Curve Win Streak Ends at Six.

NEW BRITAIN, CT- The Curve's season-high six-game winning streak came to an end Wednesday night as the New Britain Rock Cats scored seven first-inning runs and cruised to an 8-2 win over Altoona at New Britain Stadium.

In addition to their six-game streak, Altoona (27-28) entered Wednesday's contest having won eight of nine games since a 10-game losing streak from May 17-26. 

Curve starter Wardell Starling (2-5) retired the first two batters in the bottom of the first before the Rock Cats' offense started their big inning.  New Britain put the next 10 batters on base against Starling thanks to five hits, three walks and two hit batsmen.  The right-hander was charged with all seven runs in the frame and failed to finish the inning.

Meanwhile, Rock Cats' starter Tristan Crawford cruised to his sixth win of the season, limiting the Curve to just one run and four hits over seven innings.  Crawford (6-3) gave up his only run in the top of the second inning when Steven Pearce clocked a solo home run to left field.  The blast was Pearce's fourth with Altoona and 15th overall, including his time at Class-A Lynchburg. 

Despite the loss, third baseman Neil Walker continued to build upon his outstanding season at the plate by going 3-for-3 with a walk.  The 21-year old Walker, who was converted from catcher to third base by the Pirates in spring training, is now batting .305 on the season and ranks among the Eastern League's leaders in home runs, hits, extra base hits and slugging percentage.

Pearce added a ninth-inning single to his earlier homer to record the Curve's only other multiple hit game.

New Britain was led offensively by third baseman Brian Buscher, who went 3-for-3 and walked twice.  Second baseman Luke Hughes also added three hits (3-for-4) in the win for the Rock Cats.

The Curve and Rock Cats will play the deciding game of their three-game series Thursday morning at 10:35 a.m. at New Britain Stadium.  Altoona will send lefty Josh Shortslef (0-6, 3.81) to the mound for the series finale against New Britain righty Brad Baker (2-2, 3.74).  

For more information on the Altoona Curve, click here.