Altoona Curve News: August 3 - August 9, 2024

content

Around the Curve: A Week in Review for the Altoona Curve

The past week has been an exciting and eventful one for the Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. From thrilling victories to standout performances, the Curve has shown resilience and determination on the field. Let's dive into the highlights of the week.

Wins and Losses

The Curve had a mixed bag of results, with both wins and losses that showcased their strengths and areas for improvement. One of the notable wins came against the Bowie Baysox, where the Curve secured a 5-3 victory on Sunday afternoon at Peoples Natural Gas Field. This win marked their third straight bullpen day and improved their record to 22-9 in their last 32 games.

However, the Curve also faced some tough losses. In their series opener against the Somerset Patriots, they were shut out 2-0, despite a strong performance from Po-Yu Chen, who turned in his team-leading sixth quality start of the season. Another close loss came on Saturday night, where Thomas Harrington struck out ten in six innings, but the Curve fell 2-1.

Standout Performances

Several players stood out over the past week, showcasing their skills and contributing significantly to the team's efforts. Charles McAdoo had a massive day in a defeat against the Erie SeaWolves, hitting his fifth Double-A home run and starting the third triple play in Altoona Curve franchise history. Nick Cimillo also made his mark by hitting his first Double-A home run with the Curve on Tuesday night, though it wasn't enough to secure a win.

Hunter Barco made a strong debut, tossing three scoreless innings and allowing just one hit and no walks, despite the Curve's 3-2 loss to Somerset. Thomas Harrington continued his impressive form, striking out a career-high 11 batters and spinning seven innings of one-run ball in a 5-1 win over the Bowie Baysox.

Rehab Assignments

The Curve also welcomed some familiar faces from the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of their rehab assignments. David Bednar and Ryan Borucki, both rehabbing pitchers, combined for 2.2 scoreless frames in Altoona’s 4-0 win over the Bowie Baysox. These assignments not only help the players recover but also provide valuable experience and depth to the Curve's roster.

Big Tuna of the Week

The "Big Tuna of the Week" award, which recognizes the top players each week, highlighted the contributions of several key players. The Curve won four of six games against the Richmond Flying Squirrels, and the standout performances were crucial in these victories.

Community Engagement

Beyond the games, the Altoona Curve continues to engage with the community through various events and initiatives. The team's blog, "Around the Curve," provides fans with updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes looks at the team's activities, including interviews with players, coaches, and staff.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, the Altoona Curve is gearing up for more exciting matchups. With their 2025 home schedule and season ticket information already revealed, fans can look forward to another year of thrilling baseball at Peoples Natural Gas Field.

In conclusion, the past week has been a testament to the Curve's resilience and talent. With standout performances, rehab assignments, and community engagement, the team is poised for continued success. As we move forward, fans can expect more thrilling games and memorable moments from the Altoona Curve.