Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Players Pushing for Recalls Shine & More

May 29, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Roansy Contreras (59) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Roansy Contreras (59) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 4
Pittsburgh Pirates
Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Bullpen meltdown leads to lopsided loss for Altoona

Sunday afternoon things started out looking good for the Double-A Altoona Curve. Entering the bottom of the 6th inning the Curve held a 6-3 lead, but the Bowie Baysox would put up a 3 spot and things started to go south. When the dust settled, the Curve had fallen to 47-49 on the season following a 14-6 loss.

Nick Dombkowski served as an opener for the Curve and did a fine job. He was able to give the Curve 3.1 innings, allowing a run on four hits while striking out four. Cristofer Melendez would then allow 2 runs on three walks and a home run in 1 inning pitched.

After Tahnaj Thomas pitched 2/3 of a scoreless inning for the Curve, lowering his ERA on the season to 3.18, things went south in a hurry for the Altoona bullpen. Austin Roberts pitched an inning, allowing three solo home runs. Brad Case allowed 2 runs in his inning of work, and Bear Bellomy allowed 6 runs while recording just one out.

Offensively, there were some standouts for the Curve.

Catcher Blake Sabol was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a RBI. Designated hitter Aaron Shackelford was 1-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored and his 18th home run of the season. Outfielder Fabricio Macias was 2-for-4 with 3 RBI, a run scored and his 2nd home run since being promoted to Altoona.

Schedule