The Altoona Curve (3-3) blanked the Richmond Flying Squirrels (3-3), 3-0, as the two clubs completed an abbreviated two-game series at The Diamond on Wednesday morning. Richmond was shut out for the first time on the young season as the Curve were able to split the series.
The Curve struck first against right-hander Chris Stratton (0-1) in the top of the third inning. Stratton’s problems were self-created, as he issued walks to his mound counterpart, Angel Sanchez (1-0), and Max Moroff. That forced him to face Josh Bell, the Altoona three-hole hitter, with two outs. Bell muscled a double up the right-field line. Both runners came around to score for a 2-0 lead.
Outside of his troubles in the third, Stratton pitched very effectively. He lasted six innings, allowing just the two earned runs on two hits. He walked three and struck out five. Despite the quality start, he was doomed to the loss, his first of the season.
Sanchez stymied the Squirrels for six innings, allowing just five hits – all singles. He walked none and struck out one in an efficient 61 pitch outing. He earned his first win of the season.
Altoona tacked on an unearned insurance run in the eighth inning. After Moroff reached courtesy of an error on first baseman Blake Miller, he promptly swiped second base. Bell then cracked a single off of lefty Phil McCormick into right-center field. Moroff scored easily to cap the scoring for the day, 3-0. The run was unearned against McCormick.
Right-hander John Kuchno bridged the ballgame to the ninth with two scoreless innings of relief. Curve closer Yohnathan Barrios then worked a perfect ninth to earn his third save of the season.
The Squirrels enjoy their first scheduled off day of the season on Thursday. They will travel to Reading, PA, on Friday to begin their first road trip of the season. They open a three-game series at Reading’s FirstEnergy Stadium on Friday night at 6:35 p.m. The Flying Squirrels Pregame Warmup begins at 6:00 p.m. on Fox Sports 910 and FoxSportsRichmond.com.
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Chris Graham
