Owen’s grand slam helps Curve start 2-0
AKRON, Ohio — The Curve couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season, getting tremendous pitching in the opener and clutch hitting — including a grand slam — in the second game to improve to 2-0.
Hunter Owen drilled a go-ahead grand slam in the fifth inning to lead Altoona to a 7-6 win over Akron at Canal Park. The Curve are 2-0 for the first time since 2012.
Owen, a first-year Double-A player, singled home a run in the first inning to help Altoona take a quick 2-0 lead. But Akron answered and was up 5-2 entering the fifth, then the Curve got one run back and had the bases loaded for Owen.
The slugger belted 18 homers last season for high-A Bradenton, and his first in Double-A was memorable as it cleared the bases for a 7-5 lead.
Akron closed within a run in the eighth inning against Tate Scioneaux, and the reliever got into further trouble with a pair of walks. But Scioneaux was able to escape the jam and protect the lead.
Yeudy Garcia came on for the ninth and pitched a perfect inning to earn his first save.
Dario Agrazal (1-0) got the win despite allowing five runs on nine hits over six innings. Akron starter Jake Paulson gave up four runs in 4 1/3 innings, and reliever Luke Eubank (0-1) took the loss as he allowed Owen’s grand slam.
Roster move
The Curve lost center fielder Jared Oliva to the injured list Friday with a concussion, which he suffered during an outfield collision in the first inning of the opener Thursday.
OF Ryan Peurifoy was added to the Curve roster from Bradenton.
Game recap
Key player: 3B Hunter Owen went 2-for-4 with a grand slam and five RBIs.
Key play: Owen’s slam put the Curve on top to stay in the fifth inning.
Key stat: The Curve are 2-0, and hey, any time they can get two wins at Akron – no matter if it’s early or late – that’s a nice accomplishment.
How they scored
Top 1st: Jackson singled, scored on Suiter single (1-0); Madris doubled, scored on Owen single (2-0).
Bottom 1st: Krieger solo homer (2-1).
Bottom 2nd: Calica tripled, scored on Garcia two-run homer (2-3); Longo solo homer (2-4).
Bottom 3rd: Johnson tripled, scored on Calica single (2-5).
Top 5th: Jackson walked, scored on Madris double (3-5); Suiter singled, Hill walked, both scored along with Madris on Owen grand slam (7-5).
Bottom 8th: Johnson solo homer (7-6).
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