EL1 Altoona Curve

Wild ninth inning comeback falls short as Curve drop playoff opener

Published on September 6, 2006 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


AKRON, OH - The Curve scored seven runs in the top of the ninth inning and put the potential game-tying run on base, but fell short in a 12-10 loss to the Akron Aeros in Game One of the Eastern League Southern Division Playoff Series Wednesday night at Canal Park in Akron. The Aeros, who won the Southern Division regular season title, lead the best-of-five first round series, 1-0.

Trailing 12-3 entering the final frame, Altoona began a frenetic comeback, scoring seven times against relievers Matt Davis and Reid Santos before newcomer Pedro Powell reached base on a walk to represent the tying run. However, the third Akron pitcher of the inning, closer Jim Ed Warden, got Brandon Chaves to pop out to short for the final out of the contest. Overall, the Curve sent 12 men to the plate in the inning, including Neil Walker, who recorded a leadoff triple and a two-run double in the frame.

Throughout the game, Akron built a healthy lead for Eastern League Pitcher of the Year Adam Miller, who went seven innings and allowed three runs on seven hits to earn the win. Miller, who is considered the Indians' top minor league pitching prospect, won 15 games during the regular season, including three victories in seven starts against the Curve.

The Aeros erased an early 1-0 Curve lead by scoring all 12 of their runs between the second and sixth frames. Altoona starter Jason Roach was charged with four of those runs in his 3 1/3 innings of work to suffer the loss. Roach also lost each of his last five regular season starts, posting a 7.27 ERA during that span.

Akron broke the game open in the fifth inning, scoring five runs against reliever Matt Peterson, including a pair on a two-run homer by shortstop Ivan Ochoa. Ryan Mulhern's two-run homer off Mike Connolly in the sixth capped a three-run frame and ended the Aeros' scoring for the night.

The Curve pounded out 14 hits in the loss, including a three-hit effort by shortstop Brian Bixler. Walker, who knocked in the Curve's first run of the night, finished 2-for-5 with three RBI. For Akron, all nine starters posted at least one hit, led by third baseman Pat Osborn, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk.

The two clubs will square off again Thursday night at 7:05 PM in Game Two of the series at Canal Park. Altoona will send left-hander Josh Shortslef (6-2, 4.45) to the mound against Akron southpaw Aaron Laffey (8-3, 3.53). Blair County Ballpark will host Game Three of the best-of-five series on Friday night at 7:05 PM. Great seats remain and can be purchased by calling the Curve Ticket Office toll-free at (877) 99-CURVE or by visiting www.altoonacurve.com.

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Eastern League Stories from September 6, 2006


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