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Nick Cimillo drew a walk-off, bases-loaded walk as the Altoona Curve took down the Hartford Yard Goats, 1-0, in front of 3,567 fans at PNG Field Wednesday night.
The walk put the finishing touches on an impressive pitcher's duel between Altoona starter Antwone Kelly and Hartford starter Sean Sullivan.
It was highlighted by a ninth inning that saw the Curve load the bases with one out.
"Something was going to have to give," Curve manager Andy Fox said. "We were able to get Duce Gourson on with the hit by pitch, and then Kervin Pichardo did a good job shooting the ball to the right side, setting up first and third. They made the decision to walk Termarr Johnson Cimillo put up a good at bat and we were able to walk it off."
Both Kelly and Sullivan held their respective opponents off the scoreboard and the bases with Kelly allowing only four baserunners in his five innings of work. Sullivan allowed three baserunners in his 7.2 innings of work.
"Sullivan threw a great game," Fox said. "It was probably one of the better games we got thrown against us this year. We were trying to do our best to try to create something, and he didn't allow us to do anything."
For Kelly, he was able to throw five scoreless innings and struck out four.
"He's got a big fastball, and being able to throw that makes his other stuff so much better, especially when he's got the fastball in the zone," Fox said. "I think that's been a big part of his success."
Kelly's success transitioned straight to the bullpen who not only did not allow a run, but also didn't allow a hit over the final four innings of play.
The pitching staff has played a major role in closing out games, and setting the Curve up for success late in games which has resulted in a 21-14 second-half record.
"We're just playing better baseball, playing cleaner baseball," Fox said. "Our bats are better. Pitching has been very consistent. And just being able to execute when we have to have more consistently."
Moving on up
Outfielder Jase Bowen was sent to Indianapolis following Tuesday's game. He was replaced on the roster by outfielder P.J. Hilson who was transferred from Greensboro.
Infielder Brenden Dixon was placed on the Development List while RHP Blake Townsend was transferred back to Altoona from Indianapolis.
Up next
Altoona will put LHP Dominic Perachi on the mound to take on Hartford Thursday night. Perachi has yet to yield a run over four appearances throughout the Pirates organization after rehabbing an injury.