Herrera dazzles again for Curve
Published on July 2, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA- Yoslan Herrera continued his recent string of quality starts, limiting the Binghamton Mets to just one unearned run over seven innings, to lead the Altoona Curve to a 3-1 win in the third game of a four-game series Wednesday evening at Blair County Ballpark.
Herrera, who was making his first start for Altoona since winning his Triple-A debut with seven strong innings for Indianapolis last Friday, shook off a first-inning unearned run and held Binghamton off the board over his final six frames. Overall, the 27-year old native of Cuba gave up only four hits, walked two and struck out four.
By not allowing an earned run in his start Wednesday, Herrera (5-7) lowered his ERA over his last five Curve outings to 0.81 (33.1 IP/3 ER) and his overall season ERA to 2.81, which is best among Altoona pitchers.
The Curve (36-47) mustered just enough offense to win their first game of the series against the B-Mets. Altoona's bats were led by shortstop Luis Cruz, who went a perfect 3-for-3 in the contest, including a double, home run and two RBI's. Also starring offensively was catcher Steve Lerud, who went 2-for-4 and plated a run in the contest.
Cruz tied the game at 1-1 against Binghamton starter Jonathon Niese in the bottom of the second with a solo homer to left field -- his fourth blast of the season. Niese (5-6) pitched well, but was handed the loss. The B-Mets' left-hander allowed only two runs and six hits over six innings.
Altoona grabbed the lead for good in the fourth, when Lerud singled home Jason Delaney to give the Curve a 2-1 advantage. Cruz provided the Curve with a big insurance run in the bottom of the eighth, when he knocked in Brad Corley with a single to make the score 3-1.
Josh Shortslef tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings between the eighth and ninth before giving way to Christian Castorri, who stranded the potential tying run on base to end the game and record his second save in as many Curve wins.
Altoona won just its second game in seven tries against the B-Mets (47-37). Last week at NYSEG Stadium in Binghamton, the Mets won three of four against the Curve.
The two clubs will wrap up their four-game series Thursday evening at 7:05 p.m. at Blair County Ballpark. The Curve will send right-hander Josh Hill (4-9, 4.71) to the mound against Binghamton righty Salvador Aguilar (9-1, 2.82), who will be seeking his league-leading 10th victory. Ballpark gates will open at 6 p.m. and fans can enjoy drink specials from 6-8 as part of the Curve's "Thirsty Thursday" promotion. Following the game, fans can enjoy Fireworks courtesy of the PA Lottery.
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