Hyatt Shows Grit, but R-Phils Lose, 7-1

(Reading, Pa.)-Through seven innings, it looked as if Thursday's game between the Reading Phillies and Altoona Curve was going to be a low-scoring affair. That was until the top of the eighth inning where the Curve rattled R-Phils reliever Colby Shreve for six runs as Reading (31-25) was felled by Altoona (28-30), 7-1.

The game was even at one run through seven innings after the Curve tagged Reading starter Austin Hyatt for a run in the first inning on a Quincy Latimore RBI single. The R-Phils returned the favor in the bottom of the second inning when right fielder Brandon Tripp hit an opposite-field home run to left field. Tripp finished the game by going 2-for-3 with the home run.

In the eighth inning, though, the Curve took control of the ballgame as they hit Reading reliever Colby Shreve for six runs, five of which were earned. After two Altoona runners reached base to start the inning, Shreve intentionally walked Miles Durham in hopes of recording the double play. Jeremy Farrell singled home Jarek Cunningham as the Curve took a one-run lead. With two outs in the inning, Elevys Gonzalez ripped a single towards first baseman Darin Ruf that saw two runs come across the plate. 

Jordan Whatcott entered the game to relieve Shreve, who had loaded the bases after the Gonzalez single. Brock Holt was the first batter Whatcott faced, and the Curve shortstop left his mark on the game as he hit a line drive single to right field that scored Anthony Norman. Leandro Castro made a throwing error on the play and two more runs crossed the plate as a result. Overall, Altoona scored six runs in the eighth inning that were all credited to Shreve.

Reading starter Austin Hyatt struck out seven batters and held Curve hitters to just one run over his six innings pitched. Hyatt worked out a few jams during his second Double-A start of the season. He also walked three and allowed five hits. 

Cesar Hernandez extended his hitting streak to 11 games by going 2-for-4 with a double. Leandro Castro also went 2-for-4 and recorded his fourth multi-hit game in the past ten games.

Reading opens up a three-game series against the Harrisburg Senators on Friday when RHP Trevor May (5-3/4.94 ERA) against Harrisburg RHP Kevin Pucetas (3-1/1.50 ERA). Tune into 1340 WRAW-AM on the radio dial or online at 1340WRAW.com starting at 6:05 p.m. for the pre-game show and game broadcast with the voice of the Reading Phillies, Brian Seltzer.

Friday's game features a post-game fireworks display from CTCE Federal Credit Union. An Instant Vacation to see the Phillies face the Orioles at Camden Yards will also be given away thanks to White Star Travel.

There's only 34 days remaining until the Baseballtown All-Star Classic and tickets for that and all regular season home games can be purchased online at www.RPhils.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in person at the R-Phils Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium. The 2012 season featuring the Baseballtown All-Star Classic at America's Classic Ballpark is presented by Pepsi.