Torkelson's Homer Sinks Curve
June 18, 2021 - Eastern League (EL)
Altoona Curve News Release
ERIE, PA - Erie's Spencer Torkelson swatted a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to snag a 4-2 win for the SeaWolves over the Curve on Friday night at UPMC Park. The series stands even at two games apiece as Erie and Altoona played a game decided by two runs or less for ninth time in ten matchups this season.
Altoona struck first with three hits and a run in the top of the first inning. After Oneil Cruz singled and Canaan Smith-Njigba bunted his way aboard, Erie's starter Jesus Rodriguez came back to get two outs; but Brendt Citta grounded a base hit through the left side of the infield to take a 1-0 Curve lead.
Erie drew even on a sacrifice fly from Ryan Kreidler in the third inning, but Curve starter Trey McGough kept firing strikes and using a low-90's fastball, solid slider and curveball to keep the SeaWolves off-balance.
After Altoona took a 2-1 lead on a solo home run from Jonah Davis in the fifth, Erie drew even with a sacrifice fly from Dillon Dingler in the sixth inning. McGough was lifted after allowing the sac fly, finishing his longest start of the campaign, 5.2 innings. He struck out five and allowed two runs on six hits and no walks. He threw just 76 pitches, 57 strikes in his outing.
The Curve managed eight hits in the defeat, led by Cruz and Smith-Njigba who each had two. Cruz extended his on-base streak to 20 straight games with his singled to lead off the game, he added an infield single in the eighth to cap off a 2-for-4 evening at the plate. During the streak, he's batting .354 with a .400 on-base percentage, with 22 runs scored, four doubles, two triples, six home runs and 17 runs batted in.
The Curve continue their six-game set with the Erie SeaWolves at UPMC Park on Saturday night. RHP Osvaldo Bido (2-0, 2.30) will start for Altoona with the SeaWolves sending RHP Chance Kirby (AA Debut) to the mound.
For tickets or more information about Curve Baseball, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office. Additionally, the Stockyard Team Store is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., during every home game and online 24/7/365.
Eastern League Stories from June 18, 2021
- Rolette, Pérez Lift RubberDucks Past Baysox, 5-1 in 12 Innings - Akron RubberDucks
- Squirrels Losing Skid Moves to Five with 8-1 Loss - Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Baysox Battle Akron But Fall Short In Extras 5-1 - Chesapeake Baysox
- Torkelson's Homer Sinks Curve - Altoona Curve
- De La Cruz Terrific, But Ponies Come up Short against Sea Dogs - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Bello Fans 10 Batters in Sea Dogs Fourth-Straight Win - Portland Sea Dogs
- Voit Powers Patriots to Big Win - Somerset Patriots
- Senators Pitch Well, Can't Score in 2-0 Loss - Harrisburg Senators
- Torkelson Blast Lifts Erie over Altoona - Erie SeaWolves
- Three-Run Rally in Eighth Inning Leads NH to 3-1 Win - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Yard Goats Three Game Win Streak Snapped - Hartford Yard Goats
- Erie SeaWolves vs. Altoona Curve - Game Information - Erie SeaWolves
- June 18, 2021 Sea Dogs Game Notes - Portland Sea Dogs
- Cross Timbers Roofing Partners with Squirrels to Present Field of Dreams - Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Martin Blasts Two Homers in 8-7 Win at Erie - Altoona Curve
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.
