Curve Snap Losing Streak

BOWIE, MD- Jason Delaney cracked a two-run home run that highlighted a three-run first inning and Dewon Brazelton tossed seven shutout innings to lead the Curve to a 3-0 win over the Bowie Baysox Sunday night at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie, MD.

The shutout -- only the Curve's third of the season -- ends a four-game losing streak and evens the club's season record at 44-44 with just one game remaining before the Eastern League All-Star Break.

Delaney's longball -- his second in as many days -- gave Altoona a 3-0 lead against Bowie starter Oscar Alvarez.  Earlier in the frame, Jason Bowers, who led off the game with a double to left field, scored on a wild pitch to open the scoring.

Those three runs were more than enough thanks to the solid starting outing from Brazelton, who allowed only five hits and struck out six batters over a season-high seven innings.  Brazelton, who was making only his fifth start with the Curve since being signed as a free agent, improved to 2-1 on the season.

Chris Hernandez and Matt Peterson each tossed scoreless innings to close out the win.  Peterson, who pitched the ninth, earned his 18th save of the season.

Alvarez (6-3), who last won on May 23rd against New Britain, took the loss for the Baysox, allowing three runs and six hits over six innings.

In addition to Delaney's home run, the Curve offense was led by Javier Guzman, who went 3-for-4 in just his second game since returning from the Disabled List with a left knee injury which forced him out of the lineup for 2 1/2 months.

The Curve and Baysox will play the rubber match of their three-game series Monday night at 7:05 p.m.  Eastern League All-Star Game selection Luis Munoz (8-4, 3.36) will get the start for Altoona while Bowie will counter with lefty Oscar Alvarez (6-2, 4.91).  

-Altoona Curve