RICHMOND, Va. — Connor Wietgrefe tossed six innings of one-run ball, but Altoona surrendered two runs in the bottom of the eighth and dropped a 3-2 decision to the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Thursday night.

The Curve fell to 0-6.

Wietgrefe scattered four hits and two walks, which included four strikeouts. He got the benefit of some strong defense in the field that included a double play.

Landon Tomkins entered in the seventh for Altoona and faced the minimum in a scoreless frame. When he returned for the eighth, he allowed two one-out walks before the Curve turned to Cy Nielson in relief. Nielson walked the first batter he faced to load the bases before Sabin Ceballos singled both runners in.

Altoona got its first run in the fifth. Javier Rivas singled to score Omar Alfonzo and tie the game at 1-1.

Shawn Ross slammed a go-ahead solo homer in the seventh inning for a 2-1 lead.

Altoona’s 0-6 start is the longest stretch without a win to begin a season since 2009, when the Curve started the year with eight consecutive losses, a franchise record.

Altoona continues its six-game series with Richmond tonight at 7:05. Peyton Stumbo starts for Altoona against Joe Whitman for Richmond.