Musgrave Wins First as Rock Cats Beat Altoona, 6-1

Published on August 4, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - Will Swanner's two-run home run off the scoreboard in left center in the second inning staked the Rock Cats to a lead they would never relinquish, as they defeated the Altoona Curve, 6-1, Tuesday night. It was also the first win at the Double-A level for LHP Harrison Musgrave, who hurled five innings and struck four in front of 4,244 fans at New Britain Stadium.

"He's starting to get sharper and sharper," said Rock Cats manager Darin Everson of Musgrave's performance. "He was at his pitch limit, so we took him out of the game." Musgrave, who was 10-1 at Single-A Modesto, threw 91 pitches.

Zach Osborne singled in a run and also tripled to highlight New Britain's nine-hit attack. Pat Valaika added two hits for the Rock Cats, who won for the sixth time in 10 games.

New Britain made some stellar defensive plays against the Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate, which entered the game leading the Eastern League in hitting with a .276 average and was second in the league in runs scored with 464. Second baseman Juan Ciriaco's running catch helped the Rock Cats escape a first-and-second situation in the fifth inning and Valaika started an around-the-horn double play to help the 'Cats escape a bases loaded jam in the seventh inning.

The Rock Cats continue the homestand on Wednesday night and will play the middle of a three game series against the Altoona Curve at New Britain Stadium at 7:05 PM. The Rock Cats will send 11-game winner Shane Carle to the mound against the Pirates affiliate.

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