From Mirror reports
BOWIE, Md. - Thursday was a night of firsts for the Curve.
With a 4-2 win over Bowie at Prince George's Stadium, the Curve completed their three-game sweep of the Baysox. This was not only the first time Altoona had swept an opponent in a series this season, but also the first time the team had strung together three straight victories.
Altoona's season-high winning streak comes on the heels of a season-worst six game losing skid, and allows the Curve to salvage a 3-4 record on their road trip.
Thursday's win was made possible by strong outings on the mound from both Phil Irwin and Jhonathan Ramos, and a run each from the Curve offense in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.
Irwin started the game, and though he did not get a decision, he kept Bowie's offense in check. In just his second start of the season for Altoona, Irwin went 6 1/3 innings, gave up two runs and recorded three strikeouts without issuing a walk.
Fact Box
Next stop
Tonight: Erie at Altoona, 6:30
Pitchers: Curve RHP Brandon Cumpton (4-3, 4.14) vs. SeaWolves RHP James Avery (5-2, 3.05)
Record: 16-22
Ramos (1-0) relieved Irwin in the seventh with runners on the corners and one out in a tie game, but he was able to pitch out of the jam. Ramos did not allow a run or a hit in 2 2/3 innings, and the southpaw struck out two en route to a win.
Bowie's starting pitcher, Oliver Drake, actually out-pitched Irwin with six strikeouts and only one run allowed in six innings. But the Curve were able to score three runs off of the Baysox bullpen and reliever Chris Petrini (1-1) got the loss.
The Baysox out-hit the Curve, but Altoona made the most of its six hits and also took advantage of three Bowie errors. Center fielder Robbie Grossman walked to lead off the eighth inning, eventually advanced to third on a Baysox error and scored the go-ahead run on a Matt Curry sacrifice fly.
Right fielder Miles Durham hit a solo home run in the ninth - his first Double-A homer of the season - to add some insurance.
Unlike Bowie, the Curve had no issues with the leather and set another season-high with their fourth straight errorless game.
Game recap
Key player: LHP Jhonathan Ramos pitched a perfect 2 2/3 innings for the Curve and earned his first win of the season.
Key play: Ramos snagged a line drive that was hit right back to him to end the seventh inning. Ramos entered the game in with runners on first and third and one out in a tie game, but this catch allowed him to get out of the frame unscathed.
Key stat: The Curve are now 10-4 when they score first and 6-18 when their opposition scores the first run of the game.
How they scored
Top 3rd: Gonzalez solo homer (1-0).
Bottom 3rd: Wheeler doubled, scored on Bumbry double (1-1).
Top 7th: Durham doubled, scored on Gonzalez double (2-1).
Bottom 7th: Hoes doubled, scored on Joseph single (2-2).
Top 8th: Grossman walked, scored on Curry sac fly (3-2).
Top 9th: Durham solo homer (4-2).
