LEADING OFF: 3B Jeremy Farrell returned to the Curve from Triple-A Indianapolis and went 1-for-4 with a run Monday. Farrell played in Altoona's season opener, then was called up to Indy after IF Jake Fox went on the disabled list. Farrell hit .207 (6-for-29) with three RBIs for Indy.
SAFE AT FIRST: The Curve's defense has been very good the past few days after a rough start to the season. Altoona committed 13 errors in its first six games but has only one in its last four contests.
STEALING SECOND: Prospect update: RHP Gerrit Cole, the Pirates' No. 1 prospect, got roughed up a bit in his last start as he allowed four runs - three earned - on four hits and two homers in three innings for high-A Bradenton against Fort Myers. He's 0-0 with a 5.14 ERA in two starts. RHP Jameson Taillon, the Bucs' No. 2 prospect, was much better a day earlier against the same team, giving up one run on three hits in five innings. He's 0-1 with a 3.12 ERA in two starts.
ROUNDING THIRD: The first eight outs recorded in Triple-A this season by former Curve RHP Bryan Morris were all strikeouts. He had four strikeouts in one inning in his first game, then four more over his next 1 1/3 innings over two appearances. Morris, though, has allowed three runs in only 3 2/3 innings for a 7.36 ERA.
HEADING HOME: The Curve will return to PNG Field on Thursday for a seven-game homestand against Richmond and Harrisburg.
- Cory Giger
