From Mirror reports
ERIE - The Curve ranked last in the Eastern League in fielding percentage (.966) and also had committed the most errors (40) entering Thursday night's game against Erie.
They certainly didn't help themselves in either of those statistical categories in an 8-4 loss to the SeaWolves at Jerry Uht Park.
Altoona again was hurt by poor defense, committing four errors. While the fourth miscue - a fielding error by third baseman Jeremy Farrell - was harmless, the Curve's first three blunders were very costly and helped the SeaWolves score four unearned runs.
The sloppiness in the field started early for the Curve. Second baseman Elevys Gonzalez and right fielder Quincy Latimore each made an error in the first inning to put starter Nathan Baker in a two-run hole without allowing an earned run.
With two outs and runners on second and third in the sixth inning, Erie shortstop Niuman Romero hit a fly ball to left field that should have ended the inning. However, the ball bounced off the glove of Charlie Cutler, allowing two more runs to score.
Fact Box
Next step
Tonight: Altoona at Erie, 7:05 p.m.
Pitching matchups: Curve RHP Phil Irwin (first Double-A start of 2012) vs. SeaWolves LHP Jared Wesson (3-2, 6.91)
Record: 13-19
Baker, who had a stellar start in his last outing, couldn't overcome the shaky defense and picked up the loss. The lefty (2-4) went five innings, gave up five runs - three earned - while allowing seven hits with one walk and one strikeout.
Erie starter Zack Segovia (4-2) struggled but got enough help from his offense to earn a victory. He gave up four runs and eight hits in five innings. Ryan Robowski relieved Segovia and went the rest of the way, allowing only one hit and picking up an unusual four-inning save, his second of the season.
The four errors in the field tied a game high for the Curve this season, and they also made some mistakes on the offensive side. They had three runners thrown out on the basepaths, one caught stealing and failed to lay down two sacrifice bunts.
Even with the mistakes on offense, Altoona was able to score four runs and hang with the SeaWolves for the first five innings.
Ramon Cabrera was the main source of the Curve's offense. Cabrera, the designated hitter, went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and smacked a two-run homer in the fifth inning, his first of the season.
Game recap
Key player: Curve DH Ramon Cabrera had the best night in a losing effort, going 3-for-5 with three RBIs and his first Double-A homer.
Key play: LF Charlie Cutler dropped a fly ball with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, helping Erie take command with an 8-4 lead.
Key stat: The Curve had four errors Thursday and lead the EL with 44.
How they scored
Bottom 1st: Douglas reached on Gonzalez error, scored on Lennerton single and Latimore error (0-1); Lennerton singled, scored on Guez single (0-2).
Top 2nd: Cabrera singled, scored on Latimore double (1-2).
Bottom 2nd: Rockett tripled, scored on Johnson groundout (1-3).
Top 3rd: Holt walked, scored on Cabrera single (2-3).
Bottom 4th: Guez walked, scored on Rockett single (2-4).
Top 5th: Curry reached on fielder's choice, scored on Cabrera two-run homer (4-4).
Bottom 5th: Romero solo homer (4-5).
Bottom 6th: Bishop singled, scored on Johnson sac fly (4-6); Guez walked, Pounds singled, both scored on fielding error by Cutler (4-8).
