Akron splits series with Curve, fall 13-8
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June 26, 2012
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ALTOONA, PA - The Aeros fell to the Curve 13-8, surrendering a split in the series with the Curve Monday night at People’s Natural Gas Field.
Altoona shortstop Kelson Brown hit a pair of home runs to help the Curve defeat the Aeros in the series finale. Brown, who ended the day 3-for-3, entered the game in the third inning after shortstop Brock Holt was hit by a pitch and then ejected while walking up the first-base line.
Akron outfielder Thomas Neal did all he could for the Aeros, going 3-4, including a double, homerun, and three RBIs, but Altoona produced their second scoring outburst in three games to down the Aeros in a game that saw both teams combine for 29 hits.
The Aeros (47-29) ended the series and road trip with a 2-2 split. In their two wins in the series, the Curve (35-39) beat up the Aeros top-ranked pitching staff for 26 runs.
The Aeros came back from an early deficit on a home run by Adam Abraham in the second inning, and a four-run third inning rally, capped by a two-run single by Chen Chen, but it wouldn’t be enough to topple Altoona on this night.
Adam Abraham’s second-inning home run extended his hitting streak to seven games. Jeremie Tice went 1-5, and has hit in all four games since being called up to Akron from Class-A Carolina.
Aero’s starter T.J. House lasted only three innings, giving up five earned runs. After that, four Aeros relievers combined to surrender eight more runs.
Akron will return to Canal Park Tuesday night for the start of an eight-game homestand, featuring four games each against Erie and Richmond. In the opener on Tuesday, LHP Ramon Garcia will start for Erie against LHP Giovanni Soto (5-3, 3.96) for Akron.
