Herrera, Curve motor past Fisher Cats, 5-2
August 23, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA - Yoslan Herrera dazzled and everyone in the Curve starting lineup recorded a hit in Altoona's 5-2 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Saturday night at Blair County Ballpark.
In front of 6,638 energized fans, Altoona (61-73) drew even in the second game of a three-game series thanks to Herrera's strong performance over 6 2/3 innings of work. Herrera (6-9) allowed just three hits and struck out three batters to earn the victory.
Altoona exploded early in the contest against Fisher Cats starter Jean Machi (2-6). Machi just lasted two innings as the Curve touched up the right-hander for seven hits over that time.
The Curve grabbed a 1-0 edge in the first inning thanks to an RBI single from Jamie Romak.
Altoona would then plate two more in the second inning. James Boone's solo home run was his ninth long ball of the season and it extended the Curve advantage to 2-0. Later in the inning, Jose Tabata, who finished the night 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to eight games knocked home Jason Bowers with an RBI single to put the Curve up, 3-0.
In the third, Angel Gonzalez grounded into a fielder's choice, and on the play Brad Corley came across the plate to put Altoona in front, 4-0.
The only turbulence Herrera experienced was in the top of the fourth inning. After Herrera retired the first ten batters he faced to start the game, Eric Nielsen singled with one out. The very next batter, Brian Dopirak hit a two-run home run to right-center field to cut the Curve lead in half, 4-2.
Herrera settled and pitched through the sixth and into the seventh inning before he was relieved by Juan Mateo.
In the bottom of the seventh, Romak, who finished the night 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI's, smashed a solo home run, his seventh in a Curve uniform to give Altoona an insurance run and put the Curve ahead, 5-2. Romak has now collected 14 RBI's in his last eight games.
Mateo allowed just one hit over 2 1/3 scoreless innings and struck out four batters to notch his fourth save of the season.
The Curve will return to action on Sunday night at 6:05 p.m. against the Fisher Cats in the rubber match of the three-game set.
Altoona will send right-hander Dan Reichert (2-3, 4.81) to the hill against New Hampshire righty Brad Mills (2-2, 1.40).
The first 1,000 fans 14 and under will take home a Curve soccer ball. Also, all fans can enjoy a post-game fireworks show after the final game of the Curve's six-game homestand. All kids can also run the bases following the game, courtesy of Thomas Chevrolet of Bedford.
Prior to Sunday's game, the Curve will hold a Youth Soccer Clinic conducted by area college coaches. Registration for the clinic begins at 9:00 a.m. and is free with the purchase of a ticket to Sunday's game.
Great seats for Sunday's game and the remaining five Curve home games this year are still available and can be obtained by calling 877-99-CURVE, online at AltoonaCurve.com or in person at the Blair County Ballpark box office.
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