The Flying Squirrels (14-8) were held to four hits, including two extra-base hits, in their loss to the Curve (11-10).
Trailing by one run in the bottom of the ninth, Hayden Cantrelle was hit by a pitch and stole second base. Simon Whiteman rocketed a double down the left field line to score Cantrelle and tie the game, 4-4.
The Curve snatched a 5-4 advantage in the top of the 10th inning when Domingo Leyba lined an RBI single against Richmond reliever Raymond Burgos.
Whiteman was placed at second to start the bottom of the 10th and advanced to third base off a wild pitch. Noe Toribio fired back with three consecutive strikeouts to complete the Altoona victory.
Carter Williams tied the game in the fourth inning with a two-run homer to right-center field. It was Williams’ second home run and his third extra-base hit over seven games with the Flying Squirrels.
The Flying Squirrels continue the homestand Thursday with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Thursday is Diamond Down Under Day, celebrating all things Australian and In-Your-Face Fireworks from up close and inside the fences following the game presented by Virginia Breeze Bus Lines.
Right-handed pitcher Mason Black (0-1, 4.40), the 10th-rated prospect in the San Francisco Giants farm system, will make the start for Richmond, opposed by Altoona right-hander Sean Sullivan (0-0, 0.00).
Tickets are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-3866 or in person at the Flying Squirrels ticket office.