Curve score two in eighth in comeback win over Thunder

CURVE, Pa. -- The Altoona Curve rallied for two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and earned a 6-5 comeback win over the Trenton Thunder in the finale of a three-game series on Wednesday at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
The Curve (50-42, 15-10) left the bases loaded in the seventh inning trailing 5-4 and entered the eighth inning still down by one run. Thunder (50-42, 12-15) reliever James Reeves (Loss, 3-2) came back out for the eighth after 2.2 scoreless innings of work and immediately ran into trouble. Jared Oliva led off the frame with a triple to left-center followed by a game-tying, RBI single to left from Logan Hill . Three batters later, Jerrick Suiter plated the go-ahead run with an RBI, fielder's choice grounder off Brooks Kriske, but the run was charged to Reeves, and the Curve gained a 6-5 lead.

Matt Eckelman (Save, 18) worked around a two-out walk and stranded the tying run at second base to preserve the one-run lead in a scoreless ninth inning. Eckleman is now tied for second on the Curve's all-time saves list with 29. Angel German (Win, 3-3), who took over with the Curve trailing 5-4 in the eighth, retired the Thunder in order in his only inning of work.
The Curve scored four of their six runs in the first three innings, with Hill and Oliva responsible for most of the damage. Hill went 2-for-3 with his second four-RBI game of the season; he drove in two runs with a two-out double in the third and also delivered a sacrifice fly in the first. Oliva went 2-for-3 with two triples, a walk and scored three runs. Robbie Glendinning added a game-high three hits and went 3-for-4.
Tweet from @AltoonaCurve: Make it a 4���-RBI night for @HillSan33!This game is all tied up at 5-5#FullSteamAhead 🚂 | 🎧 https://t.co/Pg57vU3n1I pic.twitter.com/smXWk8GK2l
Brandon Waddell started for the Curve and allowed five runs on eight hits and three walks in 5.1 innings. He surrendered just one run over his first five innings before the Thunder tacked on two in the sixth to chase him from the game. Jesus Liranzo inherited two runners and gave up a two-run single to Matt Lipka that gave the Thunder a 5-4 lead. Waddell struck a season-high eight batters in the no-decision.
Thunder starter Adonis Rosa gave up four runs on three hits with five strikeouts and three walks in 4.1 innings. He struck out the final four batters he faced but left the game with the Curve ahead, 4-0.
The Curve head to Bowie on Thursday to start a four-game series with the Baysox at 7:05 p.m. Altoona will go with right-hander Cody Bolton (0-1, 7.53) while Bowie will counter with right-hander Dean Kremer (5-4, 3.76).
The Curve return home to PNG Field on Monday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. against the Erie SeaWolves. Monday's game is the start of an eight-day, seven-game homestand and gates will open for fans at 5:30 p.m. Monday is Mother-Son Night at the ballpark, featuring two diamond club tickets, two Dilly Bars and pregame catch on the field for $20, presented by Dairy Queen. It's also Mitsubishi Monday as fans can pick up FREE grandstand tickets at Five Star Mitsubishi for Monday's game, presented by Five Star Mitsubishi of Altoona.
For tickets or more information, 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. on non-gamedays and online 24/7/365.
 
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