LEADING OFF: With CF Robbie Grossman out of the lineup for a fourth straight game for what manager P.J. Forbes has called an "in-house reason," SS Brock Holt again batted in the leadoff spot Thursday. Holt hit first in the order in all three games against the R-Phils, going 5-for-12.
SAFE AT FIRST: LHP Nathan Baker was originally supposed to be the starter Thursday, but it was RHP Phil Irwin who got the nod. Baker (3-6, 5.40) will toe the rubber tonight in Akron.
STEALING SECOND: The Curve's six eighth-inning runs matched a season high. They also had a six-run inning on April 10 against Akron.
ROUNDING THIRD: Altoona heads west to face first-place Akron for a three-game series this weekend. The team is 1-4 against the Aeros and was swept last time it visited Canal Park in late April.
HEADING HOME: Former Curve C Kris Watts was traded Thursday to the Nationals organization for cash considerations. Watts was playing at Triple-A Indianapolis, which has an abundance of catchers with Tony?Sanchez now there.
- Stephen Pianovich
