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A five-run fifth inning put Altoona ahead for the first time, and the Curve didn't look back in taking down the Hartford Yard Goats, 8-2, in front of 5,323 people at PNG Field on Sunday night.
A three-run triple by Connor Scott put the Curve up 3-1. It was set up by three straight singles by Matt Gorski, Andres Alvarez and Lolo Sanchez. Hartford then walked in two runs, which allowed Claudio Finol and Liover Peguero to score to put Altoona up 5-1.
"It's really just working on runners in scoring position, really hunkering down, getting the pitch over the plate that you can drive and get some guys in instead of trying to guide the ball or chase and do that stuff," Scott said.
As a left-handed hitter, driving the ball to right field isn't always easy at PNG Field, but against Hartford Tuesday, Scott was able to do that with a multitude of success.
In the sixth inning, Scott struck again, this time hitting with a three-run home run, his first of the season.
"Altoona is not very favorable to right field for lefties," Scott said. "It's a little bigger than most places but, just have to deal with it and hit the ball harder and further then they go out. So tonight, I did that, and you know, just keep moving forward with it."
The home run capped a six RBI night and nine RBI week that saw Scott notch seven hits, all for extra bases. On the week, he homered, hit two doubles and two triples while also walking twice.
For Scott, it's imperative he picks up right where he left off when the next series begins on Tuesday.
"It's a lot of mindset stuff," Scott said. "It's really just hunkering down during those at bats because those are the biggest bats of the game, just trusting in your teammates behind you, trusting the coaches, what they put on and the preparation, and it'll pay off during the game."
Sully spectacular
Starting pitcher Sean Sullivan went four innings allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out five.
It was Sullivan's second start of the week having gone seven innings Tuesday against Hartford and allowing three runs.
For the week, Sullivan tossed 11 innings and allowed four runs, eight hits and nine strikeouts.
"I think it's a really important item for him that he stays attacking the strike zone and getting ahead," Altoona manager Callix Crabbe said. "When you can do that you will be able to last long in games and give your team a chance to win."
Saturday's game
A six-run ninth inning propelled the Yard Goats to a 6-0 win over the Curve Saturday night.
The loss spoiled a spectacular start from Altoona pitcher Jared Jones, who pitched 4• scoreless innings while striking out five.
Up next
The Curve have Memorial Day off before starting a six-game series at PNG Field against Binghamton on Tuesday.