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Six shutout innings from Nick Dombkowski paced the Altoona Curve in a 6-1 win over the Erie Seawolves Wednesday night at PNG Field.
There were 2,960 fans on hand to see Dombkowski earn his second win with the Curve this season, a game where he struck out six and had no walks.
"It was great," Altoona manager Andy Fox said. "He kept his pitch count down, was able to give us six, and he did it in less than 75 pitches. That's huge. especially again earlier in the week, it helps the bullpen."
The performance not only gave the Curve the victory, but it's a step in the right direction for Dombkowski who is working to get back up to Triple A.
"It's just a confidence booster, just trusting your stuff and you kind of keep going brick by brick," Dombkowski said. "I think when I got down here with (pitching coach) Kevin Walker, we just kind of looked at what I needed to improve upon, and we just kind of handed it out. And it's really good to see the results going in the way you want.
Dombkowski struggled with Indianapolis to the tune of a 4-5 record and 6.82 ERA in 25 games with the Indians before being sent to Altoona.
With the Curve, Dombkowski has a 3.13 ERA and has allowed only eight earned runs in 23 innings.
Struggles and a demotion when you're just a level away from the Majors can test the mettle of any player, especially a pitcher like Dombkowski, but he's using being in Altoona as a new opportunity.
"You're just trying to catch a groove," Dombkowski said. "I mean, it's a long season. A lot can happen. I think you just kind of look at it as an opportunity to get better, work on your craft. Fox and Walkerhave been really good and understanding, and kind of helped me get to where I need to go and get some confidence going, and just kind of continue to hone in on the craft and just get better."
Early and often
Dombkowski got help early as the Curve put up five runs on nine hits, all in the first three innings.
"It's always good to get a strike first," Fox said. "That's what we try to do: try to score first and add on. And we were able to do that."
Even with scoring six runs in three innings, the Altoona offense still left some meat on the basepaths against the Seawolves.
"We did a really good job hitting situationally," Fox said. "We got a bunt down, a couple bunts down, a hit and run. I mean, that's how you win games is by executing situational baseball."
Hello old friend
Sean Sullivan hurled a shutout ninth inning to seal the game for the Curve. It was a return to the PNG Field mound for him as Sullivan comes off an early-season injury that derailed the start of this year.
For Dombkowski, seeing his good friend having success is a sight for sore eyes.
"After an injury, it's really good to see those guys come out and get some games under their belt and do well," Dombkowski said. "I missed him. I was with him in spring and it's tough not seeing your friends with you during the season, but to have them come back and to have them social success is is awesome."
Next stop
Tonight: Erie at Altoona, 6 p.m.
Pitchers: Erie RHP Max Alba vs. Curve LHP Connor Oliver
Radio: WRTA-FM 98.5