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The Altoona Curve were unable to overcome a four-run sixth inning by the Erie Seawolves en route to a 5-2 loss Wednesday night in front of 3,122 fans at PNG Field.
Erie spoiled five solid innings by starting pitcher Wilber Dotel as the Seawolves got to the righty for three earned runs on three hits in the sixth inning.
It was important development wise for Dotel to work into the sixth inning, even with a pitch count that was steadily rising.
"If he's going to be a starter in the big leagues, he's going to have to learn and go through the growing pains," Altoona manager Andy Fox said. "It just happened kind of quick for him (Wednesday), but it was kind of a development day for him."
Altoona entered the inning with a 2-1 lead after plating two in the second inning on a bases-loaded single by Kervin Pichardo and a run scoring on a passed ball. Despite the bases being loaded with one out, the two runs would be all they could muster.
"We just couldn't get the big hit there," Fox said. "We had a bunch of traffic there in that inning, and just couldn't keep the line moving."
The Curve offense was neutered after the second inning, scattering only four hits over the course of the final seven innings.
"That's kind of been our little bugaboo here in the last week or so," Fox said. "We're just trying to find a way to slow the game down and get that hit."
Wednesday's performance has been the trend for Altoona of late and that's not lost on Fox who, along with his staff, is trying to buck the offensive slide.
"We just have to stay patient," Fox said. "It's not from a lack of effort or preparation, it's just the execution part."
As Fox and company work to get back to their winning ways, he does still see light at the end of the tunnel for the offense.
"Eventually, we'll come out of it," Fox said. "Hopefully sooner than later, but I think just guys just being able to slow the game down, it's part of the game and part of really developing as hitters.
The leader
Pichardo led the Curve offense with two hits, a double and a single as well as the lone RBI of the game.
He is currently hitting .231 on the season.
Birthday party
Termarr Johnson celebrated his 21st birthday Wednesday, but it was spoiled by an 0-for-4 night at the plate.
Up next
Altoona will be back in action tonight as the Rail Kings. A starting pitcher has yet to be announced for the Curve against the Wolves' Jaden Hamm.