Tabata's big hit wins it for Altoona in 11th
August 30, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA - Jose Tabata delivered a walk off, game-winning single in the bottom of the 11th inning to push the Altoona Curve past the Reading Phillies, 5-4, on Saturday night at Blair County Ballpark.
With the score tied 4-4 in the 11th, James Boone doubled off reliever J.D. Durbin to lead off the frame, which set up Altoona's rally. Boone would advance to third base on a wild pitch. After Melvin Dorta walked, Tabata ripped a ball inside the third base bag for the win.
For the victory, Altoona (63-77) had to come back twice in the game. Reading (53-87) grabbed a 3-0 lead off starter Yoslan Herrera in the top of the fifth. In the bottom of the stanza, the Curve answered with a trio of runs to knot the score, 3-3.
Altoona would tally another in the seventh to take a 4-3 lead. Jonel Pacheco knocked in Jamie Romak to put Altoona in front. With that RBI single, Pacheco reached base for the tenth consecutive time, dating back to Thursday's game at Akron. That streak is a new franchise record, topping Dorta's record of reaching base in eight straight contests earlier this season.
Reading would tie the game, 4-4 in the top of the eighth off reliever Dave Davidson.
Moises Robles (1-1) pitched a scoreless 11th inning to earn the victory.
The Curve will take on the R-Phils in the third game of the series on Sunday night at 6:05 p.m. Righty Dan Reichert (2-4, 5.08) will take the stump for the Curve, while Reading will send left-hander Antonio Bastardo (2-4, 3.48) to oppose.
Fans at the ballpark on Sunday will enjoy the final post-game fireworks show of the season, courtesy of Ponderosa Steakhouse. Also, fans will have the opportunity to play catch on the field prior to the game. After the fireworks show, kids can run the bases, courtesy of Thomas Chevrolet of Bedford.
Great seats for the final two Curve games of the season are still available. To obtain tickets, call 877-99-CURVE, log on to AltoonaCurve.com or stop by Blair County Ballpark ticket windows.
Fans can also lock up their favorite seats for the 2009 season. Curve season tickets for the '09 campaign are on sale now.
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