Pittsburgh Pirates: Big Day for Catching Prospects & More
By Marty Leap
Pittsburgh Pirates Double-A affiliates roll to a 8-3 victory
The Double-A Altoona Curve defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 8-3 on Thursday. With the win, the Curve got back to .500 on the season improving to 42-42.
Designated hitter Andres Alvarez bat leadoff for the Curve, going 1-for-4 with a walk, a RBI and two runs scored. Alvarez also hit a solo home run, his 13th blast of the season. Alvarez could be close to a promotion to Triple-A.
Blake Sabol also hit a home run in the victory. Sabol’s 10th home run of the season was a 2-run home run. Second baseman Aaron Shackelford was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, giving him 15 on the season, a run scored and a RBI. Matt Fraizer and a hit, a walk and two runs scored, and Liover Peguero was 1-for-3 with a RBI.
Aaron Shortridge started for the Curve, allowing 2 runs on five hits, two walks, a home run, and four strikeouts in 4 innings pitched. Jeffrey Passantino pithed 2 innings, allowing a solo home run and striking out three.
Cristofer Melendez followed with 2 innings of his own. Melendez did not allow a run, surrendering a hit, walking a batter and striking out three. Tahnaj Thomas continued his hot stretched by striking out a pair in a scoreless 9th inning.