Rock Cats Lose Finale But Have Winning Homestand

Published on August 6, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT- Starting pitcher Matt Benedict threw seven scoreless innings and Altoona unleashed an 11-hit attack to shutout the Rock Cats, 5-0, at New Britain Stadium Thursday afternoon. The Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate salvaged the finale of the three-game series. The Rock Cats finished with a winning homestand at 4-3.

Benedict (5-5) handcuffed the Rock Cats on five hits, three of them by Pat Valaika, in beating New Britain for the second time this season.

"Their guy (Benedict) pitched well and kept us off balance. Kudos to him," said Rock Cats manager Darin Everson.

Altoona, which leads the Eastern League in hitting with a .274 average, was paced by Barrett Barnes who had a home run among his three hits. Adam Frazier added two doubles and an RBI.

The Curve scored the only run they needed in the second inning against New Britain starter Matt Flemer, on a sacrifice fly by Jonathan Schwind. Flemer (6-8) turned in another quality start, allowing three runs on nine hits over seven innings.

"He threw well. There were a couple of two-strike counts the ball got up a little bit. Balls got hit, and then the home run were just pitches that got up, but he competed well all day," said Everson.

The Rock Cats journey to Reading, PA for a weekend three-game series, beginning Friday night at 7:05. The club returns to New Britain Stadium next Tuesday, August 11th to host the Yankees affiliate, the Trenton Thunder.

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