Sports stats



EL1 Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Right Mike Crotta Shines in Finale as Curve Win 3-0 Over B-Mets

September 7, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Binghamton Rumble Ponies News Release


BINGHAMTON, NY - In his record-tying 27th start of the 2009 season, Mike Crotta turned in one of his best outings of the year tossing seven shutout innings as Altoona was able to get by the Binghamton Mets (AA - New York Mets) 3-0 on Monday afternoon at NYSEG Stadium in the final game of the 2009 campaign.

Crotta became the first Altoona pitcher in six years and only the fifth in franchise history to start 27 games in a single season, tying a franchise record also held by Sean Burnett, Landon Jacobson (2003), John Grabow (2002) and Brian O'Connor (1999).

The Pirates' 17th round selection in June 2006 out of Florida Atlantic University allowed just six hits over the seven scoreless frames striking out five batters.

After Binghamton (54-86) starter Eric Neisen retired 14 consecutive batters, the Curve were able to get to the Mets' 2007 third round draft choice in the top of the sixth inning. A sacrifice fly by Jonel Pacheco and an RBI single by Jason Delaney brought home a pair of runs that gave Altoona (62-80) all the offense they needed.

Altoona would tack on an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning with a Ray Chang sacrifice fly that brought home Pacheco to extend their lead to 3-0.

Right-hander Jared Hughes would come on for Altoona in toss scoreless frames in the eighth and ninth to earn his third save of the season.

The Altoona Curve in conjunction with the Eastern League plan to announce the 2010 schedule in the coming weeks. Fans are urged to log on to AltoonaCurve.com throughout the course of the offseason for more information regarding the team, 2010 schedule and their ongoing plans to continue their Curve Family Values initiative established this season.

2010 season tickets are now on sale and fans can reserve the best seats at affordable rates that will remain the same as they did in 2009. Fans can enjoy Early Bird Savings and save as much as $40 per seat on season tickets if they lock up season tickets before November 1. For more information on renewing or obtaining season tickets fans can call 877-99-CURVE during normal business hours or stop by in person at the Blair County Ballpark front office.

NOTES: - Jonel Pacheco (12 games) and Brian Friday (6 games) each extended their hitting streaks

- The 12-game streak by Pacheco is the second-longest by a Curve player this year. Miles Durham enjoyed a 14-game streak.

- Gorkys Hernandez finished the afternoon 2-for-4 and finished the season recording hits in 17 of his final 19 games in which he played.

- The 62-80 (.437) record is the worst for Altoona in franchise history since the Eastern League franchise was established in 1999. The previous mark was 65-77 (.458) last year.

Check out the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Statistics



Eastern League Stories from September 7, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central