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Curve score early, often in victory over Squirrels

The Curve's Tucupita Marcano is safe at second base. Photo for the Mirror by Rob Lynn

By Adam Babetski

For the Mirror

Matt Fraizer led the way with three hits and four runs batted in, including a home run, as Altoona blew out the Richmond Flying Squirrels, 12-4, in front of a crowd of 3,561, Friday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field.

Designated hitter Liover Peguero opened the scoring for Altoona with an RBI triple in the bottom of the first. First baseman Brendt Citta drove him in with a groundout, giving the Curve a 2-0 lead.

After Richmond scored to make it a one-run game, Fraizer responded with his home run.

The Curve began to pull away in the fourth inning, chasing Richmond starter Kai-Wei Teng with a two-run triple by Connor Scott and an RBI triple by Nick Gonzales. They continued to pour it on with another five runs in the sixth inning, as Fraizer added a two-run single.

Curve manager Kieran Mattison had nothing but positive things to say about Altoona’s dominant performance.

“It was a complete game where guys were locked in on every pitch,” he said. “Guys putting together good at bats, one through nine.”

With the win, Altoona improved to 10-9 at home. Mattison credited the Curve’s fans for helping their strong play, calling Altoona a “baseball city.”

“Winning brings the community together,” he said. “We’re always going to play hard, no matter what, because we’re going to make sure that they get what they paid for.”

SUBHD: Burrows stays sharp

Altoona starter Mike Burrows earned the win with another strong performance, allowing just one run in five innings of work. His season record now stands at 2-0, to go along with a 2.35 ERA.

Burrows has pitched four or more innings and allowed two or fewer runs in all but one of his starts this season. He is Pittsburgh’s No. 11 overall prospect, according to MLB.com.

SUBHD: Scott back on track

Curve outfielder Connor Scott is showing signs of life following a cold stretch earlier in the month.

Scott is riding a six-game hitting streak where he is batting .381, including two more hits on Friday.

He is now batting .296 on the season, the third-highest average amongst the team’s regulars.

SUBHD: Suwinski’s homecoming

Pirates outfielder and Chicago native Jack Suwinski hit a home run in his first-ever series at Wrigley Field the other night, marking a homecoming of sorts for the Curve alumni.

The Pirates acquired Suwinski last summer as part of the trade package for Adam Frazier. He began the season in Altoona before he was called up to the majors on April 26.

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