Late Surge Lifts Curve over Sea Dogs

PORTLAND, ME- Brian Peterson broke a 1-1 deadlock with a go-ahead, two-run single in the top of the ninth inning and the Curve went on to finish off a series-opening 6-1 win over the Portland Sea Dogs Tuesday evening at Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine. 

The victory opened the Curve's longest road swing of the season -- an 11-day, nine-game trip to Portland, New Hampshire and Binghamton.  Despite the win, Altoona (59-54) failed to gain any ground in the chase for a fifth consecutive Eastern League post-season berth.  Southern Division wild-card leader Erie defeated New Britain Tuesday evening to remain six full games ahead of the Curve at the end of the day.

Tied 1-1 entering the ninth, Portland reliever Hunter Jones (2-1) retired the first two hitters in the frame before allowing a two-out single to Jason Delaney and issuing a walk to Andrew McCutchen.  Pinch-runner Brandon Chaves and McCutchen stole third and second base, respectively, which was followed by an intentional walk of pinch-hitter Taber Lee to set the stage for Peterson's flare to center, which knocked in both Chaves and McCutchen.

Javier Guzman helped cap a five-run Curve ninth with a two-run triple to center, and then scored when a relay throw from the Portland outfield got away from third baseman Andrew Pinckney.

Chris Hernandez (4-1) overshadowed a solid start from Yoslan Herrera to earn the win for Altoona.  Hernandez struck out five batters in two scoreless innings of work, including back-to-back punch outs of Dusty Brown and Pinckney after Jay Johnson's one-out triple in the bottom of the eighth.  Herrera worked a season-high seven innings and allowed only one run in receiving a no-decision. 

Portland starter Felix Diaz was equally as impressive as Herrera, limiting Altoona to just one unearned run and striking out seven hitters over six strong innings.  Veteran major leaguer Carlos Almanzar, now pitching in the Red Sox' minor leagues, worked a pair of scoreless innings to help keep the game even at 1-1 entering the ninth.

The Curve's scored their first run of the game in the sixth inning, when Neil Walker knocked in Jason Bowers with a single to right. 

The Curve managed only six hits in the win, but got two-hit efforts from Delaney and Guzman to the offense.  McCutchen's ninth-inning walk extended his current team-high on-base streak to 12 straight games.

Portland, the current wild card leader in the Northern Division, had its six-game winning streak . 

The Curve and Sea Dogs will continue their series Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.  Right-hander Kip Bouknight (10-3, 3.54) will make the start for Altoona against Portland righty Chris Smith (4-7, 3.75).