Curve rewrite record books in doubleheader sweep of SeaWolves

Curve set single-game hits record, tie mark for runs scored in first game and follow by overcoming six-run deficit in final inning for walk-off win in nightcap

By Andrew Smithmyer / Trey Wilson

July 22, 2015

Game One
Win: Tyler Glasnow (5-2)
Loss: Austin Kubitza (5-9)
Save: --
TOG: 2:32
Box Score

Game Two
Win: Jhondaniel Medina (2-3)
Loss: Melvin Mercedes (0-1)
Save: --
TOG: 2:43
Attendance: 3,562
Box Score

CURVE, Pa. - The Altoona Curve swept a doubleheader against the Erie SeaWolves in a memorable, historic night on Tuesday at Peoples Natural Gas Field, 18-7 and 8-7. The Curve matched and broke several franchise records in the first game of the night, and followed it in game two by overcoming a six-run deficit in the seventh for a walk-off win, sealed by a two-run double from Andy Vasquez.

The Curve (52-45) moved into a tie for first place in the Eastern League's Western Division with the wins over the SeaWolves (37-58), meeting the Bowie Baysox at the top of the standings.

Game One

In the first game of the night, Altoona set a new record for the most hits in a single game in franchise history with 24 and tied the mark for the most runs in a game with 18. Jose Osuna set a new franchise record by scoring five runs.

All nine offensive starters had at least two hits for the Curve, led by four-hit games from Osuna and Dan Gamache. Stetson Allie tied a career-best mark with five RBI, including a grand slam for his 14^th homer of the year. Adam Frazier drove in three runs.

Alongside the big offensive night, top Pirates' prospect Tyler Glansow (Win, 5-2) struck out a season-best ten hitters in his six innings, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks.

After falling behind 1-0 in the first, the Curve scored four runs in the second inning, including a two-run single by Frazier. A four-run third inning stretched the lead to eight, and Allie's grand slam capped a six-run fifth inning to put Altoona ahead, 15-3.

Remarkably, the Curve compiled all 18 runs and 24 hits over a five-inning span.

Altoona chased Erie starter Austin Kubitza (Loss, 5-9) in the third inning after giving up eight runs on ten hits.

Game Two

In game two of the night, the Curve entered the seventh and final inning trailing the SeaWolves, 7-1, but rallied for a walk-off, 8-7 win on a game-winning double by Vasquez.

With two outs and two runners on, Vasquez drove the game-ending hit to left-center field, just out of reach of a diving attempt by Erie's Connor Harrell.

The Curve started the rally with a two-run triple by Edward Salcedo, who initially put the Curve on the board with an RBI double in the third inning.

The next batter, Josh Bell, drove him in with a single. Two batters later, Dan Gamache hit an RBI single to close the gap to 7-5. After a walk to Allie, Jacob Stallings brought the Curve within a run on a sacrifice fly. Vasquez followed with the double to score Allie and Gamache against Erie reliever Melvin Mercedes (Loss, 0-1).

Curve reliever Jhondaniel Medina (Win, 2-3) stranded the bases loaded in the top of the seventh after the SeaWolves poured on five runs against Brett McKinney.

Erie took a 2-1 lead with a two-run homer by Mevin Gonzalez in the sixth.

The seven runs scored in the seventh inning was the most in a single frame by the Curve this year.

The Curve and the SeaWolves conclude the four-game series on Wednesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Right-hander Chad Kuhl (7-4, 2.73) will get the nod for Altoona. Righty Derek Hankies (4-6, 4.86) gets the call for Erie.

It will be Wing and Wine Wednesday, featuring .50-cent wings and wine specials on the concourse during the game. It also will be 4-Pack Wednesday, and fans can get four tickets, four hot dogs and four regular sodas beginning at $39.

Airtime on ESPN Radio 1430, WVAM and the Curve Radio Network is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office.

-CURVE-