joe Sever tripled to right field, scoring two runs.

Akron starter Matt Esparza (Win, 1-0) limited Altoona to one run on three hits over eight innings while striking out ten in his Double-A debut. After allowing one run in the first inning, Esparza sat down 19 straight Altoona batters.

In the top of the sixth, Yu Chang added to Akron's lead with a double to left field, scoring two more runs off of Curve starter Tanner Anderson (Loss, 2-6) and opening the lead to 4-1.

The Curve scored in the first inning on an RBI single by Edwin Espinal, bringing in Kevin Kramer. With runners on first and third with one out, Esparza struck out Jordan Luplow and Chase Simpson to end the threat.

Espinal and Luplow hit back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the ninth to trim the lead to two, but Mitch Brown (Save, 3) left the tying run at the plate.

Brown came on in relief for Esparza and pitched the eighth and ninth. In his two innings pitched he allowed one run on two hits and a walk.

Anderson surrendered all four Akron runs. He gave up six hits while striking out eight, a new career high. His seven innings pitched was the most he has worked in a game in his professional career.

Luis Heredia took over for Anderson in the eighth inning and pitched two scoreless frames with three strikeouts and a walk.

Wednesday's game was played in two hours and five minutes, marking the shorting nine-inning game the season for the Curve.

Altoona will conclude the homestand on Thursday with the rubber match against Akron. The Curve will send right-hander J.T. Brubaker (2-2, 3.86) to the mound, while Akron will counter with right-hander Nick Pasquale (3-4, 4.25). First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Peoples Natural Gas Field.

The series wraps up with Thirstday, presented by Q94, with $2 specials on Miller Lite 16 oz. draft beers and regular-size sodas, plus $1 hot dogs. It will also be Ladies' Night, presented by FirstEnergy.

Eastern League Stories from May 31, 2017

• Sea Dogs Drop a Pair in Reading, 6-2 and 4-3 in 13 Innings - Portland Sea Dogs
• Offense Comes Alive in Bowie - Erie SeaWolves
• Four-Run First Costs Baysox in 8-3 Loss - Chesapeake Baysox
• Binghamton Scores Four Runs Late, Thwarting Thunder Comeback - Trenton Thunder
• Ponies' Rumble Tops Trenton's Thunder, 5-3 - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• Yard Goats Game Suspended by Rain - Hartford Yard Goats
• Four-Game Win Streak Snapped as Curve Slip against 'Ducks - Altoona Curve
• Sever and Chang triples back Esparza, Ducks win 4-2 - Akron RubberDucks
• Roster Moves: RHP J.P. Feyereisen Heads to Triple-A SWB - Trenton Thunder
• Erie SeaWolves vs. Bowie Baysox - Game Notes - Erie SeaWolves
• Altoona Curve Game Information: May 31, 2017 - Altoona Curve
• Bowie Baysox, Autism FYI and One World Center for Autism Celebrates Autism Awareness Month - Chesapeake Baysox
• Jacoby Brissett Scheduled to Make Hadlock Field Appearance on June - Portland Sea Dogs
• French Makes Toast of Squirrels as Goats Win 12-2 - Hartford Yard Goats

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