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Flying Squirrels sneak past Curve in 10 innings
TL;DR
The Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Altoona Curve 9-8 in 10 innings, extending Altoona's losing streak to 8 games, matching a franchise record. The Curve rallied multiple times but ultimately fell short despite drawing 12 walks in the game.
RICHMOND, Va. – Omar Alfonzo and Derek Berg each had run-scoring hits, but the Altoona Curve couldn't pull out their first win of the season as they fell 9-8 in 10 innings to the Richmond Flying Squirrels. With the loss, Altoona has matched the franchise record for longest losing streak to begin a season (0-8), set in 2009.
Richmond built a 5-1 lead through five innings before the Curve took advantage of wildness from Flying Squirrels starter Trystan Vrieling. After Shawn Ross brought a run home with a bases-loaded walk, Omar Alfonzo drove in three with a double off the wall in left field to tie the game at 5-all.
The Flying Squirrels regained the lead in the seventh inning on a double from Charlie Szykowny before Altoona rallied to draw even again in the eighth inning. The Curve took capitalized on a Flying Squirrels error and worked a pair of walks to force in a run and tie the game again.
In the 10th inning, Derek Berg drove in two with a single back through the middle of the infield to take an 8-6 lead, but the Curve left a pair on base as the inning finished with a pair of strikeouts. Richmond rallied for the victory with an RBI double with one out by Sabin Ceballos and then tied the game on a double from Jonah Cox. After an intentional walk to load the bases, Dayson Croes reached base safely on a fielder's choice to bring home the winning run.
Altoona worked 12 walks in the game and rank fourth among Double-A teams in free passes drawn (50) through eight games.
Curve starter Po-Yu Chen was touched for five runs on five hits in 3 1/3 innings, walking one and striking out one. Cy Nielson was charged with the loss, despite allowing just one earned run in 1 2/3 innings of relief. Brandon Neeck and Emmanuel Chapman each turned in scoreless relief outings for the Curve.
Q&A
What was the final score of the game between the Flying Squirrels and the Curve?
The final score was 9-8 in favor of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
How many games has the Altoona Curve lost to start the season?
The Altoona Curve has lost 8 games to start the season, matching the franchise record for the longest losing streak.
Who drove in the winning run for the Flying Squirrels in the 10th inning?
Dayson Croes drove in the winning run for the Flying Squirrels on a fielder's choice in the 10th inning.
